Real View
L298Dual full-bridge motor driver
Control direction, braking and current return—with two complete bridges.
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.
15Physical pins
L298NMultiwatt15 V
Manufacturer-referencedSTMicroelectronics
Pin diagram
Select a pin to explore its connection
Highlight
L298Multiwatt15 VFront view · leads down · tab is GND
L298PowerSO-20Top view · pin 1 at upper left
Click a lead or use the arrow keys. Front view · leads down · tab is GND
PIN 1 · Current returns
Bridge A current returnSENSE A
Function
Common emitter return of the two lower transistors in bridge A.
How to connect
Connect a low-inductance current-sense resistor to power ground, or ground directly when sensing is not used.
Electrical note
Do not leave open. Sensing requires an external controller; this pin alone does not regulate current.
PIN 2 · Motor outputs
Motor A terminalOUT1
Function
First power output of bridge A.
How to connect
Connect to one motor lead; the other lead goes to OUT2.
Electrical note
Add external fast flyback diodes to the supply and ground rails.
PIN 3 · Motor outputs
Motor A terminalOUT2
Function
Second power output of bridge A.
How to connect
Connect to the other motor lead.
Electrical note
The motor is between OUT1 and OUT2, not between one output and ground.
PIN 4 · Supply
Power-stage supplyVS
Function
Feeds the bridge output transistors.
How to connect
Use a local 100 nF capacitor to GND and suitable bulk capacitance.
Electrical note
The example uses 12 V. Operating maximum is 46 V; allow room for inductive transients.
PIN 5 · Direction inputs
Bridge A direction inputIN1
Function
Controls OUT1 while ENA is HIGH.
How to connect
Connect to a defined controller logic output.
PIN 6 · Bridge enables
Bridge A enableENA
Function
HIGH enables bridge A; LOW disables both outputs.
How to connect
Use a control output with a pull-down so the motor is disabled during reset.
PIN 7 · Direction inputs
Bridge A direction inputIN2
Function
Controls OUT2 while ENA is HIGH.
How to connect
Connect to the second direction-control output.
PIN 8 · Ground
Logic and power referenceGND
Function
Reference ground; the Multiwatt metal tab is connected to this node.
How to connect
Join controller, supply and sense-resistor returns. Connect every PowerSO ground contact.
PIN 9 · Ground
Logic supplyVSS
Function
Supplies the internal control logic independently of VS.
How to connect
Use 5 V with a local 100 nF bypass to GND.
Electrical note
Specified operating range is 4.5–7 V.
PIN 10 · Direction inputs
Bridge B direction inputIN3
Function
Controls OUT3 while ENB is HIGH.
How to connect
Hold LOW in this one-motor example.
PIN 11 · Bridge enables
Bridge B enableENB
Function
HIGH enables bridge B.
How to connect
Hold LOW when bridge B is unused.
PIN 12 · Direction inputs
Bridge B direction inputIN4
Function
Controls OUT4 while ENB is HIGH.
How to connect
Hold LOW in this example.
PIN 13 · Motor outputs
Motor B terminalOUT3
Function
First output of bridge B.
How to connect
Leave open when bridge B is unused; otherwise connect the second motor or winding.
PIN 14 · Motor outputs
Motor B terminalOUT4
Function
Second output of bridge B.
How to connect
Leave open when bridge B is unused.
PIN 15 · Current returns
Bridge B current returnSENSE B
Function
Emitter return for bridge B.
How to connect
Connect to GND in this example. Use a separate low-inductance shunt when sensing bridge B.
PIN 16 · Not connected
No internal connectionNC
Function
Unconnected contact present only on PowerSO-20.
How to connect
Leave open.
PIN 17 · Not connected
No internal connectionNC
Function
Unconnected contact present only on PowerSO-20.
How to connect
Leave open.
PIN 18 · Ground
Additional SMD groundGND
Function
Additional ground contact on PowerSO-20; not an extra control signal.
How to connect
Connect to the same ground plane as the other GND contacts.
PIN 19 · Ground
Additional SMD groundGND
Function
Additional ground contact on PowerSO-20; not an extra control signal.
How to connect
Connect to the same ground plane as the other GND contacts.
PIN 20 · Ground
Additional SMD groundGND
Function
Additional ground contact on PowerSO-20; not an extra control signal.
How to connect
Connect to the same ground plane as the other GND contacts.
Key specifications
Each enabled output pair can reverse a motor or command braking. VS provides motor energy; VSS supplies the control logic.
Full bridges2 Two motors or two windings
Motor-supply ceiling46 V operating
DC current per bridge2 A · thermal limits apply
Operating junction−25–130 °C · junction, not ambient
Package details
L298N · Multiwatt15 V
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | STMicroelectronics |
| Part number | L298N |
| Package | Multiwatt15 V |
| Connections | 15 pins |
| Mounting | Through-hole |
| Lead pitch | 1.27 mm · staggered rows |
| Package code | MW15V |
| Thermal reference | Grounded metal tab; heatsinking required according to dissipation |
Operating conditions
ST DS0218 · keep conditions attached
Manufacturer specifications 6 parameters
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Logic supply VSS | 4.5–7 V | 5 V nominal |
| Motor supply VS | VIH + 2.5 V to 46 V | Specified operative condition; example uses 12 V |
| Input / enable HIGH | 2.3 V to VSS | TTL-compatible thresholds |
| Input / enable LOW | −0.3 to 1.5 V | Normal LOW is 0 V |
| Operating junction | −25 to 130°C | Do not treat as an ambient specification |
| Local bypass capacitors | 100 nF on each supply | VS to GND and VSS to GND, near the IC |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Keep enable inputs LOW before switching supplies on or off.
Bridge control
One motor between OUT1 and OUT2
Manufacturer specifications 5 parameters
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| EN LOW; inputs any | Coast · Z / Z | No commanded drive; external diode paths still operate |
| EN HIGH; IN1 HIGH, IN2 LOW | Direction A | OUT1 HIGH, OUT2 LOW |
| EN HIGH; IN1 LOW, IN2 HIGH | Direction B | OUT1 LOW, OUT2 HIGH |
| EN HIGH; both inputs LOW | Brake to GND | Both outputs LOW |
| EN HIGH; both inputs HIGH | Brake to VS | Both outputs HIGH |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Direction labels are commands. Mechanical direction depends on wiring; stop/reversal current must stay within limits.
Output drop and heating
VS = 42 V; VSS = 5 V; TJ = 25°C
Manufacturer specifications 6 parameters
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| High-side drop at 1 A | 1.35 V typical; 1.7 V maximum | Source transistor |
| Low-side drop at 1 A | 1.2 V typical; 1.6 V maximum | Sense return grounded |
| Total drop at 1 A | 3.2 V maximum | Combined bridge specification |
| High-side / low-side at 2 A | 2.0 V / 1.7 V typical | 2.7 V / 2.3 V maximum individually |
| Total drop at 2 A | 4.9 V maximum | Combined bridge specification |
| 12 V, 1 A example | 9.45 V across motor; 2.55 W bridge loss | Uses summed typical drops, excludes other losses |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
The example is an estimate, not a regulated motor voltage or a safe continuous thermal allowance.
Package connection map
Multiwatt15 → PowerSO-20
Manufacturer specifications 9 parameters
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| SENSE A / SENSE B | 1 / 15 → 2 / 19 | Separate bridge returns |
| OUT1 / OUT2 | 2 / 3 → 4 / 5 | Motor A |
| VS / VSS | 4 / 9 → 6 / 12 | Power stage / logic |
| IN1 / IN2 | 5 / 7 → 7 / 9 | Bridge A inputs |
| ENA / ENB | 6 / 11 → 8 / 14 | Bridge enables |
| IN3 / IN4 | 10 / 12 → 13 / 15 | Bridge B inputs |
| OUT3 / OUT4 | 13 / 14 → 16 / 17 | Motor B |
| Ground | 8 → 1, 10, 11, 20 | All ground contacts required |
| NC | None → 3, 18 | Leave open |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
The interactive pinout changes physical numbering with the selected package. Extra SMD grounds retain their ground function.
One-motor application
L298N front view · 5 V logic / 12 V motor
Manufacturer specifications 7 parameters
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor leads | OUT1 pin 2 and OUT2 pin 3 | Use a motor whose stall and braking currents suit the driver |
| Direction / enable | IN1 pin 5, IN2 pin 7, ENA pin 6 | Controller nets IN1, IN2, ENA; 10 kΩ enable pull-down |
| Power / logic | VS pin 4 = 12 V; VSS pin 9 = 5 V | 100 nF local bypass on both rails; bulk motor capacitance |
| Ground and returns | Pins 1, 8 and 15 to GND | Direct sense returns for this nonsensing example |
| Unused bridge B | 10, 11, 12 LOW; 13, 14 open | Keep outputs disabled |
| External diodes | Four fast diodes per active bridge | Output to VS and GND to output; low VF; trr ≤200 ns |
| Thermal design | Heatsink and short power paths | Check stall current, winding energy and supply absorption |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Matched net labels are electrical connections. The illustration shows a bare IC; a breakout board may contain different supporting components.
Stress ratings and packages
Operating limits are not interchangeable with absolute maxima
Manufacturer specifications 8 parameters
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| VS / VSS absolute maximum | 50 V / 7 V | Do not design to the transient stress ceiling |
| DC output current | 2 A per channel | Absolute maximum; thermal and braking constraints apply |
| Peak current | 2.5 A repetitive; 3 A nonrepetitive | 80% ON, 10 ms ON / 100 ms single pulse respectively |
| Multiwatt RθJC / RθJA | 3°C/W / 35°C/W maximum | Manufacturer thermal conditions |
| PowerSO RθJA | 13°C/W maximum | Mounted on aluminum substrate; not ordinary FR4 |
| Multiwatt geometry | 20.2 mm body width; 1.27 mm lead pitch | 15 leads in staggered rows; vertical L298N |
| PowerSO geometry | 11.0 × 15.9 mm nominal body; 1.27 mm pitch | L298P, slug down; 20 numbered leads |
| Generic footprint downloads | TEP suggested land patterns | Check purchased outline, stencil, vias and assembly process |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Thermal shutdown is included; automatic load-current regulation needs external circuitry.
Connections by function
Select a pin for its function, connection guidance and electrical notes.
Current returns2 pins
Motor outputs4 pins
Supply1 pin
Direction inputs4 pins
Bridge enables2 pins
Ground2 pins
Ground5 pins
Current returns2 pins
Not connected2 pins
Motor outputs4 pins
Supply1 pin
Direction inputs4 pins
Bridge enables2 pins
L298 at a glance
Follow the labeled connections and functional stages
How it works
3 stages · Explore one step at a time
Enable the output pair
ENA and ENB independently control the bridges. Keep enables LOW during power transitions and controller reset.
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.
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.
Step 1 of 3
Direction, brake or coast?
Switch the inputs to explore one complete motor bridge.
OUT1 · Pin 2—
OUT2 · Pin 3—
Command—
Enable JavaScript to explore bridge control.
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.
L298 in a circuit
A physical IC, named control nets and four external flyback diodes.
Connect it, step by step
Follow the component values and pin connections
Wire both rails and ground
Add a 100 nF bypass on each rail and motor bulk capacitance. All GND symbols share one return.
Connect motor and external diodes
Use OUT1 and OUT2. Upper diodes point from output to VS; lower diodes point from GND to output.
Set defined control inputs
Use IN1 and IN2 for direction and ENA for enable. Hold unused inputs LOW and unused outputs open.
Inside L298
Two bipolar full bridges inside the package; one shown in detail.
Explore the circuit
Select a stage to see its role and connections
Logic controls the switches
Direction inputs choose output states only while the corresponding enable is HIGH.
The output pair forms a bridge
Diagonal devices reverse the motor voltage; equal outputs command braking.
Sense returns remain accessible
The two low-side emitters share SENSE A; the other bridge uses SENSE B. External circuitry can measure these currents.
Selected packageMultiwatt15 VL298N
Physical connections15 pinsPackage-specific numbering
Reference collection7 tables41 parameters & pin functions
Pin reference
Signal names, electrical functions and connection guidance
Physical pin numbers15 pins
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| Pin | Signal | Type | Function & connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| SENSE A | Bridge A current return | Common emitter return of the two lower transistors in bridge A.Connection guidanceConnect a low-inductance current-sense resistor to power ground, or ground directly when sensing is not used. Do not leave open. Sensing requires an external controller; this pin alone does not regulate current. | |
| OUT1 | Motor A terminal | First power output of bridge A.Connection guidanceConnect to one motor lead; the other lead goes to OUT2. Add external fast flyback diodes to the supply and ground rails. | |
| OUT2 | Motor A terminal | Second power output of bridge A.Connection guidanceConnect to the other motor lead. The motor is between OUT1 and OUT2, not between one output and ground. | |
| VS | Power-stage supply | Feeds the bridge output transistors.Connection guidanceUse a local 100 nF capacitor to GND and suitable bulk capacitance. The example uses 12 V. Operating maximum is 46 V; allow room for inductive transients. | |
| IN1 | Bridge A direction input | Controls OUT1 while ENA is HIGH.Connection guidanceConnect to a defined controller logic output. | |
| ENA | Bridge A enable | HIGH enables bridge A; LOW disables both outputs.Connection guidanceUse a control output with a pull-down so the motor is disabled during reset. | |
| IN2 | Bridge A direction input | Controls OUT2 while ENA is HIGH.Connection guidanceConnect to the second direction-control output. | |
| GND | Logic and power reference | Reference ground; the Multiwatt metal tab is connected to this node.Connection guidanceJoin controller, supply and sense-resistor returns. Connect every PowerSO ground contact. | |
| VSS | Logic supply | Supplies the internal control logic independently of VS.Connection guidanceUse 5 V with a local 100 nF bypass to GND. Specified operating range is 4.5–7 V. | |
| IN3 | Bridge B direction input | Controls OUT3 while ENB is HIGH.Connection guidanceHold LOW in this one-motor example. | |
| ENB | Bridge B enable | HIGH enables bridge B.Connection guidanceHold LOW when bridge B is unused. | |
| IN4 | Bridge B direction input | Controls OUT4 while ENB is HIGH.Connection guidanceHold LOW in this example. | |
| OUT3 | Motor B terminal | First output of bridge B.Connection guidanceLeave open when bridge B is unused; otherwise connect the second motor or winding. | |
| OUT4 | Motor B terminal | Second output of bridge B.Connection guidanceLeave open when bridge B is unused. | |
| SENSE B | Bridge B current return | Emitter return for bridge B.Connection guidanceConnect to GND in this example. Use a separate low-inductance shunt when sensing bridge B. | |
| NC | No internal connection | Unconnected contact present only on PowerSO-20.Connection guidanceLeave open. | |
| NC | No internal connection | Unconnected contact present only on PowerSO-20.Connection guidanceLeave open. | |
| GND | Additional SMD ground | Additional ground contact on PowerSO-20; not an extra control signal.Connection guidanceConnect to the same ground plane as the other GND contacts. | |
| GND | Additional SMD ground | Additional ground contact on PowerSO-20; not an extra control signal.Connection guidanceConnect to the same ground plane as the other GND contacts. | |
| GND | Additional SMD ground | Additional ground contact on PowerSO-20; not an extra control signal.Connection guidanceConnect to the same ground plane as the other GND contacts. |
No pins match these filters. Try another signal name or reset the filters.
Operating conditions
ST DS0218 · keep conditions attached
Manufacturer-referenced values6 parameters
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Logic supply VSS | 4.5–7 V | 5 V nominal |
| Motor supply VS | VIH + 2.5 V to 46 V | Specified operative condition; example uses 12 V |
| Input / enable HIGH | 2.3 V to VSS | TTL-compatible thresholds |
| Input / enable LOW | −0.3 to 1.5 V | Normal LOW is 0 V |
| Operating junction | −25 to 130°C | Do not treat as an ambient specification |
| Local bypass capacitors | 100 nF on each supply | VS to GND and VSS to GND, near the IC |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Keep enable inputs LOW before switching supplies on or off.
Bridge control
One motor between OUT1 and OUT2
Manufacturer-referenced values5 parameters
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| EN LOW; inputs any | Coast · Z / Z | No commanded drive; external diode paths still operate |
| EN HIGH; IN1 HIGH, IN2 LOW | Direction A | OUT1 HIGH, OUT2 LOW |
| EN HIGH; IN1 LOW, IN2 HIGH | Direction B | OUT1 LOW, OUT2 HIGH |
| EN HIGH; both inputs LOW | Brake to GND | Both outputs LOW |
| EN HIGH; both inputs HIGH | Brake to VS | Both outputs HIGH |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Direction labels are commands. Mechanical direction depends on wiring; stop/reversal current must stay within limits.
Output drop and heating
VS = 42 V; VSS = 5 V; TJ = 25°C
Manufacturer-referenced values6 parameters
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| High-side drop at 1 A | 1.35 V typical; 1.7 V maximum | Source transistor |
| Low-side drop at 1 A | 1.2 V typical; 1.6 V maximum | Sense return grounded |
| Total drop at 1 A | 3.2 V maximum | Combined bridge specification |
| High-side / low-side at 2 A | 2.0 V / 1.7 V typical | 2.7 V / 2.3 V maximum individually |
| Total drop at 2 A | 4.9 V maximum | Combined bridge specification |
| 12 V, 1 A example | 9.45 V across motor; 2.55 W bridge loss | Uses summed typical drops, excludes other losses |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
The example is an estimate, not a regulated motor voltage or a safe continuous thermal allowance.
Package connection map
Multiwatt15 → PowerSO-20
Manufacturer-referenced values9 parameters
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| SENSE A / SENSE B | 1 / 15 → 2 / 19 | Separate bridge returns |
| OUT1 / OUT2 | 2 / 3 → 4 / 5 | Motor A |
| VS / VSS | 4 / 9 → 6 / 12 | Power stage / logic |
| IN1 / IN2 | 5 / 7 → 7 / 9 | Bridge A inputs |
| ENA / ENB | 6 / 11 → 8 / 14 | Bridge enables |
| IN3 / IN4 | 10 / 12 → 13 / 15 | Bridge B inputs |
| OUT3 / OUT4 | 13 / 14 → 16 / 17 | Motor B |
| Ground | 8 → 1, 10, 11, 20 | All ground contacts required |
| NC | None → 3, 18 | Leave open |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
The interactive pinout changes physical numbering with the selected package. Extra SMD grounds retain their ground function.
One-motor application
L298N front view · 5 V logic / 12 V motor
Manufacturer-referenced values7 parameters
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor leads | OUT1 pin 2 and OUT2 pin 3 | Use a motor whose stall and braking currents suit the driver |
| Direction / enable | IN1 pin 5, IN2 pin 7, ENA pin 6 | Controller nets IN1, IN2, ENA; 10 kΩ enable pull-down |
| Power / logic | VS pin 4 = 12 V; VSS pin 9 = 5 V | 100 nF local bypass on both rails; bulk motor capacitance |
| Ground and returns | Pins 1, 8 and 15 to GND | Direct sense returns for this nonsensing example |
| Unused bridge B | 10, 11, 12 LOW; 13, 14 open | Keep outputs disabled |
| External diodes | Four fast diodes per active bridge | Output to VS and GND to output; low VF; trr ≤200 ns |
| Thermal design | Heatsink and short power paths | Check stall current, winding energy and supply absorption |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Matched net labels are electrical connections. The illustration shows a bare IC; a breakout board may contain different supporting components.
Stress ratings and packages
Operating limits are not interchangeable with absolute maxima
Manufacturer-referenced values8 parameters
Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.
| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| VS / VSS absolute maximum | 50 V / 7 V | Do not design to the transient stress ceiling |
| DC output current | 2 A per channel | Absolute maximum; thermal and braking constraints apply |
| Peak current | 2.5 A repetitive; 3 A nonrepetitive | 80% ON, 10 ms ON / 100 ms single pulse respectively |
| Multiwatt RθJC / RθJA | 3°C/W / 35°C/W maximum | Manufacturer thermal conditions |
| PowerSO RθJA | 13°C/W maximum | Mounted on aluminum substrate; not ordinary FR4 |
| Multiwatt geometry | 20.2 mm body width; 1.27 mm lead pitch | 15 leads in staggered rows; vertical L298N |
| PowerSO geometry | 11.0 × 15.9 mm nominal body; 1.27 mm pitch | L298P, slug down; 20 numbered leads |
| Generic footprint downloads | TEP suggested land patterns | Check purchased outline, stencil, vias and assembly process |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Thermal shutdown is included; automatic load-current regulation needs external circuitry.
No matching rowsTry a pin name, parameter, unit or test condition, or reset the filters.
Two DC motors
Independently command direction, braking and coasting for two suitable brushed motors.
Manufacturer application guideBipolar stepper windings
Use the two bridges for two windings with an appropriate external current and step controller.
Manufacturer application guidePower-stage education
Compare logic truth tables, real voltage loss, sense returns and external inductive current paths.
Manufacturer application guideTake it into ProTech
Find L298 in the Components Library to place its schematic symbol and connect its pins.
Reference page · circuit simulation model not yet availableOpen ProTech