A3972

Designed for pulse-width modulated (PWM) current control of bipolar microstepping stepper motors, the A3972SB is capable of continuous output currents to ±1.5 A and operating voltages to 50 V. Internal fixed off-time PWM current-control timing circuitry can be programmed via a serial interface to operate in slow, fast, and mixed current-decay modes.

The desired load-current level is set via the serial port with two 6-bit linear DACs in conjunction with a reference voltage. The six bits of control allow maximum flexibility in torque control for a variety of step methods, from microstepping to full step drive. Load current is set in 1.56% increments of the maximum value.

Synchronous rectification circuitry allows the load current to flow through the low r_DS(on) of the DMOS output driver during the current decay. This feature will eliminate the need for external clamp diodes in most applications, saving cost and external component count, while minimizing power dissipation.

Internal circuit protection includes thermal shutdown with hysteresis, transient-suppression diodes, and crossover-current protection. Special power-up sequencing is not required.