Stepper motor control & driver IC offers simplicity

The TMC2100 offers up to 256 micro-steps per full step to maximise rotational precision. The device also incorporates TRINAMIC’s patented stealthChop IP, which employs voltage mode PWM technology to almost completely eliminate motor noise at low-speed and standstill. Noise reduction is especially welcome in office and lab applications, where motors work in close proximity to human operators.

The devices have already found rapid acceptance amongst early adopters in the open-source 3D printer 'maker' community. Low-cost TMC2100 breakout boards 'SilentStepStick', compatible with the popular StepStick motor drives used for 3D printers, have hit the market to much positive acclaim for their near-silent operation. The TMC2100 is capable of complete standalone operation, with motion controlled through Step, Direction and Enable pins.

“Developers are under constant pressure to reduce design cycles and deliver products to market,” explained Michael Randt, CEO and Founder, TRINAMIC. “Our TMC2100 was specifically designed to address this overriding commercial requirement. Eliminating the need for many external components and for CPU software coding to setup and parameterise the motor drive means designers can get their systems ready for deployment with seven quick decisions implemented directly on the PCB.”