The L293D Motor Driver is a dual H-bridge integrated circuit designed to control the direction and speed of DC motors and stepper motors. It allows a microcontroller to drive high-current motors using low-power logic signals, making it a popular choice for robotics, automation, and educational motor control projects.
Core Driver Specifications
• Driver Type: Dual H-Bridge motor driver
• IC Model: L293D
• Motor Support: 2 DC motors or 1 stepper motor
• Logic Control: Direction and enable based
Electrical & Interface
• Logic Supply Voltage (VSS): 4.5 V – 7 V
• Motor Supply Voltage (VS): 4.5 V – 36 V
• Output Current: Up to 600 mA per channel
• Peak Current: 1.2 A (short duration)
• Control Pins: IN1–IN4, EN1, EN2
• Protection: Internal flyback diodes included
Performance Characteristics
• Bidirectional motor control
• Supports PWM for speed control
• Built-in protection against back EMF
• Reliable operation for low to medium power motors
Physical Characteristics
• IC Package: 16-pin DIP
• Module Type: IC or breakout board (variant dependent)
• Compact form factor suitable for breadboards
Compatibility
• Arduino Uno / Nano / Mega
• ESP8266 / ESP32
• STM32, AVR, PIC microcontrollers
• Raspberry Pi (via GPIO control)
Key Advantages
• Can control two motors independently
• Internal diodes simplify external circuitry
• Easy to interface with microcontrollers
• Widely used and well documented
Technical Insights
• Voltage drop across driver reduces motor voltage
• Heat dissipation required near current limit
• Enable pins can be used for PWM speed control
• Not suitable for high-current motors
Applications
• Robotic cars and rovers
• Line follower and obstacle-avoiding robots
• Small automation systems
• Stepper motor control
• Educational robotics projects
Pro Tip
• Use external heat sinking for continuous high load
• Provide separate motor and logic supplies if possible
• Avoid operating near maximum current for long durations
Package Includes
• 1 × L293D Motor Driver IC