L293D Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver with Protection Diodes

Drives two DC motors in both directions, or one stepper motor, from logic-level control signals. The D suffix matters: it means the protective flyback diodes are built into the chip, so you do not need eight external diodes to absorb the voltage spikes a motor produces when it switches off. Without those, the driver dies quickly. Note the L293D drops roughly 2V across itself and is rated at 600 mA per channel, so it suits small geared motors rather than anything substantial. Internal flyback diodes, no external diodes needed; Two motors with independent direction and speed; Separate logic and motor supply pins; DIP package works directly on a breadboard