| L298N module | TB6612FNG module | |
|---|---|---|
| Output transistors | Bipolar (old design) | MOSFET |
| Motor supply | 5–35 V | 4.5–13.5 V |
| Current per channel | Up to 2 A with its heatsink | 1.2 A continuous, 3.2 A peak |
| Voltage lost inside the driver | About 2 V or more at 1 A | About 0.5 V at 1 A |
| Logic inputs | 5 V; 3.3 V usually works | 2.7–5.5 V |
| On-board 5 V regulator | Yes (jumper; only for motor supplies up to 12 V) | No |
| Size | Large, with a heatsink | Thumb-sized |
| Typical price in India | ₹120–220 | ₹150–300 |
Both drive two DC motors forward and backward with PWM speed control — the heart of every two-wheel robot car. The L298N is in every kit; the TB6612FNG is the better part for most of those robots. Figures are from the ST L298 and Toshiba TB6612FNG datasheets; prices are indicative.
The L298N’s problem: lost voltage
The L298N’s bipolar transistors drop around 2 V or more between your battery and the motors at typical robot currents. With 4 × AA cells (about 6 V), the motors see roughly 4 V — the robot is slow, and the difference becomes heat in the heatsink. With a 7.4 V two-cell Li-ion pack it’s less noticeable, but the waste is still there.
The TB6612FNG uses MOSFETs and loses only a fraction of a volt. Same batteries, faster robot, longer run time, no heatsink.
Where the L298N still makes sense
- Bigger motors or higher voltages — up to 35 V and 2 A per channel, beyond the TB6612’s 13.5 V / 1.2 A.
- The built-in 5 V regulator can power an Uno from the motor battery (keep the jumper on only for supplies up to 12 V).
- It’s what you already have in the kit — it works, just less efficiently.
Component: L298N driver.
TB6612FNG wiring notes
- Per motor: IN1, IN2 (direction) and PWM (speed). Plus STBY — tie it HIGH or the driver stays off.
- VM = motor battery; VCC = your board’s logic voltage (3.3 V or 5 V); grounds joined.
- Works directly with ESP32 and Pico W 3.3 V pins.
- No heatsink, but don’t exceed 1.2 A per channel continuously — fine for the common yellow BO gear motors, not for big 12 V motors.
Both need
- A separate motor battery — never run motors from the board’s 5V pin.
- Common ground between the motor battery and the board.
- A 0.1 µF capacitor across each motor’s terminals to cut electrical noise that resets boards.
Verdict
| Robot | Pick |
|---|---|
| Small 2WD/4WD car with BO motors, 6–12 V | TB6612FNG |
| 12–24 V motors above 1.2 A | L298N (or a modern MOSFET driver) |
| Kit already includes an L298N | Use it — upgrade later |
Projects: line follower, obstacle-avoiding robot, Bluetooth RC car. Driving steppers instead? See A4988 vs DRV8825 vs TB6612FNG.