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ComponentsActive / Semiconductor

Motor Driver IC (L298 etc)

IC (Power)

An integrated circuit that amplifies low-power control signals to drive high-current motors, enabling direction and speed control from microcontrollers like Arduino.

Schematic symbol

Integrated circuit (DIP)

How motor driver ic (l298 etc) appears in a circuit diagram.

Types & variants

H-bridge driver (L298N, L293D)Brushless DC (BLDC) driverStepper motor driverPWM motor driverDual full-bridge driverSingle full-bridge driver

Key specs

Operating voltage

Volt (V)

Voltage range the IC can operate at. Typically 5V-35V for L298N.

Output current

Ampere (A)

Max current the driver can supply to motors. L298N can handle up to 2A per bridge.

Peak current

Ampere (A)

Brief higher current the driver can handle without damage (e.g., during motor startup).

Number of channels

channels

How many motors can be controlled simultaneously (e.g., L298N has 2 channels).

Control voltage

Volt (V)

Logic voltage level for control signals (usually 5V TTL/CMOS compatible).

Laws that govern it

  • Lorentz force lawF = q(E + v × B)

    It exists to push current through a motor winding, and F = BIL turns that current into torque.

  • Lenz's lawthe minus sign in EMF = −N × dΦ/dt

    Every switch-off produces a coil kick, which is why the driver has (or needs) freewheeling diodes across every output.

  • Watt's lawP = V × I = I²R = V²/R

    The old L298's ~2 V bipolar drop means I²R plus V·I heat that dwarfs a modern MOSFET bridge — the reason it always runs hot.

Each law is stated in full — with its diagram, variables and worked meaning — on the electrical laws page.

Markings

Usually has part number printed on top (e.g., 'L298N', 'ST L298'). DIP packages often have a dot or notch to indicate pin 1.

Standard values

Common models: L298N (2A), L293D (1A), DRV8871 (3.6A), TB6612 (1.2A). Voltage ranges: 5V-35V for most.

How to choose

1) Check motor voltage/current requirements. 2) Select driver with voltage/current rating 20% higher than motor specs. 3) Choose based on motor type (DC, stepper, BLDC). 4) Consider control interface (PWM direction pins, serial communication).

Pinout & package

Typically 16-pin DIP or Multiwatt packages. Common pins: VCC (power), GND, input control pins (IN1, IN2), enable pins (EN), output pins (OUT1, OUT2). Heat sink tab on some models.

Example circuits

  • DC motor speed and direction control with Arduino
  • Bidirectional control for a robot
  • Driving stepper motors for precise positioning
  • PWM speed control for a fan

Common failures

Overheating from excessive current, thermal shutdown, burn marks, or damaged output transistors. Often fails short-circuit, causing motors to run uncontrollably or not at all.

How to test

1) Check for continuity between VCC and GND (should be open). 2) Test control pins with multimeter (should respond to input). 3) Check output pins for proper voltage when enabled. 4) Test with known good motor and control signals.

Substitutes

L293D (lower current), DRV8871 (higher current), TB6612 (smaller package), BTS7960 (higher current). Ensure voltage and current compatibility.

Where to buy

DigiKeyMouserLCSCRobuAmazon