L298 Dual Full-Bridge Motor Driver
The L298 is a high-voltage, high-current dual full-bridge motor driver. It is designed to control inductive loads such as DC motors, stepper motors, and relays. Each bridge can drive a load up to 2 A. Both bridges support bidirectional operation.
It operates from two separate power supplies: one for logic (5 V typical), and one for the motor voltage (up to 46 V). It includes control logic compatible with standard TTL inputs. Enable inputs allow activation or deactivation of each driver.
Integrated diodes provide protection from back-EMF. Outputs can be paralleled for increased current. The IC suits medium-power motor control in robotics, industrial systems, and automation circuits. It is typically mounted on a heatsink to manage power dissipation.
Applications
Dual DC motor control in robotics
Bipolar stepper motor driving
Automated conveyor systems
CNC machine motor control
Smart home motorized elements
DIY robotic platforms and car kits
Relay and solenoid switching
Battery-powered motor control units
Pan/tilt camera systems
Industrial automation drives
Key Features
Dual full-bridge driver in one IC
Drives two DC motors or one stepper motor
2 A per channel continuous output current
Wide motor voltage range: up to 46 V
Logic-level input compatible with TTL
Enable pins for individual bridge control
Internal clamp diodes for inductive load protection
Output clamping to prevent voltage spikes
Built-in current sensing support via sense pins
Available in Multiwatt-15 and PowerSO20 packages
Pin Configuration (Multiwatt-15 Package)
| Pin | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enable A | Enables Bridge A |
| 2 | Input 1 | Logic input for Bridge A |
| 3 | Output 1 | Motor output A1 |
| 4 | GND | Ground |
| 5 | GND | Ground |
| 6 | Output 2 | Motor output A2 |
| 7 | Input 2 | Logic input for Bridge A |
| 8 | V<sub>S</sub> | Motor supply voltage |
| 9 | Input 3 | Logic input for Bridge B |
| 10 | Output 3 | Motor output B1 |
| 11 | GND | Ground ‘ |
| 12 | GND | Ground |
| 13 | Output 4 | Motor output B2 |
| 14 | Input 4 | Logic input for Bridge B |
| 15 | Enable B | Enables Bridge B |
Note: Heatsink tab is internally connected to GND.
Specifications Table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Logic Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Motor Supply Voltage (V<sub>S</sub>) | Up to 46 V |
| Output Current (per channel) | 2 A continuous, 3 A peak |
| Input Logic Level | TTL-compatible |
| Enable Inputs | Yes, per bridge |
| Built-in Diodes | Yes, for back-EMF protection |
| Current Sense Pins | Yes |
| Power Dissipation | Requires heatsink at high loads |
| Operating Temp Range | 0 °C to +130 °C (with thermal limit) |
| Package Options | Multiwatt-15, PowerSO20 |
