L293D is a monolithic integrated, high voltage, high current, 4-channel driver. Basically this means using this chip you can use DC motors and power supplies of up to 16 Volts, that's some pretty big motors and the chip can supply a maximum current of 600mA per channel, the L293D chip is also what"s known as a type of H-Bridge. The H-Bridge is typically an electrical circuit that enables a voltage to be applied across a load in either direction to an output, e.g. motor.

Features

• 2 interface for 5V Servo connected to the Arduino"s high-resolution dedicated timer - no jitter. Can drive 4 DC motors or 2 stepper motors or 2 Servo.
• Up to 4 bi-directional DC motors with individual 8-bit speed selection.
• Up to 2 stepper motors (unipolar or bipolar) with single coil, double coil or interleaved stepping. 4 H-Bridges: per bridge provides 0.6A (1.2A peak current) with thermal protection,
• Can run motors on 4.5V to 25V DC.
• Pull down resistors keep motors disabled during power-up.
• 2 external terminal power interface, for separate logic/motor supplies.
• Tested compatible for Arduino Mega, Diecimila and Duemilanove.