Hi.

i am just wondering why do the output of this driver require diodes for stepper motor control?

I would think that the diodes would prevent you changing direction.

Im sure this is an easy answer.



Cheers

 

They suppress the inductive transients from the motor to protect the L298 transistors.
If you look at their polarity, you will seed that all the diodes are reverse biased expect for transients below ground or above the power supply voltage, so have no effect on the normal drive voltages.