on November 13th 90

TMC2208 vs. TMC2209: Which Stepper Driver is Right for You?

The TMC22XX series is a set of super-quiet motor driver chips made for two-phase stepper motors. These chips are perfect for projects where low noise and high performance are really important. Two popular models in this series, the TMC2208 and TMC2209, are known for their impressive features and useful options. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes these models special, comparing their pins, performance, and the types of projects they’re best suited for.

Catalog

Overview Comparison: TMC2208 vs. TMC2209

The TMC22XX series of motor drivers seamlessly integrates into diverse environments, providing compatibility with existing systems while enhancing efficiency through advanced noise-canceling capabilities. Leveraging TRINAMIC’s cutting-edge technology, these drivers not only achieve exceptional energy efficiency but also sustain high motor torque. Swift current regulation via SpreadCycle enables precise motor control, catering to both industrial demands and personal applications. TMC2208 and TMC2209 drivers boast robust MOSFETs, adept at managing substantial motor currents, ensuring steady performance under varying loads. The feature-rich Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART) interfaces offer detailed control over motor functionalities, easing integration into complex systems and allowing tuning to specific needs. This adaptability is invaluable for custom applications where off-the-shelf settings fall short. Configurations can be stored in One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory, highlighting these drivers' ability to meet persistent and varied operational requirements. The TMC2208 and TMC2209 drivers excel at noise reduction while maintaining high precision. In environments like offices or labs where serene acoustics foster focus and comfort, quieter operations underscore the drivers' value beyond technical metrics, aligning with the growing emphasis on ergonomics and environments conducive to creativity and productivity. TMC22XX drivers redefine stepper motor applications through precise, silent operations, offering a cost-effective solution aligning with today’s expectations for efficiency and reliability. Centric features ensure these drivers not only satisfy current technological needs but also stand ready for future advancements.

Pinout Comparison: TMC2208 vs. TMC2209

Features Comparison: TMC2208 vs. TMC2209

Feature	TMC2208	TMC2209
Coil Current (Peak)	2-phase stepper motors up to 2A	2-phase stepper motors up to 2.8A coil current(peak), 2A RMS
Microstep Pin Setting	STEP/DIR Interface with 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32micro steps	STEP/DIR Interface with 8, 16, 32 or 64 micro steps
Microstep Interpolation	Smooth Running 256 micro steps by MicroPlyerTM interpolation	Smooth Running 256 micro steps by MicroPlyerM interpolation
Motor Operation Technology	StealthChop2TM silent motor operation	StealthChop2TM silent motor operation
Motor Control chopper	SpreadCydeTM highly dynamic motor control chopper	SpreadCydeTM highly dynamic motor control chopper
RDSon (Low-Side &r High5ide)	LS 280mΩ2 & HS 290m52 (typ. at 25°C)	Low RDSon, Low Heat-Up LS 170m$2 & HS170m&(typ. at 25°C)
Voltage Range	4... 36V DC	4.7.. 29V DC
Advanced Features	Automatic Standby current reduction (option)	StallGuard4TH load and stall detection for StealthChop
		CoolStepM current control for energy savings up to 75%
Energy Efficiency	Intemal Sense Resistor option (no sense resistors required)	Low Power Standby to fit standby energy regulations
Sensor Interface	Passive Braking and Freewheeling	Internal Sense Resistor option (no sense resistors required)
Motion Features	Single Wire UART & OTP for advanced configuration options	Passive Braking, Freewheeling, and automatic power down
Configuration Options	Integrated Pulse Generator for standalone motion	Single Wire UART & OTP for advanced configuration options
Standalone Operation	Full Protection & Diagnostics	Integrated Pulse Generator for standalone motion
Protection & Diagnostics	Choice of QFN and wettable QFN packages for best fit	Full Protection & Diagnostics
Packaging Options	TMC2208	Compact QFN package with a large heat slug
Feature	2-phase stepper motors up to 2A	Low Power Standby to fit standby energy regulations

Block Diagram Comparison: TMC2208 vs. TMC2209

The diagrams below display the block structures of the TMC2208 and TMC2209.

The TMC22xx series is known for its strong performance, built-in power components, quiet operation, and simple design. It's versatile, working well in many settings like battery-powered devices and embedded systems, and can handle up to 2 amps of motor current per coil. TRINAMIC’s special modes, SpreadCycle and StealthChop2, improve motor control. StealthChop2 especially helps make the motor almost silent at low speeds. Lower standby current means it uses less power and stays cooler, cutting down on cooling costs. Good support also makes it easier and faster to bring products to market.

Application Circuit Comparison: TMC2208 vs. TMC2209

The following figures show the application circuit of TMC2208 and TMC2209.

The TMC22xx series of stepper drivers is made to easily improve basic, low-cost stepper driver setups. Its StealthChop technology keeps the motor running quietly, making it a good choice for home or office use. These drivers are also energy-efficient and can handle high currents in a small size. The TMC2208 model has a simple design with only a few control pins, which are used to set the micro-step resolution. It offers options for 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 micro-steps, so you can adjust it to match the motion controller's capabilities. Some versions also let you select the chopper mode with a pin. The TMC2209 is similar, needing only a few control pins and offering resolutions from 8 to 64 micro-steps, all the way up to a full step or down to 1/256 step for very precise control. This flexibility helps it work smoothly with different motion controllers.

Conclusion

The TMC2208 and TMC2209 motor drivers from the TMC22XX series are known for their very quiet operation and accurate motor control, making them great for projects that need low noise and precise movement. Both models include advanced features like 1/256 step interpolation and StealthChop V2 technology. However, the TMC2209 offers a bit more, as it can handle higher currents and supports sensorless homing through its DIAG pin. Choosing between these two drivers should depend on the specific needs of the project and any possible future upgrades, making sure the selected driver fits the application well and improves the system’s overall performance.