Allegro Microstepping Motor Controllers Seek Industrial Work

\[October 4, 2006\] A pair of microstepping motor drivers with ±1.5A and 50V output drive capability expands the company's existing line of motor drivers. Both devices target the office automation and industrial markets. The A3992 is a DMOS full-stepping PWM driver for bipolar motors that offers several key features, including over-current protection, synchronous rectification for low power dissipation, patented programmable mixed, fast, and slow current decay modes, and low on-resistance DMOS outputs in a thermally efficient surface-mount package. The A3987 includes a built-in translator for easy operation. It operates bipolar stepper motors in full, half, quarter, and sixteenth step modes. An integrated fixed off-time current regulator can operate in slow or mixed decay modes. Both devices come in a low-profile (1.1-mm) 24L eTSSOP (suffix LP) with exposed power tab. The A3992 is also available in a 24-lead plastic DIP with a copper batwing tab (suffix B). The power tab is at ground potential and needs no electrical isolation. The devices cost $2.36 each/5,000, with a typical lead time of 12 weeks. ALLEGRO MICOSYSTEMS INC., Worcester, MA. (508) 853-5000.