Overview

The L298N is an integrated monolithic dual full-bridge driver designed to accept standard TTL logic levels and drive inductive loads such as relays, solenoids, DC motors, and bipolar stepper motors.

The breakout module features an onboard 78M05 5V linear voltage regulator (which can supply power to external control circuitry when the motor supply voltage is between 7 V and 12 V), heavy-duty heat sink, screw terminal blocks for motor/power connections, and flyback protection diodes.

Quick reference

Motor supply voltage (VMS / VS)5 V – 35 V (IC maximum 46 V)
Logic supply voltage (VSS)4.5 V – 7 V (5.0 V typical)
Peak output current2.0 A per bridge (total 4.0 A)
Continuous output current2.0 A per channel (requires heat sink)
Channels2 independent H-bridges
Control inputsTTL Compatible (IN1, IN2, ENA and IN3, IN4, ENB)

Pinout

Standard Red L298N Breakout Module

Terminal / PinNameTypeDescription
Screw Block 1VMS / 12VPower InputMotor Power Supply (5 V – 35 V)
Screw Block 2GNDPowerCommon Ground (Must be shared with MCU ground)
Screw Block 35VPower I/O+5 V Logic Power (Output if jumper enabled; Input if jumper removed)
Screw Block 4OUT1, OUT2Power OutputMotor A output terminals
Screw Block 5OUT3, OUT4Power OutputMotor B output terminals
Header Pin 1ENADigital InputEnable Motor A (PWM input for speed control; jumpered to 5V for full speed)
Header Pin 2IN1Digital InputMotor A direction control pin 1
Header Pin 3IN2Digital InputMotor A direction control pin 2
Header Pin 4IN3Digital InputMotor B direction control pin 1
Header Pin 5IN4Digital InputMotor B direction control pin 2
Header Pin 6ENBDigital InputEnable Motor B (PWM input for speed control; jumpered to 5V for full speed)

Specifications

ParameterSymbolMinTypMaxUnitConditions
Motor Supply VoltageVSV_S51235VModule max (IC max 46 V)
Logic Supply VoltageVSSV_{SS}4.55.07.0VTTL Logic
Output CurrentIOI_O——2.0ANon-repetitive t=100 μst = 100\text{ }\mu\text{s}
Low-Level Input VoltageVILV_{IL}-0.3—1.5VTTL Low
High-Level Input VoltageVIHV_{IH}2.3—VSSV_{SS}VTTL High
Total Power DissipationPtotP_{tot}——25WTcase=75 ∘CT_{case} = 75\text{ }^\circ\text{C} with heat sink
Voltage Drop per BridgeVCE(sat)V_{CE(sat)}—2.03.2VTotal drop (VCEsat(H)+VCEsat(L)V_{CEsat(H)} + V_{CEsat(L)} @ 1 A1\text{ A})

Control logic truth table

ENA / ENBIN1 / IN3IN2 / IN4Motor State
LOWXXMotor Stopped (Freewheel / Off)
HIGHHIGHLOWForward Rotation
HIGHLOWHIGHReverse Rotation
HIGHHIGHHIGHFast Motor Brake
HIGHLOWLOWFast Motor Brake

Wiring

Dual DC Motor Wiring (Arduino Uno)

L298N Module→External / Arduino UnoDescription
12VExternal Battery (+7V to +12V)Motor power supply
GNDBattery (-) & Arduino GNDCommon ground reference
5VArduino 5VRegulated 5V output (when jumper ON)
IN1Arduino Pin 9Motor A Direction
IN2Arduino Pin 8Motor A Direction
ENAArduino Pin 10 (PWM)Motor A Speed Control
IN3Arduino Pin 7Motor B Direction
IN4Arduino Pin 6Motor B Direction
ENBArduino Pin 5 (PWM)Motor B Speed Control
Warning

High Voltage Regulator Jumper Rules:

  • Motor supply ≤12 V\le 12\text{ V}: Keep the onboard 5V regulator jumper ON. The 5V terminal outputs regulated 5V to power the MCU.
  • Motor supply >12 V> 12\text{ V}: You MUST REMOVE the onboard 5V regulator jumper to avoid overheating the 78M05 IC. Supply separate 5V logic power to the 5V terminal.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting common ground: If the microcontroller ground is not connected to the L298N GND terminal, logic control signals (IN1–IN4) will have no reference point and motor operation will be erratic or unresponsive.
  • Underestimating internal voltage drop: The internal bipolar Darlington transistors drop approximately 1.8 V1.8\text{ V} to 3.2 V3.2\text{ V} across the output. Sourcing a 6V motor from a 6V supply will only deliver ∼3.5 V\sim 3.5\text{ V} to the motor terminals.
  • Overheating 5V regulator: Leaving the 5V jumper ON when driving motors with 24V or 36V supplies will burn out the onboard 78M05 regulator due to high thermal dissipation ((Vin−5)×I(V_{in} - 5) \times I).

Notes

  • Flyback Protection: Standard red L298N breakout modules include 8 onboard 1N4007 flyback diodes to clamp inductive voltage spikes generated when switching motor coils.

Assets & downloads