L293D Motor Driver IC

The L293D is a popular H-bridge motor driver IC that allows you to control the direction and speed of DC motors and stepper motors using a microcontroller, like Arduino. It can drive motors in both directions, and with an added PWM control, you can also control the motor's speed. The L293D is commonly used in robotics, automation, and other projects requiring precise motor control.

Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 4.5V to 36V (Motor Voltage)
• Logic Voltage: 5V
• Output Current: 600mA continuous, 1.2A peak (per channel)
• Logic Current: 36mA (at 5V)
• Power Dissipation: 2W (max)
• Package Type: 16-pin Dual In-line Package (DIP)
• Thermal Shutdown: Yes, protects against overheating
• Overcurrent Protection: Yes, protects against excessive current

Pinout

The L293D IC has 16 pins, as shown in the diagram below. Here is a brief overview of the pins:

• Pin 1: Output 1 (Motor A)
• Pin 2: Input 1 (Control for Motor A)
• Pin 3: Output 2 (Motor A)
• Pin 4: Ground
• Pin 5: Input 2 (Control for Motor A)
• Pin 6: Enable 1 (Controls Motor A speed)
• Pin 7: VCC (Motor Voltage, 4.5V to 36V)
• Pin 8: VCC (Logic Voltage, 5V)
• Pin 9: Output 3 (Motor B)
• Pin 10: Input 3 (Control for Motor B)
• Pin 11: Output 4 (Motor B)
• Pin 12: Ground
• Pin 13: Input 4 (Control for Motor B)
• Pin 14: Enable 2 (Controls Motor B speed)
• Pin 15: VCC (Motor Voltage)
• Pin 16: Ground

Applications

The L293D motor driver IC is widely used in various applications that require motor control:

• DC Motor Control: Control the direction and speed of DC motors in various robotics and automation projects.
• Stepper Motor Control: Use the L293D to drive stepper motors for applications requiring precise motion control.
• Robotics: Commonly used in robot drive systems for controlling the movement of wheels or other actuators.
• Automated Systems: Integrate the L293D into home automation systems, car robots, or any project needing motorized movement.

Key Features

• Bidirectional Motor Control: Controls motors in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions with ease.
• PWM Speed Control: Enables speed control through Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for precise motor control.
• Low Heat Dissipation: The L293D features thermal shutdown to protect against overheating.
• Overcurrent Protection: Provides overcurrent protection to safeguard your motors and the driver.
• Easy Integration: Compatible with most microcontrollers (like Arduino and Raspberry Pi) for quick and easy motor control integration.

Wiring Diagram

Here's how to connect the L293D motor driver IC to an Arduino:

        +------------------+     +------------------+
        |   L293D Motor    |     |   Arduino        |
        |   Driver IC      |     |   Board          |
        +------------------+     +------------------+
        |   Pin 1 (Out1)   |-------------------> Motor A
        |   Pin 2 (In1)    |-------------------> Arduino Pin 9
        |   Pin 3 (Out2)   |-------------------> Motor A
        |   Pin 4 (GND)    |-------------------> GND
        |   Pin 5 (In2)    |-------------------> Arduino Pin 8
        |   Pin 6 (En1)    |-------------------> 5V (for PWM)
        |   Pin 7 (VCC)    |-------------------> Motor Power (6-12V)
        |   Pin 8 (VCC)    |-------------------> 5V (Logic Power)
        +------------------+     +------------------+
    

Sample Code (Arduino)

        // L293D Motor Control Example Code

        const int motorPin1 = 9;  // Pin 1 of L293D (IN1)
        const int motorPin2 = 8;  // Pin 2 of L293D (IN2)
        const int enablePin = 5;  // Enable pin for PWM control (Pin 6 of L293D)

        void setup() {
          pinMode(motorPin1, OUTPUT);
          pinMode(motorPin2, OUTPUT);
          pinMode(enablePin, OUTPUT);
        }

        void loop() {
          // Rotate Motor in one direction
          digitalWrite(motorPin1, HIGH);
          digitalWrite(motorPin2, LOW);
          analogWrite(enablePin, 255); // Full speed
          delay(2000); // Run for 2 seconds

          // Stop the motor
          digitalWrite(motorPin1, LOW);
          digitalWrite(motorPin2, LOW);
          analogWrite(enablePin, 0); // Stop motor
          delay(2000); // Stop for 2 seconds

          // Rotate Motor in the opposite direction
          digitalWrite(motorPin1, LOW);
          digitalWrite(motorPin2, HIGH);
          analogWrite(enablePin, 255); // Full speed
          delay(2000); // Run for 2 seconds

          // Stop the motor
          digitalWrite(motorPin1, LOW);
          digitalWrite(motorPin2, LOW);
          analogWrite(enablePin, 0); // Stop motor
          delay(2000); // Stop for 2 seconds
        }
    

Installation Tips

• Ensure the VCC pin is connected to a stable 5V power supply for proper operation.
• Connect the motor to the output pins (Pins 1 and 3 for Motor A, and Pins 9 and 11 for Motor B).
• Use a separate power supply for the motor to avoid overloading the Arduino or other microcontroller.
• If you need speed control, connect the enable pins (Pin 6 for Motor A and Pin 14 for Motor B) to PWM-capable pins on the Arduino.