STMicroelectronics L298HN

Overview

L298HN from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage, high-current dual full-bridge motor driver IC in Multiwatt-15 H package, designed to drive inductive loads including DC and bipolar stepper motors. It supports up to 46 V supply voltage, delivers up to 2 A DC per channel, features integrated current sensing via Sense A/B pins, and includes overtemperature protection and TTL-compatible logic inputs.

For engineers reviewing the L298HN datasheet, L298HN pinout, L298HN application, or L298HN equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-bridge topology, 2 A continuous output capability per channel, low saturation voltage (≤1.7 V at 1 A), independent enable control for each bridge, and compatibility with microcontroller GPIOs for bidirectional motor control and current limiting.

Technical Context

The L298HN integrates two independent H-bridge power stages, each controlled by two TTL-compatible input pins and one dedicated enable pin-allowing precise direction and on/off control per channel. Its emitter-follower output stage enables direct driving of inductive loads without external flyback diodes when used with external freewheeling diodes.

Each bridge provides dedicated sense terminals (Sense A, Sense B) connected to the emitters of lower transistors, enabling real-time load current monitoring using external shunt resistors. An auxiliary logic supply pin (VSS) allows operation at 5 V while the power stage runs at up to 46 V, decoupling noise-sensitive logic from high-power switching.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Multiwatt-15 H - 15-pin vertical-mount power package with integrated metal heat slug (pin 8) for enhanced thermal dissipation. Mounting requires mechanical fixation and thermal interface to heatsink.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual full-bridge motor driver applications.

Compared with STK682-010-E and VNQ5E050AKTR-E, the L298HN offers unmatched flexibility for both brushed DC and bipolar stepper control in a single IC, with user-configurable current sensing and direct TTL interface - making it optimal for prototyping, cost-sensitive industrial drives, and mixed-motor systems.

Availability

L298HN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for robotics actuation, CNC motion control, and automotive accessory systems requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for L298HN 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, Switzerland, specializing in power management, motion control, and microcontroller solutions for industrial and automotive markets.

The L298HN belongs to ST's legacy power driver product line, engineered for ruggedized motor control in cost-sensitive, high-reliability applications where discrete H-bridge implementation is impractical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current per channel for L298HN?

The L298HN supports 2 A DC output current per channel under recommended thermal conditions (T_j ≤ 75 °C, R_{th j-case} = 3 °C/W). At 2 A, typical saturation voltage is 2.7 V, resulting in ~5.4 W dissipation per bridge - requiring adequate heatsinking. Derating is necessary above ambient temperatures of 50 °C.

Can L298HN drive a unipolar stepper motor?

No - the L298HN is optimized for bipolar stepper motors with center-tapped or dual-winding configurations. Unipolar steppers require five- or six-wire connections and phase-specific current sinking, which the L298HN's dual full-bridge topology does not support without external circuitry.

How should the Sense A and Sense B pins be used for overcurrent protection?

Connect a low-value shunt resistor (e.g., 0.5 Ω) between Sense A/B and GND. Monitor the voltage drop: exceeding +2 V triggers overcurrent condition. Use an external comparator (e.g., LM393) to pull Enable A/B low when Vsens exceeds threshold - implementing fast hardware shutdown before thermal limit is reached.

Is L298HN pin-compatible with L298N or L298P?

No - L298HN uses the Multiwatt-15 H package with distinct pin layout and thermal slug orientation versus L298N (Multiwatt-15 V) and L298P (PowerSO-20). While electrical functionality is identical, PCB footprints and heatsinking methods differ significantly; mechanical redesign is required for substitution.