STMicroelectronics L293DD013TR

Overview

L293DD013TR from STMicroelectronics is a quad half-H-bridge motor driver IC designed for bidirectional control of DC and stepper motors, relays, and solenoids. It delivers 600 mA continuous output current per channel (1.2 A non-repetitive peak), features integrated clamp diodes, independent enable inputs per channel pair, and dual supply rails (VS up to 36 V, VSS = 4.5–36 V) for logic-level compatibility.

For engineers reviewing the L293DD013TR datasheet, L293DD013TR pinout, L293DD013TR application, or L293DD013TR equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel saturation voltage (V_CE(sat)H ≤ 1.8 V at –0.6 A), thermal resistance (R_{th j-pins} = 14 °C/W), switching speed (t_on ≤ 750 ns), noise-immune logic inputs (V_IL ≤ 1.5 V), and SO20 package heatsinking via 8-center-pin thermal pad.

Technical Context

The L293DD013TR implements four independent push-pull output stages with internal freewheeling diodes, enabling direct inductive load driving without external protection components. Each pair of channels (1&2, 3&4) shares a dedicated enable input (pins 1 and 11), allowing synchronous activation of dual H-bridges for stepper motor phase control.

It uses separate power supplies: VS (pin 10) powers the output drivers (up to 36 V), while VSS (pin 20) powers the TTL/DTL-compatible logic interface (4.5–36 V). Thermal management relies on the 8-center-pin thermal pad connected to PCB copper area, achieving R_{th j-amb} = 50 °C/W with 6 cm² heatsink.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The L293DD013TR is housed in a 20-lead SOIC package (SO20, type SO(12+4+4)) with an exposed 8-pin thermal pad (pins 5–8 and 13–16) internally connected for heatsinking. Pin pitch is 1.27 mm; body dimensions are 12.6 × 7.6 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad half-H-bridge motor driver applications.

Compared with TB6612FNG and VNQ5E050AKTR-E, the L293DD013TR offers integrated diodes and simple TTL interface at the cost of higher conduction loss, making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained industrial motion control where design simplicity outweighs peak efficiency.

Availability

L293DD013TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC motor control, stepper positioning systems, relay/solenoid actuation, and industrial I/O interface designs requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for L293DD013TR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing analog, MCU, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L293DD013TR belongs to ST's legacy power driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-complexity motor and solenoid control in cost-sensitive industrial automation and instrumentation applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating junction temperature for the L293DD013TR?

The absolute maximum junction temperature is 150 °C, but continuous operation above 125 °C is not recommended. With the thermal pad properly soldered to ≥6 cm² PCB copper, the device sustains 4 W total power dissipation at T_pins = 90 °C, corresponding to ~115 °C junction under typical ambient conditions.

Can the L293DD013TR drive a 12 V, 1 A DC motor?

No - its continuous output rating is 600 mA per channel. While it supports 1.2 A peak for ≤100 µs (e.g., startup surge), sustained 1 A exceeds safe operating area and risks thermal shutdown or permanent damage. For 1 A loads, use parallel channels (not recommended due to mismatch) or select a higher-current driver like the DRV8876.

Is a heat sink required for the L293DD013TR in SO20 package?

Yes - the 8-center-pin thermal pad must be soldered to a minimum 6 cm² copper pour on the PCB to achieve the rated 4 W power dissipation. Without this, R_{th j-amb} rises to ~80 °C/W (equivalent to DIP package), limiting usable power to ~1.5 W at 70 °C ambient - insufficient for full-load operation.

Does the L293DD013TR support PWM speed control?

Yes - it operates reliably up to 5 kHz switching frequency, making it suitable for standard PWM-based DC motor speed control. However, due to relatively slow turn-on delay (750 ns) and saturation voltage, efficiency drops above 2–3 kHz; optimal PWM range is 1–3 kHz with appropriate gate drive timing.