STMicroelectronics L298P
- Part No.:
- L298P
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Full Half-Bridge (H Bridge) Drivers
- Package:
- 20-SOIC (0.433", 11.00mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
L298P.pdf
- Description:
- IC HALF BRIDGE DRIVER POWERSO-20
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:613
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
L298P from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage, high-current dual full-bridge motor driver IC designed for bidirectional control of DC and bipolar stepper motors. It supports up to 46 V supply voltage, delivers up to 4 A total DC current (2 A per channel), and features integrated overtemperature protection and low saturation voltage (1.8 V typical total drop at 1 A). Its TTL-compatible inputs and independent enable pins make it suitable for industrial motion control and robotics interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the L298P datasheet, L298P pinout, L298P application, or L298P equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual H-bridge architecture, current-sensing capability via Sense A/B pins, thermal resistance (13 °C/W junction-to-ambient in PowerSO-20), logic-level compatibility (1.5 V max input low voltage), and parallel-output configuration support for higher current loads.
Technical Context
The L298P integrates two independent power output stages-Bridge A (Inputs 1/2, Outputs 1/2, Enable A, Sense A) and Bridge B (Inputs 3/4, Outputs 3/4, Enable B, Sense B)-each configured as a standard NPN-PNP complementary emitter-follower full-bridge. Each bridge uses external sensing resistors connected between Sense and GND to monitor load current for overcurrent protection or closed-loop control.
It employs separate supply rails: VS (up to 46 V) powers the output transistors, while VSS (4.5–7 V) powers the TTL-compatible logic stage. Input and enable signals tolerate noise up to 1.5 V low-level threshold, and switching times range from 0.1 μs (sink rise) to 3 μs (source turn-off delay with enable), enabling PWM operation up to 40 kHz at 2 A load.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage (VS) | Up to 46 V - enables direct interface with 24 V and 48 V industrial motor supplies without level-shifting. |
| DC Output Current | 2 A per channel - sufficient for driving medium-power DC motors (e.g., 12–36 V, ≤50 W) or bipolar stepper coils (e.g., NEMA 17). |
| Total Saturation Drop | 1.8 V typ. at 1 A - limits conduction loss to ~1.8 W per channel, reducing heatsink requirements in continuous operation. |
| Logic Supply (VSS) | 4.5–7 V - allows coexistence with 5 V microcontrollers while isolating logic noise from power stage. |
| Sensing Voltage Range | –1 V to +2 V - supports bidirectional current sensing and fast overcurrent shutdown via external comparator circuits. |
| Thermal Resistance (j-amb) | 13 °C/W (PowerSO-20 on aluminum substrate) - enables 25 W dissipation at 75 °C case temperature, critical for sustained 2 A operation. |
| Input Low Voltage Max | 1.5 V - provides robust noise immunity in electrically noisy motor drive environments (e.g., factory automation). |
Pinout & Package
Package: PowerSO-20 - thermally enhanced surface-mount package with exposed metal slug (pin 8) tied to GND, optimized for high-power dissipation in compact layouts.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 15 | Sense A / Sense B | Current-sense nodes for Bridges A and B; connect external low-inductance shunt resistor (e.g., 0.5 Ω) to GND for real-time load current monitoring. |
| 2, 3, 4, 5 | Out 1 / Out 2 / Out 3 / Out 4 | Bridge A and B output terminals; each pair (1–2, 3–4) forms a full H-bridge capable of bidirectional current flow through motor windings. |
| 4 | VS | Main power supply input for output transistors; requires local 100 nF non-inductive capacitor to GND for stability under PWM switching. |
| 5, 7, 10, 12 | Input 1 / Input 2 / Input 3 / Input 4 | TTL-compatible logic inputs controlling bridge direction; paired per bridge (e.g., In1/In2 set forward/reverse/brake for Bridge A). |
| 6, 11 | Enable A / Enable B | Independent TTL-enable lines; low state disables respective bridge output regardless of input states, enabling hardware-level safety shutdown. |
| 8 | GND (Tab) | Exposed thermal pad (pin 8) - must be soldered to PCB copper pour for thermal conduction; electrically connected to all internal GND nodes. |
| 9 | VSS | Dedicated logic supply rail; decoupled with 100 nF capacitor to GND to prevent noise coupling into control circuitry. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent full-bridge topology | Enables simultaneous control of two DC motors or one 2-phase bipolar stepper motor without external gate drivers. |
| Integrated overtemperature protection | Automatic shutdown when junction temperature exceeds safe limit (130 °C), preventing latch-up or permanent damage during overload or poor heatsinking. |
| Separate logic and power supplies (VSS/VS) | Eliminates need for level shifters when interfacing with 3.3 V or 5 V MCUs while driving 46 V motors - reduces BOM count and layout complexity. |
| Current sensing at Sense A/B pins | Supports analog current feedback for closed-loop torque control or digital overcurrent detection using simple comparators - no external current sensors required. |
| Parallel output capability | Channels 1+4 and 2+3 can be paralleled to increase current capacity to 3 A DC (per bridge), extending usability to higher-power applications without redesign. |
Applications
| Industrial CNC Axis Control | Autonomous Mobile Robot Drive |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Precise bidirectional positioning of linear actuators in CNC milling machines using microstepping with external controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual full-bridge driver executing step/direction commands from motion controller; Sense A/B pins feed current feedback to L6506 for chopper-based current regulation. Use Value: Enables smooth microstepping at 2 A coil current with <1.8 V conduction loss, minimizing heat generation and improving positional accuracy under variable load. |
Use Scenario: Differential drive for wheeled AMR platforms requiring independent left/right motor control with dynamic braking and stall detection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary motor interface IC; Enable A/B pins synchronized to MCU PWM for regenerative braking; Sense A/B used for stall detection and battery current limiting. Use Value: Delivers 2 A per wheel at 24 V with <1.5 V input noise margin, ensuring reliable operation in EMI-heavy warehouse environments with minimal firmware intervention. |
| Lab Equipment Motorized Stage | 3D Printer Extruder & Z-Axis Driver |
|
Use Scenario: High-reliability XY translation stage in optical alignment systems requiring silent, jitter-free motion at low speeds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stepper motor driver (with L297) for bipolar 2-phase motor; VSS powered from clean 5 V rail to minimize timing jitter on step pulses. Use Value: 40 kHz commutation frequency supports high-resolution microstepping; low saturation voltage ensures consistent torque across 0–2 A range without thermal drift. |
Use Scenario: Compact dual-motor driver board for entry-level 3D printers handling extruder and Z-axis simultaneously. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel H-bridge managing both stepper motors; PowerSO-20 package allows dense PCB layout with shared thermal plane for both bridges. Use Value: Integrated overtemperature protection prevents nozzle jam-induced thermal runaway; parallel output mode supports future upgrade to higher-torque Z-motors (≤3 A). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual full-bridge motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TB6612FNG | Lower voltage (15 V max), higher efficiency MOSFET outputs (0.5 Ω Rds(on)), no integrated current sense pins. | Better suited for battery-powered 3.3/5 V systems (e.g., drones, portable devices); lacks analog current monitoring capability. | Select when efficiency and low standby current (<10 μA) outweigh need for >24 V operation or current feedback. |
| VNH2SP30 | Single-channel 30 V/30 A H-bridge with integrated current sense amplifier; higher peak current but no dual-bridge integration. | Requires two ICs for dual-motor control; includes built-in op-amp for direct ADC interfacing - simplifies current measurement. | Select when precise analog current readout is mandatory and board space allows dual IC placement. |
Compared with TB6612FNG and VNH2SP30, the L298P uniquely balances 46 V operation, dual-bridge integration, and accessible current sense nodes - making it optimal for industrial 24–48 V systems where reliability, thermal robustness, and design simplicity are prioritized over ultra-low quiescent current or monolithic current amplification.
Availability
L298P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial CNC axis control, autonomous mobile robot drive, lab equipment motorized stages, and 3D printer extruder & Z-axis driver applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for L298P 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, automotive, and consumer markets.
The L298P belongs to ST's legacy high-voltage motor driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective bidirectional DC and stepper motor control in harsh industrial environments where thermal resilience and noise immunity are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous current per channel for L298P in PowerSO-20 package?
The L298P supports 2 A DC per channel continuously when mounted on an aluminum substrate with thermal resistance of 13 °C/W (junction-to-ambient), as specified in Table 2 of DS0218 Rev 5. Exceeding this requires paralleling outputs or active cooling, since junction temperature must remain below 130 °C under worst-case ambient conditions.
Can L298P drive a unipolar stepper motor?
No - the L298P is designed exclusively for bipolar stepper motors or dual DC motors. Its full-bridge topology reverses polarity across each winding, which is incompatible with unipolar stepper configurations that require center-tapped coils and phase-specific current steering via transistor arrays.
How should the Sense A and Sense B pins be used for overcurrent protection?
Connect a low-value, low-inductance shunt resistor (e.g., 0.5 Ω) between Sense A/B and GND. Monitor the resulting voltage (–1 V to +2 V range) with a comparator referenced to 0.5–1 V threshold; assert Enable A/B low upon overcurrent detection. This method leverages the IC's native sensing path without external amplifiers.
Is L298P RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?
Yes - the L298P is offered in ECOPACK2-compliant PowerSO-20 packaging, meeting RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and halogen-free requirements per IEC 61249-2-21. Full compliance documentation is available in ST's ECOPACK database at www.st.com/ecopack.
L298P Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-SOIC (0.433", 11.00mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (4)
- Applications:
- DC Motors, Relays, Solenoids, Stepper Motors
- Interface:
- Logic
- Load Type:
- Inductive
- Technology:
- Bipolar
- Rds On (Typ):
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- -
- Current - Peak Output:
- 2A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 7V
- Voltage - Load:
- 4.8V ~ 46V
- Operating Temperature:
- -25°C ~ 130°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Features:
- -
- Fault Protection:
- Current Limiting, Over Temperature
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- PowerSO-20
L298P FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L298P through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L298P 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 L298P reliable?
The price and inventory of L298P are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L298P is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L298P?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L298P transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L298P?
L298P orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L298P 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 L298P?
For technical support, including L298P datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L298P requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L298P is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L298P 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 L298P meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L298P?
All L298P units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L298P, 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 L298P part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L298P:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
L298P Tags
-
NCP1393BDR2G
onsemi

-
A3909GLNTR-T
Allegro MicroSystems
-
NCP51530BDR2G
onsemi

-
A3909GLYTR-T
Allegro MicroSystems

-
SIC631CD-T1-GE3
Vishay Siliconix

-
BTN70301EPAXUMA1
Infineon Technologies

-
TDA21520AUMA1
Infineon Technologies

-
AOZ5116QI
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Inc.

-
IRSM005-301MHTR
Infineon Technologies

-
IRSM005-301MH
Infineon Technologies

-
MP6610GJ-Z
Monolithic Power Systems Inc.

-
DRV8908QPWPRQ1
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

