STM32 L298N Motor Driver Interface: Dual DC Motor Control

Project Description

In this project, we’ll explore how to interface an STM32F103C6 microcontroller with the L298N motor driver, allowing control over the speed and direction of two DC motors. The L298N is a versatile H-Bridge driver, making it ideal for projects involving motor control with STM32. We’ll walk through its pin configuration, key features, and how to integrate it into a real-world embedded system for controlling motor movement using PWM signals from the STM32.

L298N Overview

The L298N is a dual H-Bridge motor driver module designed to control two DC motors simultaneously. It can handle voltages between 5V and 35V, with a peak current of up to 2A.

Key Features:

• Motor Power Supply (VCC): Provides power to the motors.
• Onboard 5V Regulator: Can be enabled (for motor voltages ≤12V) or disabled (for higher voltages) using a jumper.
• Logic Control Inputs (IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4): Control motor direction by switching the H-Bridge transistors.
• Enable Pins (ENA, ENB): Enable and control the speed of the motors using PWM signals.

Pinout and Functionality:

• ENA and ENB (Enable Pins): Enable motor A and B, respectively. When a jumper is present, the motor runs at full speed. Connect these to PWM pins from the STM32 to control motor speed.
• IN1 and IN2 (Motor A Direction): Control rotation direction of motor A. IN1 = HIGH, IN2 = LOW → forward. Reversing logic → reverse.
• IN3 and IN4 (Motor B Direction): Control rotation direction of motor B, same principle as motor A.

STM32CubeMX Setup

• MCU Selection: STM32F103C6 (16 MHz clock)
• TIM3 Configuration:

• -Channel 1 (PA6) & Channel 3 (PA0): PWM Generation
• -Prescaler: 0
• -Counter Period: 65535
• -PWM Mode: Mode 1

• GPIO Configuration:

-PB12, PB13, PA8, PA9 → Outputs (Direction control)

• UART1 Configuration:

• -Baud Rate: 115200
• -Word Length: 8 bits
• -Parity: None
• -Stop Bits: 1

• Generate initialization code in STM32CubeIDE.

STM32CubeIDE Implementation

Key Functions

• Motor Direction Control → void checkKeys(void);
• PWM Speed Adjustment → void updateMotors(void);
• UART Status Feedback → void printSpeeds(void);

Proteus Simulation

Components:

• STM32F103C6
• L298N Motor Driver
• DC Motors (x2)
• Virtual Terminal (UART)

Connections:

• Match GPIO/PWM pins (PA0, PA6, PB12, PB13, PA8, PA9)
• Connect UART1 TX (PA9) → Virtual Terminal

Steps:

• Load the.hex file into STM32 in Proteus.
• Use UART terminal to monitor motor speed/direction.
• Adjust PWM signals to vary motor speed.

That's all!

If you have any questions or suggestions don't hesitate to leave a comment below