I am trying to control 3 L298N to control standard Christmas Lights (single color). I have their 5v power connected from an external 5V power. To power the LED we require 30V which is going in on the 12V (VIN) from a DROK Adjustable Power Supply each L298N VIN pin is connected to individual Power outs on the power supply. The ground on the first L298N is connected to the V- on the DROK Power supply and for the other 2 the GND is connected to the individual V- on the power out of the DROK supply. And the negative pin on the 5V External power is connected to the V- on the DROK Power supply.
Sorry for not attaching the Fritzing Image dont have it on this computer will update it as soon as possible.
The problem I am facing is that the 1st L298N's Supply Voltage pin (pin 4) keeps burning out. I have checked the power from both power supplies and it seems to be within the range. I checked datasheets on the L298N allows upto 35V at low current draw. The LEDS draw really low current like 200 ma (atleast thats what the transformer say anyway). Please advise best way to ground the 5V I think that is the issue.
Thank You in advance.
(EDIT: Added the Hand Sketched Drawing. I am currently onsite and unable to access my desktop. But will add a clearer Fritzing Image soon.)
No the L298n is only connected to the arduino for logic and enable pins. I am not a electronics or electrical guy. I am an install guy who has to deal with this Fun stuff!
Well so see the attached images I have already gone through 4 L298N. Now let me be clear its only the First L298N in a series of 3. Its always the first one that blows up and due to the 5V Power being daisy chained to the other 2 performs fine. Let me know if you have more doubts. The logic on the arduino is perfect. I have tested it with individual modules and works fine. I am only doubtful of how I have wired them together.
From this image you posted, I can only think that you have a short circuit in the part relating to the motors powered by this module.
Check all the wiring, and if possible use another motor in this module position that has worked with one of the other modules.
Thanks for answering my questions. But there are no motors in this I am emulating a motor with a standard string light(Christmas lights) which has alternating diodes(polarity switching at everything other diode). I use the L298N to send an alternating pwm to the lights. The same set of strings powered on the other 2 L298N work fine. I am so confused.
Fun stuff!