Allegro MicroSystems microstepping motor driver ICs

Allegro MicroSystems’ A5976, A5977 and A5979 microstepping motor driver ICs, with built-in translators, have been designed to operate bipolar stepper motors in full-, half-, quarter-, eight- and sixteenth-step modes.

The ICs have the output drive capability of 40 V and ±2.8 A and include a fixed off-time current regulator that has the ability to operate in slow-, fast- or mixed-decay modes. This results in reduced audible motor noise, increased step accuracy and reduced power dissipation.

Simply inputting one pulse on the STEP input drives the motor one step or microstep. The interface is a suitable fit for applications where a complex microprocessor is unavailable or overburdened, such as the office automation and industrial automation markets, including textile and sewing machines, vending machines, printers, scanners, copiers, closed circuit TV camera positioning, ATM machines, 3D printing systems and food industry applications.

Internal synchronous rectification control circuitry is provided to improve power dissipation during PWM operation. Internal circuit protection includes overcurrent protection thermal shutdown with hysteresis, undervoltage lockout and crossover-current protection. Special power-up sequencing is not required.

The devices are supplied in a <1.2 mm, 28-pin TSSOP with an exposed thermal pad. The package is lead-free, with 100% matte-tin lead-frame plating. The operating ambient temperature range is -40 to 105°C.