L293N Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The L293N is a bipolar motor driver IC manufactured by Texas Instruments, designed for controlling brushed DC and bipolar stepper motors. It integrates both control and power stages in a single 16-DIP package, supporting supply voltages from 4.5V to 36V with an output current rating of 1A per channel. The L293N is currently classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and production continuity. Active alternatives from both Texas Instruments and STMicroelectronics provide functional equivalence with varying electrical and thermal specifications.

Substiute Parts

L293N

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2390L293N Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

L293DNE

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 10253L293DNE Datasheet

DirectRFQ

L293NE

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1376L293NE Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

L293B

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 16630L293B Datasheet

DirectRFQ

L293D

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 17613L293D Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the L293N is determined by the following critical parameters: motor type support (bipolar stepper and brushed DC), output configuration (half bridge with 4 channels), parallel interface, package type (16-DIP through-hole), supply and load voltage range (4.5V ~ 36V), and RoHS3 compliance. Output current capacity and operating temperature range are secondary considerations that may vary between substitutes while maintaining functional compatibility.

The substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Manufacturer Equivalents (Texas Instruments): L293DNE and L293NE maintain the same manufacturer lineage and share identical electrical specifications with the L293N, differing primarily in product status (active) and packaging format.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternatives (STMicroelectronics): L293B and L293D provide functional equivalence from an alternative manufacturer, meeting all core substitution criteria while offering extended operating temperature ranges and different output current ratings.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

L293NE (Texas Instruments): This part provides parametric equivalence to the L293N with identical electrical specifications (1A output current, 0°C ~ 70°C operating range) and maintains active product status. Selection of L293NE is appropriate for designs requiring direct specification matching with assured long-term availability.

L293DNE (Texas Instruments): This direct manufacturer alternative offers active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The output current is rated at 600mA, which represents a reduction from the L293N's 1A specification. L293DNE is suitable for applications where the lower current rating is acceptable and where Texas Instruments sourcing is preferred.

L293B (STMicroelectronics): This cross-manufacturer substitute maintains 1A output current and 4.5V ~ 36V voltage specifications. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 150°C) provides thermal margin beyond the L293N specification. L293B is appropriate for designs requiring extended temperature performance or where STMicroelectronics supply chain access is advantageous.

L293D (STMicroelectronics): This alternative provides extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 150°C) with 600mA output current rating. L293D is suitable for temperature-critical applications where the reduced current capacity is compatible with system requirements.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment with the original L293N specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can L293DNE directly replace L293N in existing designs? A: L293DNE is electrically compatible with L293N in terms of voltage range, motor type support, and package. However, the output current is rated at 600mA versus L293N's 1A. Direct substitution is valid only if the application current requirement does not exceed 600mA per channel.

Q: What is the difference between L293NE and L293DNE? A: Both are Texas Instruments products with identical core specifications. L293NE maintains the 1A output current rating of the L293N, while L293DNE is rated for 600mA. Operating temperature ranges are identical (0°C ~ 70°C). Selection depends on current requirements of the specific application.

Q: Are STMicroelectronics L293B and L293D compatible with L293N? A: Yes, both L293B and L293D are functionally compatible with L293N. They support the same motor types, voltage ranges, and parallel interface. L293B matches the 1A current rating, while L293D is rated for 600mA. Both offer extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 150°C) compared to L293N's 0°C ~ 70°C specification.

Q: Does package type differ between these substitutes? A: All substitute parts use 16-DIP through-hole packaging with 0.300" (7.62mm) pitch, identical to L293N. L293D uses a 16-PowerDIP variant, which maintains the same physical footprint and pin configuration for PCB compatibility.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS3 compliant? A: Yes, L293DNE, L293NE, L293B, and L293D are all ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the L293N's regulatory status.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new production designs? A: L293NE is the recommended primary choice, offering parametric equivalence to L293N with active product status and assured availability. L293B provides an alternative with extended thermal range. Selection should be based on current requirements, temperature operating range, and supply chain availability.