Not all stepper motor drivers support a resolution of 256 microsteps. Trinamic products’ MicroPlyer technology enables an increase in step resolution without altering the existing STEP signal. The technology interpolates additional current steps between step pulses by measuring the duration of the previous step period and dividing it into equal segments. This creates an internal STEP signal with 256 microsteps, even if the original signal has a lower resolution.

For example: A system with a 16-microstep driver operating at 10 revolutions per second (RPS) and a step angle of 1.8° requires an input STEP signal of 32 kHz. Achieving 256 microsteps would demand a signal frequency of 512 kHz, which can be too high for some host controllers. A Trinamic driver with MicroPlyer technology can maintain the original 32 kHz signal and internally interpolate it to 256 microsteps.

Block diagram of the TMC2240 © Analog Devices

• CoolStep: Dynamic current adjustment for energy savings

• StallGuard2/StallGuard4: Sensorless load and stall detection

• StealthChop2: Ultra-silent operation

• SpreadCycle: Enhanced current control to reduce torque ripple

The SpreadCycle and StealthChop2 modes enable ultra-quiet performance across a wide speed range. The TMC5240 also features an 8-point motion ramp to minimize vibration and reduce the computational load on the host controller.

Block diagram of the TMC5240 © Analog Devices

Protection features include overcurrent protection, overtemperature protection, and undervoltage lockout (UVLO).

Possible applications include medical instruments, laboratory and factory automation, surveillance cameras, security systems, and 3D printers.

Stepper Motor Drivers TMC2160 and TMC5160

The TMC2160 and TMC5160 drivers offer 256 microstep resolution and MicroPlyer interpolation. The TMC5160 includes integrated motion control with SixPoint ramping technology to enhance positioning accuracy.

Since these ICs do not contain integrated FETs, external FETs can be used to meet higher current or voltage requirements. The drivers are suitable for applications ranging from battery-powered devices to high-voltage industrial systems.

Application areas include medical technology, textile machinery, robotics, surveillance cameras, and factory automation.

Stepper Motor Driver TMC2300

The TMC2300 is a low-voltage stepper motor driver for battery-powered two-phase stepper motors. It supports CoolStep, StealthChop2, StallGuard4, and SpreadCycle, and offers 256 microstep resolution.

StealthChop2 ensures quiet operation for portable systems and office equipment. The TMC2300 features a STEP/DIR interface and an optional UART interface for configuration.

Thanks to its high-efficiency power stage and extremely low standby current of just 0.03 µA, it extends battery life. The driver can operate from two AA batteries or a single lithium-ion cell.

With its compact 3 mm × 3 mm package, the TMC2300 is ideal for IoT systems, handheld devices, and portable medical equipment.

Reference:
George Beauchemin: “Microstepping Myths,” Machine Design 75, No. 19, October 2003.