Ultra-Compact Bipolar 2-Channel Stepping Motor Driver Announced

Phil Black - PII Editor 11/10/2016

115 1 minute read

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IC delivers maximum ratings of 40V and 2.0A in QFN package and drives stepping motors and provides an interface for driving brushed DC motors

Toshiba Electronics Europe has expanded its family of stepper motor drivers with an ultra-compact device offering a maximum output withstand voltage of 40V and output current of 2.0A.

The TC78S122FTG will help designers save space, reduce power consumption, lower heat dissipation and minimise vibration and acoustic noise in high-speed motion control designs. Target applications include surveillance cameras, ATMs, office automation equipment, factory automation and home appliances.

The TC78S122FTG is a two-in-one chip that delivers a 2-channel drive function, capable of running two stepping motors simultaneously. Integrating functions into a single chip frees up valuable space on the board to help reduce device size.

Heat generated by the IC itself was one of the reasons that conventional drivers could not achieve continuous operation in applications requiring drive currents in the 2.0A range.

However, the TC78S122FTG can simultaneously drive two channels thanks to a low maximum on resistance of 0.6O (a reduction of 50% compared to previous products) that cuts heat generation.

In previous products the regulator circuit for the IC’s internal logic operated at standby. The new product can stop the regulator at standby due to incorporation of a ‘Sleep’ function. Consequently, IC power consumption is reduced.

Moreover, the TC78S122FTG not only drives the stepping motors, but also provides an interface for driving brushed DC motors. For example, this could include one-channel for the stepping motor, and two channels for running brushed DC motors.

To provide reduced vibration and noise, the TC78S122FTG offers high-resolution motor driving of ¼ steps (max.) and a decay mode switching function for constant current control.

Built-in error detection features include a thermal shutdown circuit and an over-current shutdown circuit to provide enhanced reliability and safety.

The TC78S122FTG is housed in a compact QFN package that measures just 7mm x 7mm x 0.9mm.