L293D Motor Driver Working Operation

Motor drivers are integrated circuit chips that are utilized for controlling motors within an autonomous robot. They also serve as an interface between motors and microprocessors in the robot. Motor Driver ICs are available in different series including L293 series like the L293D, L293NE and many more. Each of these series is designed to seamlessly and simultaneously control 2DC. 

With the L293D series there are two H-bridges. It’s worth noting that the H-bridge is a simple circuit that controls a low current rated motor. In this article you will learn more about the L293D motor including its working operation. Continue reading for more. 

Overview of L293D Motor Driver

The L293D is a dual H bridge motor driver IC with channels that can drive a motor allowing for the control of separate motors independently. This configuration of this circuit also allows the application of voltage across a load in multiple directions. It also allows for reverse and forward motor control. An important thing to understand is that it is designed to handle a current of up to 600mA per channel and supply voltages of up to 36V. 

Key Features

The L293D is a popular motor driver integrated circuit (IC) commonly used in robotics and automation projects. It allows a microcontroller to control the speed and direction of two DC motors or one stepper motor. The IC is versatile and can drive inductive loads such as relays, solenoids, and bipolar stepper motors, making it a crucial component in motor control applications.

Here are the key features of the L293D motor drivers:

• Thermal shutdown and high temperature protection
• Output current of up to 1.2A at peak. 
• Separate input logic which allows for the control of both motors across diverse logic levels. 
• Dual H bridge which helps to drive two DC motors

Importance of Motor Driver IC

The first thing to note about the L293D motor driver is that they have up to 16 pins which are 4 ground pins, 4 input pins, 4 output pins, 2 voltage pins, and 2 enable pins. More information about each of these pins is presented below in this article. 

Motor driver ICs are mostly utilized in autonomous robotics alone as mentioned earlier. Another thing to note is that the majority of microprocessors that you’ll find mostly operate on low voltage. They also require very little current to operate maximally. In addition it’s worth noting that their motors require a relatively higher current and voltages. With that current cannot be supplied from the microprocessors to the motors. This is where the motor driver IC comes in handy. 

Working Operation of Motor Drivers

The L293D motors are designed to receive signals from microprocessors after which they transmit these signals to various motors. There are two voltage pins for this purpose with the first one designed to draw current for the effective working of the L293D while the other pin is used in applying voltage to the motors. A key thing to understand about this mechanism is that the L293D switches its output signal based on the input that it receives from the microprocessors. 

For instance in a case where the microprocessor sends 1 digital high to the input pin it is expected that the L293D will transmit a 1 digital high to the output pin. Another key thing to note is that the L293D basically transmits signals without causing any changes to the signal. 

As mentioned earlier, L293D has up to 16 pin IC with eight on each side and they are all designed to seamlessly control the motor. There are 2 output and 2 input pins alongside 1 enable pin designed on each motor. Basically, L293D features two H-bridges which is also regarded as the simplest circuit designed to control low current rated motors. 

Operational Modes

The L293D can operate in different modes depending on the inputs provided:

• Mode 1: Forward Rotation:
  • Input IN1 is high and IN2 is low.
  • Motor rotates in a forward direction.
• Mode 2: Reverse Rotation:
  • Input IN1 is low and IN2 is high.
  • Motor rotates in reverse.
• Mode 3: Brake:
  • Both IN1 and IN2 are high or low.
  • Motor comes to a halt.
• Mode 4: Stop:
  • Enable pin is low.
  • Motor is off.

Configuration and Description of the Pins

There are 16 pins in L293D motor drivers and each of these pins is designed for specific points. You can find more about the L293D motor driver on the Datasheet. With that said here’s an overview of the different pins:

• Pins 1 (Enable 1-2) and 9 (Enable 3-4): These pins disable or enable the IC channels. For high the corresponding motor is powered and the same follows for low in which the motor will be off irrespective of the input logic. 
• Pins 2, 7, 10, 15 (Input Pins): The pins are designed to mediate the operation of the H bridges. Logic is also applied here as it determines the rotational direction of the motor. 
• Pins 3, 6, 11, 14 (Output Pins): These pins are connected to the terminals of the motor. Output is dependent on the logic of the input pins.
• Pins 4, 5, 12, 13 (Ground): Ground pins are all connected to the ground.
• Pins 8 (Vcc2, Motor Supply): These pins are designed to power up the motors and provide power between 4.5V and 36V depending on the requirements of the motor. 
• Pin 16 (Vcc1, Logic Supply): The pins provide power to the logic circuitry of the IC and it operates at 5V. 

Applications of L239D

L293D is used for diverse applications among which include:

• Robotics: For controlling the movement of robot wheels or arms.
• Automation Systems: In conveyor belts, automated gates, and other motor-driven systems.
• Toys and Models: For controlling small DC motors in hobby projects.
• Home Appliances: In appliances where motor control is essential, such as in washing machines or fans.

Conclusion

The L293D motor driver IC is a robust and versatile component widely used in motor control applications. Its ability to control the speed and direction of two motors independently, along with its protective features makes it an ideal choice for a variety of projects. Whether you are working on a simple hobby project or a more complex automation system, understanding the operation and application of the L293D will help you effectively control motors in your designs.

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