I need to drive a dc motor, bi-directional, with a max voltage of 9v. I am familiar with the SN754410, but I need an alternative because of cost.
Since SN754410 is DUAL driver and I would only be driving a single motor, I was just curious whether an alternative IC driver exists (simply put, half of a SN754410).
I believe an SN754410 is "QUADRUPLE HALF-H DRIVER"
It has 2 complete H-Bridges.
It will drive 2 DC motors forward and reverse, and with PWM.
(I think it is pin compatible L293D, but L293D has fly-back protection, and a lower current rating)
What sort of quantities are you looking for?
In the UK, I believe it is so cheap, that the only way I can think of to get a cheaper part would be using Surface Mount Devices (SMD).
Have you a way to make PCB's, or are you comfortable with "dead-bug" soldering? Making a PCB might consume any savings unless you are 100-off.