The L293D is a popular motor driver IC used to control the direction and speed of small DC motors. It acts as a bridge between low-power control circuits (like an Arduino) and higher-current motors. Whether you’re building a robot or a motorized platform, the L293D makes motor control easy and reliable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use the L293D with an Arduino Uno to drive a DC motor.

Why Use the L293D?

• Can control two DC motors or one stepper motor
• Allows for bidirectional motor control
• Provides overcurrent protection
• Compact and beginner-friendly

What You’ll Need

• L293D Motor Driver IC
• Arduino Uno R3
• DC motor (6V or 12V recommended)
• External power source (like 9V battery)
• Breadboard and jumper wires

L293D Pinout Overview

• Pin 1 (Enable 1): Must be HIGH to activate Motor A
• Pin 2 (Input 1): Controls direction
• Pin 3 (Output 1): Connect to Motor A terminal
• Pin 4, 5 (GND): Ground
• Pin 6 (Output 2): Connect to Motor A terminal
• Pin 7 (Input 2): Controls direction
• Pin 8 (Vcc2): Motor power supply (up to 36V)
• Pin 9–16: Mirror pins for Motor B
• Pin 16 (Vcc1): Logic voltage (5V from Arduino)

Wiring Setup (Single Motor Example)

• Connect Pin 1 (Enable 1) to Arduino pin 9
• Connect Pin 2 (Input 1) to Arduino pin 2
• Connect Pin 7 (Input 2) to Arduino pin 3
• Connect Pin 3 and Pin 6 to motor terminals
• Connect Pin 4, 5, 12, 13 to GND
• Connect Pin 8 to motor power (e.g., 9V)
• Connect Pin 16 to 5V on Arduino

Sample Arduino Code

int enA = 9;
int in1 = 2;
int in2 = 3;

void setup() {
pinMode(enA, OUTPUT);
pinMode(in1, OUTPUT);
pinMode(in2, OUTPUT);

digitalWrite(in1, HIGH);
digitalWrite(in2, LOW);
analogWrite(enA, 150); // Motor speed (0-255)
}

void loop() {
// Motor runs forward
delay(3000);

// Reverse direction
digitalWrite(in1, LOW);
digitalWrite(in2, HIGH);
delay(3000);
}

Applications of L293D

• Line-following robots
• Obstacle-avoiding cars
• Conveyor belts and robotics arms
• DIY RC vehicles

Conclusion

The L293D Motor Driver IC provides a simple and effective way to control DC motors in your electronics projects. It’s ideal for beginners and a staple for robotics enthusiasts.

Shop L293D ICs and compatible motors today at Rdxlectronics.com and get moving on your next invention!