ChipScout

Power

L298N

Legacy dual H-bridge motor driver module used in beginner robot kits despite poor efficiency.

STMicroelectronicsActiveEasy

Best For

Projects needing Motor driver and Beginner with a commonly available power part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

L298N is indexed as a power part from STMicroelectronics. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

FunctionDual H-bridgeSource: STMicroelectronics
MotorDC / stepperSource: STMicroelectronics
InterfaceGPIO / PWMSource: STMicroelectronics
Working Voltage5V logicSource: STMicroelectronics

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

  • Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
  • Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
GPIOPWM
Wireless
None
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython pending
Data Integrity80% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.st.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Datasheethttps://www.st.com/STMicroelectronicsLibraryL298N Arduino library lookupArduino

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
SignalMCU GPIO / ADCUse a digital input, output, PWM, or ADC pin based on the module output type.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

Signal

Use a digital input, output, PWM, or ADC pin based on the module output type.

Arduino Example

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.println("L298N GPIO wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace with the maintained L298N library or module protocol.
  Serial.println("Read or toggle the connected signal pin.");
  delay(1000);
}
L298N Arduino library lookup

MicroPython Example

MicroPython support is pending. Treat community scripts as prototypes until a maintained driver is linked and tested on a known development board.

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-C3 development board

Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.

Alternative Model Reasons

18650 Battery HolderPowerCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
74HC595PowerChoose this when MicroPython support is required for fast prototyping.
A4988PowerThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.
AMS1117-3.3PowerCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.

Common Questions

What is L298N best used for?

Projects needing Motor driver and Beginner with a commonly available power part.

Does L298N support Arduino or MicroPython?

L298N has verified Arduino support and MicroPython support pending verification.

What interfaces does L298N use?

L298N lists GPIO, PWM; wireless support is no wireless protocol.

Compare L298N vs 18650 Battery Holder

Alternatives and Related Parts

18650 Battery Holder

Generic

Battery holder component useful to include because many maker power designs depend on its mechanical format.

China-madePower64% confidence

74HC595

Nexperia

8-bit shift register used to expand outputs for LEDs, relays, and simple digital control.

China-madePower86% confidence

A4988

Allegro MicroSystems

Common stepper motor driver used in older 3D printer and CNC control boards.

China-madePower86% confidence

AMS1117-3.3

Advanced Monolithic Systems

Legacy linear regulator used on many Arduino and ESP breakout boards.

China-madePower76% confidence