Texas Instruments L293DWP

Overview

L293DWP from Texas Instruments is a quadruple half-H high-current driver IC designed to control inductive loads such as DC motors, bipolar stepper motors, solenoids, and relays. It delivers up to 600 mA continuous output current per channel, operates from 4.5 V to 36 V on the power supply (VCC2), and uses a separate 5-V logic supply (VCC1). Its integrated clamp diodes enable robust transient suppression in motor drive applications.

For engineers reviewing the L293DWP datasheet, L293DWP pinout, L293DWP application, or L293DWP equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel current capability (600 mA), dual enable architecture (1,2EN / 3,4EN), thermal performance (RθJA = 36.4°C/W), TTL-compatible inputs, and PDIP-16 package compatibility with standard through-hole prototyping and industrial control boards.

Technical Context

The L293DWP implements four independent totem-pole output stages, each combining a Darlington sink and pseudo-Darlington source. Channel pairs are controlled by dedicated active-high enables: 1,2EN governs outputs 1Y/2Y, and 3,4EN governs 3Y/4Y - enabling precise sequencing in bidirectional motor control.

It features internal output clamp diodes for inductive kickback suppression (distinguishing it from the L293), separate logic (VCC1) and motor (VCC2) supplies to minimize cross-coupling, and high-noise-immunity TTL-compatible inputs tolerant to 7 V - supporting direct interfacing with microcontrollers and logic families without level-shifting.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PDIP-16 (19.80 mm × 6.35 mm), through-hole, RoHS-compliant, with exposed ground pins (4, 5, 12, 13) for thermal and electrical grounding via PCB vias.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SN754410 and TD350, the L293DWP delivers better thermal margin in PDIP-16 form factor and includes integrated clamp diodes - reducing system-level design effort for motor and relay interfaces where board space and BOM simplicity are prioritized over current sensing or SMT footprint.

Availability

L293DWP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC motor control, bipolar stepper drive, latching relay interface, and solenoid actuation applications requiring stable component supply across prototyping, industrial automation, and embedded motion control programs.

Supply support for L293DWP 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-reliability components for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The L293x family was engineered for cost-effective, robust control of medium-power inductive loads in educational, hobbyist, and industrial motion systems - emphasizing ease of use, fault tolerance, and broad voltage compatibility.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel for the L293DWP?

The L293DWP supports a maximum continuous output current of 600 mA per channel under recommended operating conditions (TA = 0°C to 70°C, with adequate PCB copper heatsinking). This value is confirmed in Section 6.1 of the SLRS008D datasheet. Exceeding 600 mA continuously risks thermal shutdown; peak current up to 1.2 A is allowed for ≤100 µs pulses. The L293DWP's thermal resistance (RθJA = 36.4°C/W) must be considered when calculating actual power dissipation in your layout.

Does the L293DWP require external flyback diodes when driving inductive loads?

No, the L293DWP does not require external flyback diodes because it integrates output clamp diodes for inductive transient suppression - a key distinction from the L293. This feature is explicitly documented in the Features and Description sections of the SLRS008D datasheet. These internal diodes route energy from inductive kickback safely to VCC2 and GND, reducing component count and improving reliability in relay, solenoid, and motor applications. Always verify layout grounding of pins 4, 5, 12, and 13 for optimal diode performance.

Can the L293DWP drive a bipolar stepper motor, and how are the phases connected?

Yes, the L293DWP can drive a 4-wire bipolar stepper motor by assigning each winding to a pair of outputs: e.g., winding A to 1Y/2Y (controlled by 1,2EN and 1A/2A) and winding B to 3Y/4Y (controlled by 3,4EN and 3A/4A). The SLRS008D datasheet confirms this in Figure 8 (Two-Phase Motor Driver) and Section 9.3.1. Proper sequencing of A-inputs and EN signals enables full-step, half-step, or microstepping (with external current control). The L293DWP's 600 mA rating suits small- to medium-torque steppers; ensure VCC2 matches motor voltage and thermal design accommodates combined channel dissipation.

What is the purpose of the separate VCC1 and VCC2 supplies on the L293DWP?

VCC1 (5 V) powers the internal logic circuitry and input buffers, while VCC2 (4.5–36 V) supplies the high-current output stages. This separation minimizes noise coupling from motor switching into logic inputs - ensuring stable MCU interfacing without additional filtering. The SLRS008D datasheet specifies VCC1 must be 4.5–7 V (typically 5 V), and VCC2 may be the same or higher. Both require local bypass capacitors (≥0.1 µF); improper decoupling risks erratic enable behavior or output oscillation. This dual-supply architecture is fundamental to the L293DWP's robustness in mixed-signal environments.

Is the L293DWP pin-compatible with the L293NE or L293DNE?

Yes, the L293DWP is pin-compatible with the L293NE and L293DNE because all three use the PDIP-16 (NE) package with identical pin configuration and function mapping, as confirmed in the "Device Information" table and Pin Configuration section of SLRS008D. However, note that L293DWP is a specific ordering variant - likely indicating wafer lot or assembly site differentiation - and shares identical electrical specifications with L293DNE. Functional substitution is valid, but always verify packaging markings and TI's latest orderable addendum for status and marking consistency before design-in.