on October 16th 225

Key Differences Between TMC2100, DRV8825 and A4988 Explained

Stepper motor drivers like the TMC2100, DRV8825, and A4988 are commonly used in applications such as 3D printers, cameras, and other automated devices that require precise motor control. These drivers vary in features, voltage capacity, and performance, making it essential to understand their differences and uses. In this article, you'll learn about each driver’s key features, how they operate, and how to choose the right one for your project. We’ll also compare their pinouts, control inputs, and common applications to help you make an informed decision.

Catalog

TMC2100

The TMC2100 is designed for applications like 3D printers, cameras, scanners, and other automated devices. It operates a bipolar stepper motor, using an integrated microstepping indexer. Its standout feature is the StealthChop™ mode, which ensures silent operation by controlling the motor current without producing noise. The TMC2100 can drive motor windings efficiently through its low RDSon N-Channel power MOSFETs, set up in full H-bridges. Each output can handle up to 2.5A of current, provided the device is properly cooled. The TMC2100 works with a supply voltage range of 5V to 46V.

DRV8825

The DRV8825 is a stepper motor driver from Texas Instruments, available as a carrier or breakout board. It is designed to control one bipolar stepper motor, handling up to 2.2 amps per coil. The device is user-friendly, but it’s advisable to consult the datasheet before use, particularly regarding power dissipation to ensure it works efficiently. This driver provides reliable performance for various applications where precise control of stepper motors is needed.

A4988

The A4988, developed by Allegro, is a DMOS microstepping driver equipped with an overcurrent protection feature. Like the DRV8825, it is available as a carrier or breakout board. It is designed to drive one bipolar stepper motor, with an output current capacity of up to 2 amps per coil. The A4988 includes a built-in translator, simplifying its operation. It’s recommended to review the A4988 datasheet before using it to understand its capabilities and manage power dissipation effectively for best performance.

Pinouts Comparison: TMC2100, DRV8825, and A4988

TMC2100 Pinout

DRV8825 Pinout

A4988 Pinout

TMC2100 VS DRV8825 VS A4988 Features

TMC2100 Features

• 2-Phase Stepper Motor Support

The TMC2100 can handle 2-phase stepper motors with a coil current of up to 2.0A (2.5A peak). This ensures it can provide enough power for a wide range of motor-driven tasks.

• Standalone Driver

It operates independently without needing external microcontrollers or processors for basic control, which simplifies setup and reduces the need for additional components.

• Step/Dir Interface with Microsteps Interpolation

This feature enables fine control of the motor's movements using standard step and direction inputs, with interpolation for smoother operation at lower resolutions.

• MicroPlyer™ Technology

MicroPlyer™ enhances microstepping performance by delivering smoother motor movement, reducing the noise and vibrations typically associated with stepper motors.

• Voltage Range of 4.75V to 46V DC

The TMC2100 supports a broad voltage range, allowing it to operate in various environments where different power sources are used.

• High Microstep Resolution

The driver provides up to 256 microsteps per full step, giving you precise control over the stepper motor for applications requiring smooth, accurate motion.

• StealthChop™ Mode

This mode ensures near-silent motor operation, making the TMC2100 an excellent choice for applications where noise reduction is a priority, such as 3D printing.

• SpreadCycle™ Chopper

SpreadCycle™ is a highly dynamic motor control chopper, which allows the driver to operate smoothly even at high speeds and during complex motion tasks.

• Integrated Current Sense Option

With built-in current sensing, there’s no need for external components like shunt resistors, which simplifies the setup and allows for more compact designs.

• Standstill Current Reduction

When the motor is stationary, the TMC2100 automatically reduces current to save energy and prevent the motor from overheating during idle periods.

• Full Protection & Diagnostics

It includes comprehensive protection features such as overcurrent and thermal protection, along with diagnostics to ensure safe and reliable operation.

• Compact Size

Available in either a 5x6mm² QFN36 or TQFP48 package, this driver is ideal for applications where space is limited.

DRV8825 Features

• Simple Step and Direction Control Interface

The DRV8825 offers an easy-to-use interface, relying on step and direction signals for motor control, making it suitable for most stepper motor projects.

• Multiple Step Resolutions

This driver supports six step resolutions, ranging from full-step to 1/32-step, giving users the flexibility to choose the right precision level for their specific needs.

• Adjustable Current Control

A potentiometer allows users to adjust the maximum current output, which makes it possible to use higher voltages for faster step rates, improving performance in speed-sensitive applications.

• Intelligent Chopping Control

The DRV8825 automatically selects the optimal current decay mode (fast or slow), helping to maintain efficient performance under varying conditions.

• 45V Maximum Supply Voltage

With a supply voltage of up to 45V, the DRV8825 can operate safely at higher voltages, which is useful in applications requiring more power.

• Built-in Regulator

The driver includes a built-in voltage regulator, which eliminates the need for an external logic voltage supply, making the setup simpler.

• Compatibility with 3.3V and 5V Systems

It works directly with both 3.3V and 5V systems, providing broad compatibility with various microcontrollers and other control boards.

• Thermal Shutdown Protection

The DRV8825 has thermal shutdown features to protect the motor and driver from overheating, ensuring longer-lasting operation.

• Over-Current and Under-Voltage Protection

It automatically shuts down if it detects overcurrent or undervoltage conditions, safeguarding both the driver and connected components.

• Short-to-Ground and Shorted-Load Protection

This driver is protected against short circuits, preventing damage caused by wiring faults or motor failures.

• Improved Heat Dissipation

The 4-layer, 2 oz copper PCB design enhances heat dissipation, allowing the driver to handle higher currents without overheating.

• Compatible with A4988 Modules

Its pinout and interface are largely compatible with the A4988, making it a convenient drop-in replacement for existing setups using that driver.

A4988 Features

• Simple Step and Direction Control Interface

Like the DRV8825, the A4988 also has an easy step and direction interface, allowing simple control over stepper motors for a wide range of uses.

• Five Step Resolutions

The A4988 supports five different step resolutions, from full-step to 1/16-step, giving users some flexibility in adjusting precision.

• Adjustable Current Control

A built-in potentiometer allows for manual adjustment of the maximum current output, enabling the use of higher voltages for better motor performance.

• Automatic Current Decay Mode Selection

The A4988 selects the appropriate current decay mode (fast or slow decay) automatically, based on the operating conditions, to maintain smooth performance.

• Thermal Shutdown and Under-Voltage Protection

This driver is equipped with thermal shutdown and undervoltage lockout features to protect both the motor and the driver during operation.

• Crossover-Current Protection

The A4988 includes protection against crossover current, preventing damage from unintended current flow, which can safeguard both the motor and the driver.

• Short-to-Ground and Shorted-Load Protection

It features built-in protection against shorts to ground and other load-related faults, providing reliability in more demanding applications.

• 35V Maximum Supply Voltage

The A4988 can handle up to 35V, which makes it suitable for a variety of standard stepper motor projects, though it has a lower voltage capacity than the DRV8825.

• Compact Size

Its small form factor makes it easy to fit into tight spaces, which is useful in compact projects with limited room for electronics.

• Ease of Use with Built-in Translator

The A4988 has an integrated translator, which makes it possible to control the motor using only two pins—one for direction and one for stepping—simplifying the control setup.

Schematic Diagram Overview: TMC2100, DRV8825, and A4988

TMC2100 Schematic Diagram

DRV8825 Schematic Diagram

A4988 Schematic Diagram

Control Inputs Comparison: TMC2100, DRV8825, and A4988

TMC2100 Control Input

The TMC2100 is controlled through the STEP and DIR inputs. It can operate in either SpreadCycle or StealthChop mode, depending on the desired performance. The driver also supports microstep interpolation for smoother movement and includes automatic standstill current reduction to save energy when the motor is idle. The "Problem" output signals any driver errors, while the "INDEX" output shows the current position of the microstep table, both of which are low active, open-drain outputs.

DRV8825 Control Input

Each pulse sent to the STEP input on the DRV8825 moves the stepper motor by one microstep in the direction specified by the DIR pin. It’s important not to leave the STEP or DIR pins unconnected since they are not internally pulled to a specific voltage. If you only need the motor to rotate in one direction, you can connect the DIR pin directly to either VCC or GND. The RST, SLP, and EN pins control the chip's power states. For normal use, the RST pin, which is left floating by default, should be tied to the neighboring SLP pin on the PCB to bring it high. If the RST pin isn’t needed, connecting it to the SLP pin will enable the board.

A4988 Control Input

The A4988 uses three inputs—RESET, SLEEP, and ENBL—to manage its power states. The SLEEP pin is pulled low by an internal 1M pull-down resistor, while the RESET and ENBL pins have 100k pull-down resistors. Both the RESET and SLEEP pins must be set high to activate the driver. These pins can be connected directly to a "high" logic voltage between 2.2V and 5.25V or controlled through digital outputs from a microcontroller. The ENBL pin enables the driver by default, so it can remain disconnected if you don't need to control it manually.

Application Examples: TMC2100, DRV8825, and A4988

TMC2100 Applications

• 3D Printers

The TMC2100 is widely used in 3D printers, where its quiet operation and smooth motor control make it a favorite for ensuring precise and efficient movement of parts.

• Textile and Sewing Machines

In textile and sewing machinery, the TMC2100 provides the accurate control needed for delicate operations, while also keeping noise levels low, which is essential in industrial settings.

• Office Automation

This driver is ideal for automated office equipment like printers and scanners, where smooth and consistent motion is important for high-quality output.

• Consumer and Home Devices

The TMC2100 is also used in household devices, offering quiet and precise control in applications that require smooth motor movements, such as automated curtains or small appliances.

• CCTV and Security Systems

In security systems like CCTV cameras, the TMC2100 helps control motorized components, ensuring smooth and quiet adjustments in camera positioning.

• ATM and Cash Recycler Machines

This driver is employed in ATMs and cash recyclers for reliable, precise movement in handling cash transactions.

• Point of Sale (POS) Systems

The TMC2100 ensures smooth motorized movement in POS devices, helping with tasks like receipt printing and product scanning in retail environments.

• Printers and Scanners

Used in both home and commercial printers and scanners, the TMC2100 provides the necessary motor control for quiet, smooth operation without sacrificing precision.

DRV8825 Applications

• Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)

The DRV8825 is commonly found in ATMs, providing the precision needed to control motorized components that handle cash securely and efficiently.

• Money Handling Machines

It’s also used in machines that process and count money, offering reliable control to ensure smooth and error-free operation.

• Video Security Cameras

In motorized security cameras, the DRV8825 helps achieve precise movements, enabling cameras to track and adjust angles with accuracy.

• Printers

This driver is well-suited for both industrial and office printers, delivering high-resolution step control to ensure smooth, consistent printing performance.

• Scanners

DRV8825 is often integrated into scanning devices to maintain smooth, accurate motor control, resulting in high-quality scans.

• Office Automation Machines

The DRV8825 is found in automated office machines like sorting devices and multifunction printers, where precise motor control is needed for efficient operation.

• Gaming Machines

In gaming machines, the DRV8825 helps control motorized components, allowing for smooth and reliable movements in various mechanical parts.

• Factory Automation

This driver is used in factory automation, providing precise control for machines that require accurate and reliable motor steps in industrial processes.

• Robotics

In robotics, the DRV8825 is a go-to for controlling stepper motors, ensuring smooth and exact movements in automated tasks, from assembly lines to consumer robotics.

A4988 Applications

The A4988 is a versatile bipolar stepper motor driver known for its simplicity. With its built-in translator, controlling a stepper motor becomes straightforward, needing just two pins from the controller—one to manage the direction of rotation and the other to control the steps.

A4988 Manufacturer Overview

Allegro MicroSystems, LLC is known for developing and producing high-performance semiconductors. Their products are used in various fast-growing industries, including automotive, office automation, and industrial applications. Allegro provides innovative solutions globally, with design, application, and sales support centers across different regions. The company is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA, and continues to lead in semiconductor technology.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

1. Is DRV8825 a better choice than A4988?

The DRV8825 has a higher maximum supply voltage compared to the A4988, with 45V versus 35V. This allows the DRV8825 to handle higher voltages more safely, which helps prevent potential voltage spike damage, like those caused by LC voltage spikes. So, if you need to run your motor at higher voltages, the DRV8825 might be a better option for you.

2. Can the TMC2209 work with an A4988 driver?

Yes, the TMC2209 is compatible with basic drivers like the A4988 or DRV8825. The reason for this compatibility is that many of the settings on the TMC2209 can be adjusted via pins, making it easy to switch between these drivers without needing to make major changes to your setup.

3. What exactly is the A4988 stepper motor driver?

The A4988 is a microstepping motor driver with an easy-to-use built-in translator. It can drive bipolar stepper motors and works with an output voltage of up to 35V and a current of 2A per coil. It supports full-step, half-step, quarter-step, eighth-step, and sixteenth-step modes, giving you good control over your motor’s movement.

4. What is the A4988 used for?

The A4988 is used to drive a bipolar stepper motor. You can control the motor with just two pins from your controller: one pin for the rotation direction and another pin to control the steps. This makes it simple to use in projects where you need to control motor movement.

5. What can the DRV8825 be used for?

The DRV8825 is a microstepping driver that also has a built-in translator, making it easy to control bipolar stepper motors. Similar to the A4988, you can control the motor using just two pins. The STEP pin is used to control the number of steps, and the DIR pin is used to control the direction of rotation.