Kitsguru L298N Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver Module

Description

The Kitsguru L298N Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver Module is a standard, affordable choice for driving two DC motors or one stepper motor, perfect for prototyping on STM32 or Arduino.

The L298N Motor Driver Module is one of the most widely used dual H-bridge motor controllers in DIY robotics. It acts as an intermediary, taking low-current logic signals from your STM32 and using them to switch much higher voltage and current to drive your DC geared motors.

Product Description

• Dual H-Bridge: It contains two H-bridge circuits, meaning it can independently control the speed and forward/reverse direction of two DC motors simultaneously, or one 2-phase stepper motor.

• Heat Dissipation: Characterized by its large aluminum heat sink, which is necessary because the L298N chip is older technology and dissipates a fair amount of heat when running near its maximum rating.

• Onboard Regulator: Most modules include a built-in 5V linear regulator. If you supply the module with 7V–12V for the motors, this regulator can output a stable 5V to power your sensors or logic circuits. (Note: If supplying more than 12V to the motors, you must remove the 5V enable jumper to avoid damaging the regulator).

Key Specifications

• Motor Supply Voltage (VMS): 5V to 35V DC.

• Logic Voltage (VSS): 5V (Compatible with 3.3V logic signals from the STM32 for control inputs).

• Output Current: Maximum of 2A per channel (continuous), with peak bursts up to 3A.

• Control Interface: Uses standard pins: IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 for direction, and ENA, ENB for PWM speed control.

Usage Tips with STM32

• PWM Control: To control the speed of your DC geared motor with the encoder, connect the STM32’s PWM output pins directly to the ENA (Enable A) and ENB (Enable B) pins on the L298N. (You must remove the small black jumpers covering these pins first).

• Logic Inputs: Connect the IN1 and IN2 pins to standard GPIO output pins on your STM32 to control the direction (e.g., IN1=HIGH, IN2=LOW is forward; IN1=LOW, IN2=HIGH is reverse).

• Voltage Drop: Be aware that the L298N has an internal voltage drop of about $1.5\text{V}$ to $2\text{V}$. If you power the module with 12V, your motor will only receive about 10V–10.5V. If you need a more modern, efficient driver with lower voltage drop, consider modules like the TB6612FNG.