2‑Way DC Dual H‑Bridge Motor Driver Module – L298N – User’s Guide

1. Overview

• The L298N is a dual H‑bridge motor driver IC.
• Each module can control two DC motors or one stepper motor.
• It allows forward/reverse rotation and speed control via PWM.
• Pack of 2 means you can drive up to 4 DC motors or 2 stepper motors simultaneously.

2. Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 5V – 35V DC
• Logic Voltage: 5V (from onboard regulator or external supply)
• Output Current: Up to 2A per channel
• Control Inputs: IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 (logic signals)
• Outputs: MOTOR‑A, MOTOR‑B (to motor terminals)
• Power Pins: + (VCC motor supply), – (GND)

3. Pin Connections

4. Example Wiring (Arduino UNO)

Arduino 5V  → L298N + (logic supply)
Arduino GND → L298N –
D8 → IN1
D9 → IN2
D10 → IN3
D11 → IN4
Motor A → MOTOR‑A
Motor B → MOTOR‑B
External 12V → L298N + (motor supply)

5. Example Code (Arduino)

int IN1 = 8;
int IN2 = 9;
int IN3 = 10;
int IN4 = 11;

void setup() {
  pinMode(IN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN4, OUTPUT);
}

// Motor A forward, Motor B backward
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN4, HIGH);
  delay(2000);

  // Stop motors
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
  delay(2000);
}

6. Operation

• Forward/Reverse: Controlled by IN1/IN2 (Motor A) and IN3/IN4 (Motor B).
• Speed Control: Apply PWM to IN1/IN2 or IN3/IN4 pins.
• Stop: Set both inputs LOW for a motor channel.

7. Applications

• Robotics (drive wheels, arms)
• CNC machines / 3D printers (stepper control)
• DIY kits for learning motor control
• Automated toys and small vehicles

8. Best Practices

• Use an external power supply for motors (not just Arduino 5V).
• Keep motor current ≤ 2A per channel.
• Always connect grounds together (Arduino + L298N + motor supply).
• Add heat sinks or cooling if driving motors near max current.