To control two brushed DC motors with an STM32 and an L298N, connect one motor across OUT1–OUT2 and the other across OUT3–OUT4. Use two logic inputs per motor to set direction and the corresponding enable input for on/off control or PWM speed control. Power the motors from a suitable motor supply, connect STM32 ground to driver ground, and check the exact module’s pinout, regulator configuration, and current and thermal limits before applying power.
How the STM32 and L298N work together
The L298 contains two full H-bridges. Bridge A controls the motor connected between OUT1 and OUT2; Bridge B controls the motor between OUT3 and OUT4. For each bridge, two logic inputs select the output polarity, while its enable input turns that bridge on or off. Applying PWM to an enable input is a common way to vary the motor’s average drive.
ST describes the L298 as a dual full-bridge driver for inductive loads, including DC motors, that accepts standard TTL logic levels. The chip does not provide a ready-made STM32 pinout: the exact connections and board features depend on the L298N module or breakout you have.
Connections to make
Motor outputs and control inputs
- Connect motor 1 across OUT1 and OUT2; connect its direction signals to IN1 and IN2 and its enable signal to ENA.
- Connect motor 2 across OUT3 and OUT4; connect its direction signals to IN3 and IN4 and its enable signal to ENB.
- Use two STM32 GPIO outputs for each motor’s direction inputs. Use a timer PWM output for each enable input if you want independent speed control.
Module labels commonly follow this scheme, but terminal placement, jumper functions, onboard regulator wiring, and the available logic-supply connection vary. Follow the schematic or documentation for the specific board rather than assuming every module is wired alike.
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Power and ground
- Connect the motor supply to the board’s motor-supply input, using a voltage suited to the motor. Do not power a motor from an STM32 GPIO pin.
- Connect STM32 ground to L298N ground so both devices use the same signal reference.
- Before connecting a logic supply, check the board documentation and regulator-jumper configuration. A module’s 5 V pin is not necessarily a logic-supply input, and regulator arrangements differ.
ST’s L298 datasheet calls for a 100 nF non-inductive capacitor between VS and ground and another 100 nF between VSS and ground. Check whether the chosen board includes these capacitors and the recirculation-diode arrangement shown in the datasheet application circuit.
Check 3.3 V logic compatibility
ST’s L298 datasheet lists VSS, the logic supply, as 4.5–7 V in its electrical-characteristics table. It specifies a minimum input-high threshold of 2.3 V and an input voltage up to VSS. That threshold indicates a 3.3 V STM32 output may be recognized as high, but it does not establish compatibility for every STM32 pin and module combination. Check the selected MCU pin’s guaranteed output level and electrical limits, plus the module’s signal routing, before connecting them.
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Set direction and speed in firmware
For each bridge, opposite input states command opposite motor directions. Equal input states produce a stopped, braked, or recirculating state depending on the operating mode and board circuit. Do not assume that “both low” or “both high” has the same stopping behavior across every configuration.
- Configure two STM32 GPIOs per motor as outputs and set them to the desired direction state.
- Configure a timer channel connected to ENA or ENB for PWM if variable speed is needed; consult the STM32 board documentation for the available timer pins and alternate functions.
- Set the PWM duty cycle to adjust the drive interval, while checking motor behavior and driver temperature under the actual load.
- If the application requires a safe reversal, disable the bridge before changing direction inputs, then re-enable it using the intended control sequence.
Exact timer pin names and safe reversal timing depend on the STM32 model, board revision, motor, and application; the steps above describe the control arrangement, not a tested firmware implementation.
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Understand current, voltage drop, and heat
Do not treat the L298 product page’s headline “4 A” total DC-current figure as a continuous per-channel rating. ST’s product page lists operating supply voltage up to 46 V and total DC current up to 4 A, but the datasheet distinguishes per-channel limits and their conditions.
| Datasheet figure | What it means |
|---|---|
| 2 A per channel, DC operation | Absolute-maximum output-current rating, not a recommended continuous design target. |
| 2.5 A per channel, repetitive peak | Permitted only under the datasheet’s stated 80% on/20% off condition. |
| 3 A per channel, non-repetitive peak | Specified for 100 ms; not a continuous rating. |
| Up to 3.2 V total output saturation drop at 1 A; up to 4.9 V at 2 A | Datasheet values under its stated test conditions. The drop reduces voltage available to the motor and dissipates power as heat in the driver. |
These figures are from STMicroelectronics’ L298 datasheet, DS0218 Rev 5, October 2023. Absolute-maximum ratings describe stress limits, not operating points to target. A module’s practical capability also depends on its PCB copper, heatsink, diode selection, regulator layout, and thermal path; do not infer that two channels can each run at a particular current continuously from a “4 A total” label.
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Before choosing a driver, check the motor datasheet for startup and stall current as well as normal running current. Account for supply voltage, duty cycle, ambient temperature, heatsinking, and the thermal behavior of the complete module. A high bridge voltage drop can leave a motor with less voltage than the supply and can make the driver run hot.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to consider a different STM32 motor board
If you want a board designed for the STM32 Nucleo ecosystem, ST’s X-NUCLEO-IHM04A1 is a possible alternative to compare. It uses an L6206, not an L298N, and ST lists an 8–50 V maximum voltage range and phase current up to 2.8 A rms. Those ratings are not directly comparable to L298N module figures without matching their measurement conditions.
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For any candidate, compare motor voltage range, continuous and peak current conditions, bridge voltage drop and heat, logic thresholds and supply arrangement, protection and current sensing, heatsinking and PCB thermal design, connector compatibility, and available board documentation.
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