L293D

Product Overview

Category

L293D belongs to the category of integrated circuits (ICs) used for motor control and driving applications.

Use

The L293D IC is primarily used to control and drive DC motors, stepper motors, and other similar devices. It provides a convenient solution for controlling motor speed and direction in various electronic projects.

Characteristics

• Voltage Range: L293D operates within a wide voltage range, typically from 4.5V to 36V.
• Current Capacity: It can handle peak currents up to 600mA and continuous currents up to 1A per channel.
• H-Bridge Configuration: The IC incorporates an H-bridge configuration, allowing bidirectional control of motors.
• Built-in Protection Diodes: L293D includes built-in flyback diodes that protect the circuit from voltage spikes generated by inductive loads.
• Thermal Shutdown: The IC has a thermal shutdown feature that prevents overheating during prolonged operation.

Package and Quantity

L293D is available in various package types, including DIP (Dual In-line Package) and SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit). The quantity per package typically ranges from one to multiple units, depending on the manufacturer's specifications.

Specifications

• Logic Supply Voltage: 4.5V to 7V
• Motor Supply Voltage: 4.5V to 36V
• Peak Output Current: 600mA per channel
• Continuous Output Current: 1A per channel
• Number of Channels: 2 (can be combined for a single channel with higher current capacity)
• Control Interface: TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) compatible

Pin Configuration

The L293D IC consists of multiple pins, each serving a specific purpose. The following is a detailed pin configuration:

1. Enable 1 (EN1): Enables or disables the first motor driver channel.
2. Input 1 (IN1): Controls the direction of rotation for the first motor.
3. Output 1 (OUT1): Connects to one terminal of the first motor.
4. Ground (GND): Common ground reference for the IC.
5. Output 2 (OUT2): Connects to the other terminal of the first motor.
6. Input 2 (IN2): Controls the direction of rotation for the second motor.
7. Enable 2 (EN2): Enables or disables the second motor driver channel.
8. VCC1: Logic supply voltage input for the IC.
9. Output 3 (OUT3): Connects to one terminal of the second motor.
10. Ground (GND): Common ground reference for the IC.
11. Output 4 (OUT4): Connects to the other terminal of the second motor.
12. Input 3 (IN3): Controls the direction of rotation for the third motor (when combined with IN4).
13. Enable 3 (EN3): Enables or disables the third motor driver channel (when combined with EN4).
14. Input 4 (IN4): Controls the direction of rotation for the fourth motor (when combined with IN3).
15. VCC2: Motor supply voltage input for the IC.
16. VCC2: Motor supply voltage input for the IC.

Functional Features

The L293D IC offers several functional features that make it suitable for motor control applications:

• Bidirectional Control: The H-bridge configuration allows the control of motor rotation in both directions.
• Speed Control: By varying the input signals, the speed of the motor can be adjusted.
• Current Amplification: The IC amplifies the current from the control signals to drive motors with higher power requirements.
• Protection Diodes: Built-in flyback diodes protect the circuit from voltage spikes generated by inductive loads.
• Thermal Shutdown: The thermal shutdown feature prevents the IC from overheating during prolonged operation.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Versatile motor control solution for various applications.
• Wide voltage range allows compatibility with different power sources.
• Built-in protection diodes enhance circuit reliability.
• Thermal shutdown feature protects against overheating.
• Can handle both DC motors and stepper motors.

Disadvantages

• Limited current capacity compared to specialized motor driver ICs.
• Requires external components for optimal performance.
• May require additional circuitry for advanced motor control features.

Working Principles

The L293D IC operates based on the H-bridge configuration. By controlling the input signals, the IC can selectively enable or disable the motor driver channels and determine the direction of rotation. The logic signals are amplified to drive the motors with sufficient current. The built-in flyback diodes protect the circuit from voltage spikes generated by the motors. In case of excessive heat buildup, the thermal shutdown feature activates to prevent damage to the IC.

Application Field Plans

The L293D IC finds extensive application in various fields,