L293D Motor Driver Shield

The L293D Motor Driver Shield is an essential module for controlling motors using Arduino boards. It is based on the L293D dual H-Bridge motor driver IC, which allows you to control the direction and speed of up to 4 DC motors or 2 stepper motors simultaneously.

Thanks to its stackable design, it fits perfectly on top of an Arduino Uno or Mega, giving you quick access to motor control without complex wiring. It also supports PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), letting you easily adjust motor speeds using Arduino’s analogWrite() function.

The shield includes built-in diodes for back EMF protection, ensuring safe operation. Additionally, the chip has thermal shutdown features to protect it from overheating during continuous use.

With this motor driver shield, you can easily build line-following robots, automated cars, conveyor systems, or smart machinery. It also supports the connection of external power sources, which is useful when your motors require more current than the Arduino can provide.

For more advanced builds, pair this shield with components from our Electronics Components section or tools from our Tools and Accessories category.

Key Features

• ✅ Controls 4 DC motors or 2 stepper motors

• ✅ Built-in L293D dual H-Bridge ICs

• ✅ Supports PWM speed control

• ✅ Stackable on Arduino Uno, Mega, etc.

• ✅ Built-in back EMF diodes

• ✅ Thermal protection for motor driver ICs

• ✅ Compatible with Arduino IDE and motor libraries

Applications and Use Cases

• 🤖 DIY robotic arms and line-following robots

• 🚗 Smart RC cars and automated vehicles

• 📦 Conveyor belts and mini production lines

• 🪛 Educational and STEM electronics kits

• 🧠 Prototyping for industrial automation

Technical Specifications

• Motor Control: 4 DC or 2 stepper motors

• Driver IC: L293D

• Output Current: 600mA per channel (peak 1.2A)

• Motor Voltage: 4.5V to 36V

• Logic Voltage: 5V (from Arduino)

• Power Source: External or via Arduino

• Dimensions: Arduino Uno shield format

• Communication: Digital pins and PWM pins

Precautions

• ⚠️ Avoid exceeding 600mA per motor channel

• ⚠️ Use a heatsink or fan for high-load applications

• ⚠️ Connect an external power supply for power-hungry motors

• ⚠️ Double-check motor polarity before connecting

Recommended Pairings

• Works best with Arduino Uno Boards

• Pair with DC motors, wheels, and robot chassis from Electronics Components

• Use tools and connectors from Tools and Accessories to complete your project

📺 YouTube Tutorial

Watch: How to Use L293D Motor Driver Shield with Arduino

🛒 Buy Now

Grab the L293D Motor Driver Shield from our Arduino and Accessories section and power up your next robotics project.