L293D Motor Driver
L293D Motor Driver IC
Dual H-Bridge 4-Channel Driver Ideal for Robotics
The L293D Motor Driver IC is a popular dual H-Bridge motor driver used to control DC motors, stepper motors, and relays using microcontrollers like Arduino Uno, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi.
1 Core Specifications
IC Type: Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver Motor Supply Voltage (Vcc2): 4.5V 36V Logic Voltage (Vcc1): 5V Output Current: 600mA per channel (continuous) 1.2A peak per channel Total Channels: 4 (controls 2 DC motors) Package Type: 16-pin DIP
2 What is an H-Bridge?two H-Bridge circuits, meaning:
Control 2 DC motors independentlyOR Control 1 stepper motor
3 Pin Configuration (16 Pins)
Pin | Function |
1 | Enable 1 & 2 |
2, 7 | Input 1 & 2 |
3, 6 | Output 1 & 2 |
4, 5, 12, 13 | Ground |
8 | Motor Voltage (Vcc2) |
9 | Enable 3 & 4 |
10, 15 | Input 3 & 4 |
11, 14 | Output 3 & 4 |
16 | Logic Voltage (Vcc1) |
4 Power Structure
Two Power Supplies:
Vcc1 (5V) Logic Circuit Vcc2 (Up to 36V) Motor Supply
This separation protects your microcontroller from motor noise.
< 4 Small DC Motors (direction only) 1 Stepper Motor Relays & Solenoids
6 Common Applications
Robotics Car Projects Automatic Door Systems Line Following Robots Conveyor Systems Educational Electronics Projects
7 Technical Highlights
Built-in Flyback Diodes (Motor Protection) TTL Compatible Logic Simple PWM Speed Control Compact & Beginner Friendly Widely Used in Robotics Kits
8 Speed Control Using PWM
To control motor speed:
Connect Enable pin to PWM pin of microcontroller Use analogWrite() in Arduino Adjust duty cycle (0255)
Higher PWM value Faster motor speed
ll IC Large Module Heat Sink Beginner Friendly Ideal For Small Robots Bigger Motors
Why Choose L293D?
Affordable Easy to Use Ideal for Small Motors Perfect for Student Projects Available in DIP Package (Breadboard Friendly)
Summary
The L293D Motor Driver is one of the most beginner-friendly motor driver ICs for robotics and automation. It