DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator and Overcurrent Protection

Allegro MicroSystems Europe announces a integrated bipolar stepper motor driver IC with built-in translator for easy operation.  Allegro’s A5985 is designed to operate bipolar stepper motors from full-step up to 1/32 step modes that are selectable by MSx logic inputs.  This new device has an output drive capacity of up to 40 V and ±2 A and operates with a single supply.  It is targeted at the office and industrial automation markets with key applications to include:  automatic teller machines, point of sale and laser printers, 3D printers, copiers, CCTV cameras, sewing machines, vending, and robotics.

The A5985 motor driver IC introduces a proprietary Adaptive Percent Fast Decay (APFD) algorithm to optimize the current waveform over a wide range of stepper speeds and stepper motor characteristics.  APFD adjusts, on-the-fly, the amount of fast decay with the goal of maintaining current regulation while minimizing current ripple. This adaptive feature improves performance of the system resulting in reduced audible motor noise, reduced vibration, and increased step accuracy.  The translator is the key to the easy implementation of the A5985.  Simply inputting one pulse on the STEP input drives the motor one microstep. There are no phase sequence tables, high frequency control lines, or complex interfaces to program. 

About Allegro MicroSystems

Allegro MicroSystems, LLC is a leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-performance semiconductors. Allegro’s innovative solutions serve high-growth applications within the automotive market, with additional focus on office automation, industrial, and consumer/communications solutions. Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts (USA) with design, applications, and sales support centers located worldwide.

Allegro MicroSystems Europe, headquartered in Chertsey, United Kingdom, is the European sales and marketing operation, and operates a network of representatives and distributors throughout Europe. Allegro also has an engineering design centre in Edinburgh in Scotland and an application and marketing centre in Annecy in France.