L298Dual full-bridge motor driver

L298 is a bipolar dual full-bridge driver for DC motors, stepper windings and other inductive loads. Its two enable inputs independently control the two bridges, while separate logic and motor rails keep their supply functions distinct. This reference covers L298N in the 15-lead vertical Multiwatt package and L298P in PowerSO-20. The SMD version has different physical pin numbers, extra ground contacts and two NC pins; all four visual views follow the selected package. Use external fast flyback diodes, local bypass capacitors and a suitable thermal path. The two sense returns can feed external current-control circuits; the IC does not provide a complete automatic current regulator by itself.