L298N Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver Module for Arduino & Raspberry Pi

Are you looking to control DC motors or stepper motors with your Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or Microbit? The L298N Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver Module is your perfect solution! This versatile and robust module allows you to easily manage the speed and direction of two DC motors or one 2-phase stepper motor, making it an essential component for robotics, automation, and DIY electronics projects.

Key Features:

• Dual H-Bridge Design: Control two independent DC motors or one 2-phase 4-wire stepper motor.
• Wide Voltage Compatibility:
  • Logic Voltage: 5V
  • Driver Voltage: 5V - 24V (Supports up to 46V with external 5V logic supply)
• High Current Output: Each bridge can handle a maximum continuous current of 2A (3A peak instantaneous current), with a total rated power of 25W.
• PWM Control Ready: Easily control motor speed using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals through the ENA and ENB pins.
• Built-in 5V Regulator: For driver voltages between 7V-12V, the module can provide a stable 5V output to power your microcontroller (e.g., Arduino). Note: For driver voltages above 12V, an external 5V logic supply is recommended to protect the onboard regulator.
• Robust & Reliable: Features an L298N main control chip from ST company, known for strong driving ability, low heat generation, and excellent anti-interference.
• Large Capacity Filter Capacitor & Protection Diodes: Enhances reliability and protects your circuit from current spikes.
• Compact & Lightweight: Measuring 43x43x27mm and weighing only 30g, it's easy to integrate into your designs.

Applications:

The L298N motor driver is ideal for a wide range of applications, including:

• Robotics (e.g., smart obstacle avoidance cars, line-following robots)
• Controlling DC motors and stepper motors
• Driving relay coils and other inductive loads
• Educational projects with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Microbit, and other development boards.

How it Works:

The L298N chip is a high-voltage, high-current full-bridge driver. It takes standard logic level signals for control.

• IN1 & IN2: Control Motor A (OUT1 & OUT2)
• IN3 & IN4: Control Motor B (OUT3 & OUT4)
• ENA: Enables/disables Motor A and controls its speed with PWM.
• ENB: Enables/disables Motor B and controls its speed with PWM.

Connection Guide & Important Notes:

A. Power Supply Connection:

• +12V (or Driver Voltage): Connect your main power supply's positive terminal (DC 5V-24V).
• GND: Connect your main power supply's negative terminal and ensure it's common with your microcontroller's GND.
• +5V Output: This pin provides a regulated 5V output (if the onboard 5V jumper is connected and driver voltage is 7-12V). You can use this to power your Arduino or other MCU.
• Onboard 5V Jumper Cap: When connected, the onboard 5V regulator is enabled. Important: If your driver voltage is above 12V, remove this jumper and provide an external 5V supply to the +5V output pin for the L298N's logic circuit to prevent damage to the onboard regulator.

B. Motor Connection:

• Motor A: Connect to OUT1 and OUT2 terminals.
• Motor B: Connect to OUT3 and OUT4 terminals.
• If a motor spins in the wrong direction, simply swap its two connection wires.

C. Digital Signal Input (IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4):

• Connect these pins to your microcontroller's GPIO pins.
• Motor Control:
  • Forward/Reverse: Set one IN pin HIGH and the other LOW (e.g., for Motor A, set IN1 HIGH, IN2 LOW for one direction; IN1 LOW, IN2 HIGH for the other).
  • Stop: Set both IN pins HIGH or both LOW (ensure your code manages this for proper stopping behavior).

D. ENA & ENB Control:

• For PWM Speed Control: Remove the jumper caps from ENA and ENB. Connect ENA and ENB to your microcontroller's PWM-capable GPIO pins.
• For Full Speed (No PWM): Leave the jumper caps on ENA and ENB. This enables both channels for continuous operation at full power based on your IN signals.