New stepper motor drivers improve motion accuracy and motor efficiency

Toshiba Electronics Europe has introduced two new stepping motor drivers that detect excessive load on a motor then automatically adjust power to accommodate this load. The new TB67S249FTG and TB67S279FTG enable motors to move with precision at fast speeds under varying loads while reducing power consumption, heat generation, and system costs. These drivers are ideal for use in precision manufacturing, robotics and 3D printing application that require stable, precise and high-speed control. The company's new drivers incorporate their proprietary anti-stall and active gain control (AGC) technology, guarding motors from stalling and possible damage. The AGC technology constantly monitors motor torque and automatically optimises motor current to meet load requirements without the need for an additional microcontroller. By running at nominal currents instead of high currents, these devices reduce motor power and heat by up to 80% when compared with existing products without the AGC function, while preserving motor precision and efficiency under a wide variety of workloads and speeds. The devices are housed in a thermally-efficient QFN48 (7mm x 7mm) package and are pin compatible, enabling system manufacturers to design one board to maintain a variety of performance requirements.