L295 Dual-Switch Mode Solenoid Driver IC

The L295 is a dual H-Bridge motor driver integrated circuit designed for driving various inductive loads such as solenoids and DC motors. It is particularly useful in applications where bidirectional control of the load is required. The L295 can source and sink substantial current and is suitable for controlling solenoids in both directions.

Key Features

• Dual H-Bridge Configuration: Can drive two solenoids or motors independently; supports bi-directional control.
• High Current Capability: Can manage output currents of up to 2 A per channel (at permissible conditions).
• Wide Supply Voltage Range: Operates from 4.5 V to 36 V.
• Thermal Overload Protection: Integrated thermal protection helps prevent damage due to overheating.
• Short-Circuit Protection: Safeguards the device from damage when outputs are shorted.
• Easy Control Interface: Compatible with various control signals (TTL/CMOS).
• Low Quiescent Current: Minimal current consumption when not driving loads.

Pin Configuration

The L295 typically comes in a DIP-16 or SO-16 package. The pin configuration can generally be found in the datasheet but often includes the following main pins (refer to the specific datasheet for your package type):

Copy       +--------------+
    1  | IN1      OUT1|  8
    2  | IN2      OUT2|  7
    3  | GND         |  6
    4  | H-Bridge Control |  5
    5  | Vcc     |  4
   +--------------+

Functional Description

1. Driving Solenoids: The L295 can control solenoids by using its H-Bridge configuration to supply current in either direction, allowing for forward and reverse motion, or to toggle the state of the solenoid.
2. Control Inputs:
   • IN1, IN2: These pins control the direction of the motor or solenoid through binary logic.
   • Setting IN1 high and IN2 low will drive the first output (OUT1) high, and vice versa for OUT2.
3. Power Supply:
   • Vcc: Supply voltage to the driver circuit. Connect to the voltage that suits your solenoid/motor ratings.
4. Ground: Common ground for the device and load.

Typical Application Circuit

Here is a basic example of how to use the L295 to drive a solenoid:

Copy        Vcc
         |
         +-------------------------+
         |                         |
      H-Bridge Driver (L295)     |
                 |                |
             IN1|                |
             IN2|                |       
        OUT1---+                |          
         |                       | 
       Solenoid                  |
         |                       |
        GND                     GND

Operation

• Forward Drive: Set IN1 high and IN2 low to energize the solenoid in one direction.
• Reverse Drive: Set IN1 low and IN2 high to energize the solenoid in the opposite direction.
• Toggle Control: Change the states of the control pins to activate/deactivate the solenoid.

Important Considerations

1. Load Characteristics: Ensure the solenoid’s voltage and current specifications are compatible with the L295’s ratings.
2. Heat Management: If operating near the upper current limits, consider heat sinking to manage thermal performance.
3. Protection Diodes: Internal protection is included, but for inductive loads like solenoids, additional flyback diodes external to the driver may be prudent to safeguard against voltage spikes during switching.
4. Capacitor Use: Decoupling capacitors should be used near the Vcc and ground pins to stabilize power supply fluctuations caused by the inductive load.