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Texas Instruments L293N
- Part No.:
- L293N
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
L293N.pdf
- Description:
- IC MTR DRV BIPOLAR 4.5-36V 16DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,406
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Product details
Overview
L293N from Texas Instruments is a quadruple high-current half-H driver IC designed for bidirectional control of inductive loads including DC motors, bipolar stepper motors, solenoids, and relays. It delivers up to 1 A continuous output current per channel at supply voltages from 4.5 V to 36 V, features separate logic (VCC1) and motor (VCC2) supplies, and operates across 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature.
For engineers reviewing the L293N datasheet, L293N pinout, L293N application, or L293N equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning for key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed alternative options, and supply-chain support details specific to the L293NEE4 ordering variant.
Technical Context
The L293N implements four independent half-H driver stages, each with a Darlington transistor sink and pseudo-Darlington source, enabling full-bridge (H-bridge) operation when paired via shared enable inputs (1,2EN and 3,4EN). Inputs are TTL-compatible and tolerate up to 7 V, while outputs clamp to VCC2 ±1.3 V on the L293D-but the L293N requires external clamp diodes for inductive transient suppression.
It uses dual-supply architecture: VCC1 (4.5–7 V) powers internal logic translation, minimizing dissipation; VCC2 (4.5–36 V) supplies the output drivers. Thermal performance is defined by RθJA = 36.4°C/W (PDIP), requiring heatsinking above ~350 mA/channel to avoid thermal shutdown at 70°C ambient.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Continuous Output Current | 1 A per channel - supports medium-power DC/stepper motors without external current boosting |
| Peak Output Current | 2 A per channel (≤5 ms) - enables short-duration torque bursts during motor startup or stall recovery |
| Supply Voltage Range (VCC2) | 4.5 V to 36 V - accommodates 5 V logic-level systems up to 24 V industrial motors |
| Logic Supply (VCC1) | 4.5 V to 7 V - decouples logic power from motor rail, reducing noise coupling and self-heating |
| Input Voltage Tolerance | Up to 7 V - allows direct interface with 5 V microcontrollers without level-shifting |
| Propagation Delay | 800 ns (tPLH/tPHL) - sufficient for PWM frequencies ≤100 kHz in motor control loops |
| Junction Temperature Limit | 150°C - defines maximum allowable die temperature before thermal shutdown activates |
Pinout & Package
Package: PDIP-16 (19.80 mm × 6.35 mm), through-hole, RoHS-compliant, with pins 4/5/12/13 internally connected to ground and intended for heatsink attachment via PCB copper pour or external metal tab.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1,2EN | Enable input (active-high) | Activates channels 1 and 2 simultaneously; must be high for 1A/2A inputs to affect 1Y/2Y outputs |
| 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A | Noninverting logic inputs | Directly control corresponding Y outputs when respective EN is asserted; TTL-compatible |
| 1Y, 2Y, 3Y, 4Y | Driver outputs | High-current totem-pole outputs capable of sourcing/sinking 1 A; require external flyback diodes |
| 3,4EN | Enable input (active-high) | Activates channels 3 and 4 simultaneously; independent of 1,2EN for dual-motor control |
| VCC1 | Logic supply | 5 V ±0.5 V recommended; powers input buffers and internal logic only-not output stage |
| VCC2 | Motor supply | 4.5–36 V power rail for all four output drivers; bypass with ≥0.1 µF capacitor near pin |
| GND (pins 4,5,12,13) | Ground / heatsink terminal | All four pins tied internally; must connect to large PCB ground plane or external heatsink for thermal management |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Quadruple half-H architecture | Enables two independent H-bridges (e.g., dual DC motors or one 4-wire bipolar stepper) using minimal external components |
| Dual-supply operation (VCC1/VCC2) | Isolates logic noise from motor supply ripple, improving MCU stability and reducing EMI coupling |
| TTL-compatible inputs | Accepts standard 5 V logic levels directly-no level shifters needed for Arduino, PIC, or STM32 GPIO |
| Internal ESD protection | HBM ±2000 V and CDM ±1000 V ratings reduce susceptibility to handling damage during assembly |
| High-noise-immunity inputs | Guards against false triggering in electrically noisy environments like motor drives or industrial controls |
Applications
| DC Motor Control | Stepper Motor Driving |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Bidirectional speed and direction control of small-to-medium DC motors in robotics or actuation systems. IC Role / Device Role: Half-H driver providing reversible current flow per motor winding using complementary A/Y pairs and EN control. Use Value: Enables full H-bridge functionality with only two L293N devices (or one L293N + external diodes), supporting 1 A continuous load per channel. |
Use Scenario: Driving 4-wire bipolar stepper motors in open-loop position control for CNC stages or 3D printer axes. IC Role / Device Role: Four-channel phase driver delivering synchronized current pulses to both windings with polarity reversal. Use Value: Allows microstepping-capable controllers to sequence 1A/2A/3A/4A inputs for precise step resolution without external H-bridge ICs. |
| Relay/Solenoid Interface | Industrial Actuator Control |
Use Scenario: Replacing mechanical relay drivers in PLC I/O modules or HVAC control panels where solid-state switching is preferred. IC Role / Device Role: High-voltage, high-current buffer between low-power logic and inductive coil loads. Use Value: Eliminates need for discrete transistor arrays and freewheeling diodes-reduces BOM count and board space. |
Use Scenario: Controlling linear actuators or pneumatic valves in factory automation equipment operating from 12–24 V supplies. IC Role / Device Role: Robust interface IC managing surge currents during valve coil energization/de-energization. Use Value: Withstands 36 V transients and delivers 2 A peak current, ensuring reliable actuation under varying line conditions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quadruple half-H driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| L293DNE | Integrated output clamp diodes; 600 mA continuous current per channel vs. L293N's 1 A | Reduces external component count but limits max motor current; better suited for lower-power stepper or relay loads | Select L293DNE when board space is constrained and load current ≤600 mA; verify thermal margin at 70°C ambient |
| SN754410NE | PIN-to-PIN compatible with L293N; identical 1 A continuous rating and PDIP-16 package; same VCC1/VCC2 architecture | No functional difference in motor driving capability; TI-qualified second-source with identical timing and thermal specs | SN754410NE is a drop-in replacement offering supply chain redundancy without design change or layout modification |
Compared with L293N, the L293DNE trades 40% lower current capacity for integrated protection diodes, while SN754410NE provides identical electrical and mechanical compatibility as a qualified alternate source-making it ideal for BOM diversification without redesign.
Availability
L293N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for robotics motor control, industrial actuator interfaces, and educational electronics projects requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for L293N 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 connectivity technologies, with decades of experience in motor control and power interface solutions.
The L293N belongs to TI's legacy quadruple half-H driver product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, medium-current DC and stepper motor applications in industrial, automotive, and educational markets.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous current per channel for the L293N?
The L293N supports 1 A continuous output current per channel under recommended operating conditions (TA ≤70°C, adequate heatsinking). This rating assumes proper PCB thermal design-using pins 4/5/12/13 as ground/heat-sink terminals and connecting them to a large copper area. Exceeding 1 A continuously risks thermal shutdown or reliability degradation.
Does the L293N include internal flyback diodes?
No, the L293N does not integrate output clamp diodes. Unlike the L293DNE, it requires external fast-recovery diodes (e.g., 1N5819 or SES5001) connected across each motor winding to suppress inductive kickback. This design choice allows higher current handling but increases external component count.
Can the L293N drive a bipolar stepper motor?
Yes, the L293N can drive a 4-wire bipolar stepper motor by configuring two half-H bridges-one per winding-using channels 1&2 (1A/1Y/2A/2Y) and channels 3&4 (3A/3Y/4A/4Y). Proper sequencing of input signals enables full-step, half-step, or microstepping when paired with a compatible controller.
What is the purpose of the separate VCC1 and VCC2 supplies on the L293N?
VCC1 (4.5–7 V) powers only the logic input stage and internal level translators, isolating sensitive control circuitry from motor supply noise. VCC2 (4.5–36 V) supplies the high-current output drivers. This separation reduces ground bounce, improves noise immunity, and allows mixed-voltage system designs-for example, 5 V MCU logic with 24 V motor rails.
Is the L293N pin-compatible with the SN754410NE?
Yes, the L293N and SN754410NE are pin-to-pin compatible in the PDIP-16 package, share identical electrical specifications (1 A continuous current, 2 A peak, same enable/input/output pin mapping), and require identical external circuitry-including external flyback diodes. The SN754410NE serves as a fully qualified second-source alternative.
L293N Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- Bipolar
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- Brushed DC
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (4)
- Interface:
- Parallel
- Technology:
- Bipolar
- Step Resolution:
- -
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Current - Output:
- 1A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 36V
- Voltage - Load:
- 4.5V ~ 36V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-PDIP
L293N FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L293N through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L293N on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for L293N reliable?
The price and inventory of L293N are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L293N is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L293N?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L293N transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L293N?
L293N orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L293N order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for L293N?
For technical support, including L293N datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L293N requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L293N is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L293N products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that L293N meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L293N?
All L293N units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L293N, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The L293N part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L293N:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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