Nathan House wrote:
> I'm going to use a SN754410 IC to drive two small motors and I'm
> wondering if I need to put flyback diodes in my circuit? From the
> reading I've done, there doesn't really seem to be any consensus as to
> whether this is necessary or not (everybody says something
> different..).

You didn't say what a 754410 is or how you are using it, but any time you
switch a inductive load you have to keep in mind that the instantaneous
current thru the inductor won't change.  That current will go somplace.  If
there isn't a nice path for it, it will make one.  That means the voltage
goes up until something arcs, smokes, punches thru, or otherwise gives up
and allows the current to flow.

If you are always driving the motors with a voltage in only one direction,
you can put a catch diode right accross each motor.  It's a good idea to
give the inductive kickback current the shortest possible path.


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