Using the L293D Motor Driver Chip with the Arduino

By Aaron Bennett


The Arduino is something that has been experiencing exponential growth in recent years amongst many technical hobbyists because of its versatility in electronics projects. It pragmatically acts like the brain of any system and allows for the communication between inputs and outputs. The voltage divider is an example of something that can be combined with the Arduino to create a powerful platform for automation design.

Those who are heavily involved in robotics engineering have most certainly experimented with microntrollers. Some of us may have transitioned from the Lego Mindstorms Robotics Invention System to more advanced microcontrollers, like the AVR. However, the fundamental principles of programming remain the same. A lot of this is learned in the introductory system such as the Lego Robotics development system.

Since the 555 timer is so commonly used for so many different projects, it is also commonly integrated with the Arduino. The combination of the two allows for some really cool digital signal processing projects, but most just uses the timer feature of the microcontrollers itself. The 555 timer can, however, be used for more than just timing pulses. Its internal Schmitt trigger, or Schmitt inverter, allows for it to be used for an inverter circuit.

Other projects with the Arduino include more basic things for beginners. It is possible to make LEDs light up in different flashing sequences. This is also possible using the 555 timer, but it requires a more advanced understanding of circuit analysis. The UNO is great for beginners because of the price and the project kit that comes with it. It can be purchased online or even at your local RadioShack.

Utilizing it for a combination project involving the multiplexers explained can lead to more advanced designs. Because the MEGA 2560 has a beefier processor and more I/O ports, it is no problem to integrate it with decoder. Many people have made fully functional and completely autonomous robots using just a MEGA 2560 and digital logic sequencing.

The LM555 is widely used for a variety of tasks, but it mainly functions as a great learning tool. Most functional electronics, including consumer electronics, do not use the LM555 timer chips we, the electronics engineer, are familiar with. The transistors have become so microscopic in the SMD circuits in our electronics; they cannot be managed by hand and by eye.




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