Motor driver delivers smooth motion & accurate positioning

12th May 2015

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

Set to debut at PCIM Europe 2015, the powerSTEP driver from STMicroelectronics delivers the advantages of compact motor-control design for high power applications. The integrated stepper-motor driver system-in-package offers an unprecedented power density of up to 500W/cm², enabling cost-effective systems that deliver better performance and reliability without sacrificing flexibility or ruggedness.

A complete 14x11mm system-in-package that requires minimal external components, powerSTEP integrates both the control circuitry and a complete power stage for driving the motor. It is the first such integrated device suited to high-power applications up to 85V and 10A, significantly extending the scope of motor-control ICs used in industrial applications like automated machinery, industrial sewing machines, stage lighting, surveillance systems and home automation.

The power stage consists of eight MOSFETs with typical low R_DS(ON) of just 16mΩ, which maximises energy efficiency and minimises heat dissipation to simplify thermal management. The integrated control IC includes an intelligent motion engine to perform calculations normally executed in the main system MCU. This offers engineers extra freedom when selecting the MCU and helps simplify software/firmware design.

Users benefit from the flexibility to use ST’s patented voltage-mode motor control, which allows super-smooth and quiet motion with high position accuracy, or to use an advanced current-mode with predictive control and adaptive decay algorithm when required. Resolution of 128 microsteps per step is comparable with the best stepper-motor controllers being used today.

An industry-standard SPI connection to the host allows convenient programming, and current-sense management and sensorless stall detection. By requiring only minimal external components, powerSTEP saves up to 50% of PCB space compared to a design with discrete control and power-stage components. With comprehensive protection features built in, powerSTEP represents an extremely robust and reliable solution.

The POWERSTEP01 is in full production now, in the 14x11mm VFQFN package priced from $4.50 for orders of 1,000 pieces. The EVLPOWERSTEP01 evaluation board is also available to assist advanced application design.

ST’s powerSTEP high-power motor driver will be shown in Hall 9, Booth 551 at PCIM in Nuremberg, May 19th to 21st, 2015.