Skip to datasheet
Quadruple half-H motor driver

L293D Working Principle

Learn how L293D works with an illustrated explanation and practical readings.

L293D at a glance

Follow the labeled connections and functional stages

L293D working principle: illustrated functional stages, basic circuit and connections
Select the diagram to read it at full resolution.

How it works

3 stages · Explore one step at a time

Step 1 / 3

Enable one output pair

Set 1,2EN HIGH to make 1Y and 2Y follow their corresponding inputs. Disable the pair to release both motor leads into high impedance.

Step 2 / 3

Reverse the motor voltage

Opposite input states apply opposite polarities across the motor. Swapping the inputs reverses the commanded direction.

Step 3 / 3

Brake or coast deliberately

Equal enabled outputs short the motor terminals to the same rail for dynamic braking. Disabled outputs let the motor coast; stored inductive current still uses the clamp paths.

Direction, brake or coast?

Switch the inputs to explore one complete motor bridge.

5 V logic · 12 V motor rail
1Y · Pin 3—
2Y · Pin 6—
Command—

Enable JavaScript to explore bridge control.

1YPin 32YPin 6 —
EN 0 · CoastEN 1 · 1 / 0 · AEN 1 · 0 / 1 · BEN 1 · 0 / 0 · BrakeEN 1 · 1 / 1 · Brake

Logic-state explorer only. The colored motor indicates commanded direction, not simulated speed. Current, inertia, switching time, voltage drop, clamp transients and heating are not calculated.

Component view