The L297 stepper motor controller IC enhances precision in modern machinery across automation, manufacturing, and robotics. This article underlines its advanced features like phase chopper control and compatibility with both bipolar and unipolar motors, facilitating meticulous movement control. Learn how the L297 can elevate your projects with its superior performance. Dive into the L297's features and applications to optimize your technological projects.
Catalog


Pin Number
|
Pin Name
|
Function
|
1
|
SYNC
|
Synchronizes multiple L297 ICs when controlling multiple
motors.
|
2
|
GND
|
Ground connection for the IC.
|
3
|
HOME
|
Indicates the reference (home) position of the motor.
|
4
|
A
|
Input control signal for step sequence (Phase A).
|
5
|
B
|
Input control signal for step sequence (Phase B).
|
6
|
C
|
Input control signal for step sequence (Phase C).
|
7
|
D
|
Input control signal for step sequence (Phase D).
|
8
|
INH1
|
Enable/disable signal for H-bridge controlling one motor
phase.
|
9
|
INH2
|
Enable/disable signal for H-bridge controlling another
motor phase.
|
10
|
ENABLE
|
Activates or deactivates the motor driver outputs.
|
11
|
CONTROL
|
Selects the mode of operation (half-step or full-step).
|
12
|
VS
|
Supply voltage for the IC.
|
13
|
SENS1
|
Input for sensing motor current through a resistor (Phase
1).
|
14
|
SENS2
|
Input for sensing motor current through a resistor (Phase
2).
|
15
|
VREF
|
Reference voltage for controlling motor winding current.
|
16
|
OSC
|
Oscillator input for setting the step rate.
|
17
|
CW/CCW
|
Sets the motor direction: Clockwise (CW) or
Counter-Clockwise (CCW).
|
18
|
CLOCK
|
Step pulse input; each pulse advances the motor by one
step.
|
19
|
HALF/FULL
|
Selects the step mode: Half-step or Full-step.
|
20
|
RESET
|
Resets the IC and initializes the step sequence.
|

The L297 Stepper Motor Controller IC effectively manages four-phase drive signals for both bipolar and unipolar step motors, enhancing adaptability for microcomputer-based systems. It supports multiple drive modes to facilitate precise motion control and includes on-chip PWM chopper circuits that optimize motor performance by efficiently controlling current and minimizing energy waste. The IC simplifies design by requiring minimal external inputs and eases programming, reducing processor load. Available in DIP20 and SO20 packages, the L297 is compatible with various drivers, allowing for flexible and optimized motor control setups.
Feature
|
Description
|
Drive Modes
|
Normal / Wave
Drive
|
Step Modes
|
Half / Full
Step Modes
|
Direction
|
Clockwise /
Anticlockwise Direction
|
Load Current
Regulation
|
Switchmode
|
Load Current
|
Programmable
|
External
Components
|
Few Required
|
Reset Input
& Home Output
|
Yes
|
Enable Input
|
Yes
|

Integrating the L297 and L298 chips creates a powerful solution for driving two-phase bipolar stepper motors with precision and high performance. The L297 manages drive signals and current control, while the L298 ensures robust power output, supporting peak currents up to 2A per phase in constant current mode. This combination leverages dual full-bridge mode to enhance bipolar driving capabilities and optimize motor efficiency, reducing energy loss. Together, these chips significantly boost motor performance and set a new standard for efficiency and reliability.
The diagram below illustrates the wiring configuration for the L297 and L298 drive systems. Control terminals on the L297 are connected to ports P0 and P4, enabling the motor to rotate in the desired direction through the logical coordination provided by the software.

Terminal 1 of the L297 serves as the synchronization terminal and can be connected to terminal 1 of another L297 and L298 driver set. This configuration allows the two driver circuits to synchronize, enabling simultaneous control of multiple motors.

Part Number
|
L297D
|
TJA1041T/CM,118
|
SN751178NSR
|
SN751177NSR
|
PCF8584T/2,518
|
Manufacturer
|
STMicroelectronics
|
NXP USA Inc.
|
Texas
Instruments
|
Texas
Instruments
|
NXP USA Inc.
|
Package /
Case
|
20-SOIC
(0.295, 7.50mm Width)
|
16-SOIC
(0.209, 5.30mm Width)
|
16-SOIC
(0.209, 5.30mm Width)
|
20-SOIC
(0.295, 7.50mm Width)
|
14-SOIC
(0.154, 3.90mm Width)
|
Number of
Pins
|
20
|
16
|
16
|
-
|
-
|
Interface
|
Parallel
|
-
|
-
|
Parallel
|
-
|
Supply
Voltage
|
5 V
|
5 V
|
5 V
|
5 V
|
5 V
|
RoHS Status
|
ROHS3
Compliant
|
ROHS3
Compliant
|
ROHS3
Compliant
|
ROHS3
Compliant
|
ROHS3
Compliant
|
Part Status
|
Active
|
Active
|
Active
|
Active
|
Active
|
JESD-609 Code
|
e4
|
e4
|
e4
|
e4
|
e4
|
Terminal
Position
|
DUAL
|
DUAL
|
DUAL
|
DUAL
|
DUAL
|
Technical specifications of the STMicroelectronics L297D:
Type
|
Parameter
|
Lifecycle
Status
|
ACTIVE (Last
Updated: 7 months ago)
|
Factory Lead
Time
|
10 Weeks
|
Mount
|
Surface Mount
|
Mounting Type
|
Surface Mount
|
Package /
Case
|
20-SOIC
(0.295, 7.50mm Width)
|
Number of
Pins
|
20
|
Operating
Temperature
|
-40°C to
150°C (TJ)
|
Packaging
|
Tube
|
JESD-609 Code
|
e4
|
Part Status
|
Active
|
Moisture Sensitivity
Level (MSL)
|
3 (168 Hours)
|
Number of
Terminations
|
20
|
ECCN Code
|
EAR99
|
Terminal
Finish
|
Nickel/Palladium/Gold
(Ni/Pd/Au)
|
Applications
|
General
Purpose
|
Voltage -
Supply
|
4.75V to 7V
|
Terminal
Position
|
DUAL
|
Terminal Form
|
GULL WING
|
Peak Reflow
Temperature (°C)
|
260°C
|
Supply
Voltage
|
5V
|
Terminal
Pitch
|
1.27mm
|
Time @ Peak
Reflow Temperature (Max)
|
30 seconds
|
Base Part
Number
|
L297
|
Function
|
Controller -
Commutation, Direction Management
|
Number of
Outputs
|
4
|
Output
Voltage
|
3.9V
|
Operating Supply
Voltage
|
5V
|
Supply
Voltage - Max (Vsup)
|
7V
|
Power
Supplies
|
5V
|
Interface
|
Parallel
|
Nominal
Supply Current
|
80mA
|
Output
Configuration
|
Pre-Driver -
Half Bridge (4)
|
Output
Current
|
10mA
|
Collector
Emitter Voltage (VCEO)
|
7V
|
Motor Type
|
Stepper
|
Motor Type -
Stepper
|
Bipolar,
Unipolar
|
Step
Resolution
|
1, 1/2
|
Height
|
2.35mm
|
Length
|
13mm
|
Width
|
7.6mm
|
REACH SVHC
|
No SVHC
|
Radiation
Hardening
|
No
|
RoHS Status
|
ROHS3
Compliant
|
Lead Free
|
Lead Free
|

STMicroelectronics excels in semiconductor innovation, leveraging advanced System-on-Chip (SoC) technology, efficient manufacturing, and strategic partnerships. Their global presence and strict quality standards ensure reliable, cutting-edge solutions for industries like consumer electronics and automotive, maintaining their leadership in the field.
Datasheet PDF
L297 Datasheets:
L297 Details PDF
L297 Details PDF for FR.pdf
L297 Details PDF for KR.pdf
L297 Details PDF for DE.pdf
L297 Details PDF for IT.pdf
L297 Details PDF for ES.pdf
L298 Datasheets:
L298 Details PDF
L298 Details PDF for FR.pdf
L298 Details PDF for KR.pdf
L298 Details PDF for DE.pdf
L298 Details PDF for IT.pdf
L298 Details PDF for ES.pdf
L297D Datasheets:
L297D Details PDF
L297D Details PDF for FR.pdf
L297D Details PDF for KR.pdf
L297D Details PDF for IT.pdf
L297D Details PDF for ES.pdf
L297D Details PDF for DE.pdf
PCF8584T/2,518 Datasheets:
PCF8584T/2,518 Details PDF
PCF8584T/2,518 Details PDF for FR.pdf
PCF8584T/2,518 Details PDF for IT.pdf
PCF8584T/2,518 Details PDF for ES.pdf
PCF8584T/2,518 Details PDF for DE.pdf
PCF8584T/2,518 Details PDF for KR.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
1. What role does the L297 play in motor control?
The L297 controls bipolar and unipolar stepper motors and, when paired with the L298N, forms a complete interface for microprocessor-driven motor control.
2. How can the L298N regulate the speed of a DC motor?
The L298N adjusts motor speed by sending HIGH, LOW, or PWM signals to the enable 1 pin, with speed proportional to the PWM duty cycle.
3. How does the L297 generate stepper motor phase sequences?
The L297 produces phase sequences for wave drive, normal drive, and half-step modes, advancing with CLOCK signals and reversing direction by altering the sequence.
4. What is the function of an H-bridge in motor control?
An H-bridge reverses voltage polarity to a motor, enabling forward and reverse operation, commonly used in robotics and DC motor applications.
5. What outputs does the L297 provide for controlling stepper motors?
The L297 generates four-phase drive signals for two-phase bipolar and four-phase unipolar stepper motors.
6. What motor driver types are compatible with the L297?
The L297 works with monolithic bridge drivers to provide efficient stepper motor control.
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