L293 Motor driver IC

The L293 is a quadruple high-current half-H driver designed to provide bidirectional drive currents of up to 1A at voltages from 4.5V to 36V. It is ideal for driving inductive loads such as relays, solenoids, DC and stepping motors. The L293 IC is commonly used in robotics and embedded systems for motor control applications.

Key Features:

• Capable of driving two DC motors or one stepper motor
• Provides bidirectional drive currents up to 1A per channel
• Wide supply voltage range from 4.5V to 36V
• Separate input-logic supply
• Thermal shutdown protection
• High noise immunity
• Internal ESD protection
• Compatible with TTL and CMOS logic levels

Technical Specifications:

• Supply Voltage (VCC1 – Logic): 4.5V to 7V
• Supply Voltage (VCC2 – Motor): 4.5V to 36V
• Output Current: 1A per channel (continuous)
• Peak Output Current: 2A per channel (non-repetitive, t < 5ms)
• Input Voltage High: 2.3V (min)
• Input Voltage Low: 1.5V (max)
• Enable Voltage High: 2.3V (min)
• Enable Voltage Low: 1.5V (max)
• Power Dissipation: 5W (typical)
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +70°C
• Package Type: 16-pin DIP (Dual In-line Package), SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), or TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package)

Applications:

• Robotics
• Motor control for DC motors and stepper motors
• Relay drivers
• Solenoid drivers
• High current LED drivers
• Automotive applications

Usage:

1. Connection:
   • Connect VCC1 to the logic voltage (4.5V to 7V).
   • Connect VCC2 to the motor voltage (4.5V to 36V).
   • Connect the input pins (IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4) to the microcontroller or control logic.
   • Connect the output pins (OUT1, OUT2, OUT3, OUT4) to the motor terminals.
   • Enable the channels by connecting the enable pins (EN1, EN2) to the logic high or via PWM signals for speed control.
2. Control:
   • Use the input pins to set the direction of the motor rotation.
   • Use PWM on the enable pins to control the speed of the motors.
3. Protection:
   • Ensure proper heat sinking or cooling as the IC can get hot under high loads.
   • Use external diodes if necessary to protect against back EMF generated by motors.

Caution:

• Ensure the total current does not exceed the maximum ratings of the IC.
• Provide adequate cooling to prevent thermal shutdown.
• Avoid short circuits and excessive voltage spikes.

Datasheet:
For detailed technical specifications, refer to the L293 Motor Driver IC Datasheet.