The L293, L293E and L298N dual-bridge ICs (see box, ”inside the dual-bridge ICs”) significantly reduce the problems encountered in the design of stepper- motor drive circuitry. They can, for example, simplify the design and increase the efficiency of constant-current choppers. And with a single chip replacing the transistors and predriver stages, circuit performance improves. Best of all, the devices have applications in complex as well as basic driver