Microstepping Motor Driver IC Reduces Number Of Control Lines

A new microstepping motor driver IC utilizes the EasyStepper translator for microstepping (one-eighth step) operation. The A3967 motor driver IC complements the company’s stepper motor product line by adding a lower cost IC targeted at bipolar stepper motors that run up to 750 mA. The EasyStepper interface reduces the number of control lines from as many as eight lines down to two (Step and Direction). By inputting one pulse on the Step input of the A3967, the motor will take one microstep. There are no phase sequence tables, high frequency control lines, or complex interfaces to program. The EasyStepper interface is suited for applications where a complex microprocessor is unavailable or over- burdened. The IC is designed to operate bipolar stepper motors in full, half, quarter and eighth step modes, with output drive capability of 30V and ±750 mA. It is packaged in a 24-lead plastic SOIC with a copper batwing tab. The A3967 motor driver IC will be priced at $1.87 each/1,000. ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS INC., Worcester, MA. (508) 853-5000.