The L293D is the classic chip for quickly and easily adding motor control to a project. The 4 channels of this motor driver can be used to control 2 bi-directional DC motors, or 1 stepper motor. Each channel can provide 600mA continuous current and 1.2A peak current.

Note: The L293D contains integrated diodes to protect the chip and your project from the kickback of inductive loads such as motors or solenoids. If you use the the alternative SN754410 chip then you will need to add in these protection diodes yourself.

Features

• Wide Supply-Voltage Range: 4.5 V to 36 V
• Separate Input-Logic Supply
• Internal ESD Protection
• Thermal Shutdown
• High-Noise-Immunity Inputs
• Output Current 600mA Per Channel
• Peak Output Current 1.2A Per Channel
• Output Clamp Diodes for Inductive Transient Suppression (L293D)

Useful Links

Datasheet for L293D from ST Microelectronics (the part we stock)

Datasheet for L293DNE - a functionally equivilant chip from Texas Instruments. This datasheet is useful as it has better application diagrams than the one from ST Microelectronics