Stepper Motor Driver - SparkFun ProDriver - (TC78H670FTG)

Stepper Motor Driver - SparkFun ProDriver - (TC78H670FTG)

The SparkFun ProDriver makes it easy to start developing with the TC78H670FTG bipolar stepper motor driver from Toshiba! Latch terminals provide instant solder-less connections to every feature offered. This a great option for any project requiring precision motor control.
In addition to high-resolution control (down to 1/128th of a step), the ProDriver can be controlled via traditional clock-in stepping or serial commands. Both methods are demonstrated in the Arduino Library. The serial command method is especially unique in that it allows the user to precisely control the phase, torque, current limit, and mixed decay ratio of each coil immediately during stepping. Most stepper motor driver ICs require using an external trimpot to set the current limit, but with the ProDriver, you can precisely adjust this via serial commands!

ProDriver Features:

• Toshiba TC78H670FTG Clock-in and Serial controlled Bipolar Stepping Motor Driver
• Latch terminals for plug and play access (no soldering required!)
• Allows full, half, quarter, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128 step operation
• Power supply operating voltage: 3.6 V to 16.0 V
• Output current ratings: 2.0 A (max)
• Additional over current protection provided by an on-board PTC
• Multi error detect functions (Thermal shutdown (TSD), Over current (ISD), motor load open (OPD) and Under voltage lockout (UVLO))
• Exposed copper for optional bottom-side heat sink
• Extensive Arduino Library support with 10 examples!

ProDriver Board Dimensions:

• Board Length: 57.2mm (2.25")
• Board Width: 50.8mm (2")

Sparkfun ProDriver Schematic:

Sparkfun ProDriver Documents:

• TC78H670FTG Datasheet (Clock-in and Serial controlled Bipolar Stepping Motor Driver)
• SparkFun ProDriver TC78H670FTG Arduino Library and Example Code

Connecting up the ProDriver:

Power - You'll need a power supply that has an output of 3.3 - 16V and can source at least 2A. We have provided three different methods for users to connect their power supply to the ProDriver:

• A 5.5 x 2.1 mm DC barrel jack, which is simple and the easiest to use.
• A latch pin terminal that is similar to a screw terminal, except toolless.
• A set of PTH points (VM and GND) for users who wish to, more permanently, solder their power connections.

Heat Sink - There is a thermal ground plane on the bottom of the board available for users to attach a heat sink(s) with some thermal tape, if necessary. However, after several tests by the engineer for this product, we have determined that for most use cases, a heat sink probably won't be necessary. The thermal ground planes on the bottom of the ProDriver as seen below: