L293D Motor Driver IC

The L293D is a widely used motor driver IC that allows you to control the direction and speed of DC motors, stepper motors, and even some other inductive loads using a microcontroller, such as an Arduino. The L293D can drive motors with up to 600mA of continuous current and 1.2A of peak current per channel, which makes it suitable for small and medium-sized motors.

Key Features of the L293D IC:

1. Dual H-Bridge Configuration: The L293D contains two H-bridge circuits that can control two DC motors independently. An H-bridge is a configuration of transistors that allows a current to flow in either direction through a load (such as a motor).
2. Voltage Range: Typically operates with a motor supply voltage (V_s) between 4.5V to 36V and a logic supply voltage (V_ss) of 5V.
3. Current Capability: Each channel can supply a continuous current of 600mA and a peak current of 1.2A.
4. Thermal Shutdown: It features thermal protection to prevent overheating and short-circuit protection to prevent damage to the IC.
5. PWM Control: It allows speed control of motors by varying the pulse width modulation (PWM) signal applied to the enable pin.
6. Built-in Diodes: The L293D has internal flyback diodes, which protect the driver from back EMF (electromotive force) generated when switching off inductive loads (like motors).

Pin Configuration of L293D:

Here’s a breakdown of the pinout for the L293D IC:

• Pin 1 (Vcc2): Motor power supply voltage (4.5V - 36V).
• Pin 2 (Input 1): Input pin to control motor A direction.
• Pin 3 (Output 1): Motor A output terminal.
• Pin 4 (Input 2): Input pin to control motor A direction.
• Pin 5 (Enable A): Enable pin for motor A (if connected to high, motor A is active; can be controlled with PWM for speed control).
• Pin 6 (Input 3): Input pin to control motor B direction.
• Pin 7 (Input 4): Input pin to control motor B direction.
• Pin 8 (Ground): Ground pin.
• Pin 9 (Ground): Ground pin.
• Pin 10 (Output 4): Motor B output terminal.
• Pin 11 (Output 3): Motor B output terminal.
• Pin 12 (Vss): Logic power supply (typically 5V for Arduino).
• Pin 13 (Output 2): Motor A output terminal.
• Pin 14 (Input 2): Input pin to control motor B direction.
• Pin 15 (Enable B): Enable pin for motor B (like ENA for motor A, can be controlled for PWM).
• Pin 16 (Vcc1): Logic voltage supply (typically 5V).

How to Use L293D with Arduino:

To control the L293D with an Arduino, you can connect the pins of the L293D to the corresponding control pins on the Arduino. For example, you can use two pins to control the motor direction (IN1, IN2), and use the Enable pin (ENA) to control the speed via PWM.

Example: Controlling a DC Motor with Arduino

Here's a simple example where you control a motor’s speed and direction using an L293D IC with an Arduino:

// Pin connections to the L293D
int IN1 = 3;  // Motor A direction control
int IN2 = 4;  // Motor A direction control
int ENA = 5;  // Motor A speed control (PWM)
  
void setup() {
  // Set all the motor control pins as outputs
  pinMode(IN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ENA, OUTPUT);
  
  // Start with the motor stopped
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(ENA, 0);  // Set speed to 0 (stop)
}

void loop() {
  // Rotate motor clockwise
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(ENA, 128);  // Set motor speed to half
  
  delay(2000);  // Rotate for 2 seconds
  
  // Rotate motor counterclockwise
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN2, HIGH);
  analogWrite(ENA, 128);  // Set motor speed to half
  
  delay(2000);  // Rotate for 2 seconds
  
  // Stop motor
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(ENA, 0);  // Stop the motor
  
  delay(1000);  // Wait for 1 second before repeating
}

Applications of L293D:

• Robot Motors: It is commonly used in robotics for controlling DC motors and stepper motors.
• Actuators: Can control actuators in home automation systems.
• Home Appliances: Often used in controlling fans, pumps, and other devices.
• DIY Projects: Very popular in DIY projects that involve motor control.

Brand:- Generic

Origin:- China