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Dual full-bridge motor driver

L298 Working Principle

Learn how L298 works with an illustrated explanation and practical readings.

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L298 at a glance

Follow the labeled connections and functional stages

L298 working principle: illustrated functional stages, basic circuit and connections
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How it works

3 stages · Explore one step at a time

Step 1 / 3

Enable the output pair

ENA and ENB independently control the bridges. Keep enables LOW during power transitions and controller reset.

Step 2 / 3

Select a diagonal or a brake state

Opposite direction inputs apply opposite output polarities. Equal inputs with enable HIGH bring the motor terminals to the same rail for braking.

Step 3 / 3

Manage the current path

Current returns through SENSE A or SENSE B. External fast diodes carry inductive current during transitions, while copper and heatsinking remove heat.

Direction, brake or coast?

Switch the inputs to explore one complete motor bridge.

5 V logic · 12 V motor rail
OUT1 · Pin 2—
OUT2 · Pin 3—
Command—

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OUT1Pin 2OUT2Pin 3 —
EN 0 · CoastEN 1 · 1 / 0 · AEN 1 · 0 / 1 · BEN 1 · 0 / 0 · BrakeEN 1 · 1 / 1 · Brake

Logic-state explorer only. Commanded direction is shown, not simulated speed. Current, inertia, voltage drop, diode transients and heating are not calculated. External flyback diodes and a common ground are required for a real inductive load.

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