2988-POLOLU, TB67S581FNG Stepper Motor Driver Carrier
This breakout board for Toshiba’s TB67S581FNG microstepping bipolar stepper motor driver features adjustable current limiting, over-current and over-temperature protection, and six microstep resolutions (down to 1/32-step). It operates from 8.2 V to 44 V and can deliver up to approximately 1.5 A per phase without a heat sink or forced air flow (rated for up to 2.2 A per coil with sufficient additional cooling).
Note: Headers are not included.
Overview
This product is a carrier board or breakout board for Toshiba’s TB67S581FNG stepper motor driver. We recommend careful reading of the TB67S581FNG datasheet before use. This stepper motor driver lets you control one bipolar stepper motor at up to 2.2 A output current per coil (see the Power Dissipation Considerations section for more information). Key features include:
- Simple step and direction control interface
- Six step resolutions: full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32
- Adjustable current control via potentiometer for higher step rates
- Configured for mixed decay mode
- Supports 8.2–44 V supply voltage
- Built-in logic voltage regulator
- Compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V systems
- Over-temperature, over-current, and under-voltage protection
- Short-to-ground and shorted-load protection
- 4-layer, 2 oz copper PCB for better thermal performance
- Exposed solderable ground pad under driver IC
Minimal Wiring Diagram:
Power connections
The driver requires a motor supply voltage of 8.2–44 V across VMOT and GND. Use appropriate decoupling capacitors close to the board, and ensure the supply can handle the stepper motor current.
Warning: This board uses low-ESR ceramic capacitors and is susceptible to destructive LC voltage spikes, especially with long power leads. These spikes can exceed 44 V even with a 12 V supply, damaging the board. To help protect it, place a large (≥ 47 µF) electrolytic capacitor across VMOT and GND near the board.
Motor connections
Four-, six-, and eight-wire stepper motors can be driven by the TB67S581FNG if properly wired.
Warning: Connecting or disconnecting a stepper motor while powered can destroy the driver. Never rewire live electronics.
Step (and microstep) size
Stepper motors typically have a native step size (e.g., 1.8°, or 200 steps/rev). Microstepping increases resolution by energizing coils at intermediate currents. For example, 1/4-step mode creates 800 microsteps per revolution on a 200-step motor.
The DMODE0, DMODE1, and DMODE2 inputs select the step resolution. These have 100 kΩ internal pull-downs, so if left unconnected, the board defaults to full-step mode. For microstepping to function correctly, the current limit must be set low enough to engage limiting.
| DMODE2 | DMODE1 | DMODE0 | Microstep Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Low | Low | Full step |
| Low | Low | High | Half step |
| Low | High | Low | 1/4 step |
| Low | High | High | 1/8 step |
| High | Low | Low | 1/16 step |
| High | Low | High | 1/32 step |
| High | High | Low | |
| High | High | High |
Schematic:
