HR4988 Stepper Motor Driver

This module is based upon the HR4988 stepper motor driver and is ideal for use in 3D printer, CNC, and other applications where precise control of a stepper motor is required. Its pinnout is compatible with the StepStick design. This module can be used on its own (controlled by a microcontroller), or used with a RepRap compatible RAMPS shields such as our item number HC3DPR0002.

This is a complete microstepping motor driver with built-in translator for easy operation. It is designed to operate bipolar stepper motors in full-, half-, quarter-, eighth-, and sixteenth-step modes, with an output drive capacity of up to 35 V and ±1 A (Although the device is rated to 2A, this module has a maximum current of +/-0.5A). The IC includes a fixed off-time current regulator which has the ability to operate in Slow or Mixed decay modes. The translator is the key to the easy implementation of the module. 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. The interface is an ideal fit for applications where a complex microprocessor is unavailable or is overburdened. During stepping operation, the chopping control in the A4988 automatically selects the current decay mode, Slow or Mixed. In Mixed decay mode, the device is set initially to a fast decay for a proportion of the fixed off-time, then to a slow decay for the remainder of the off-time. Mixed decay current control results in reduced audible motor noise, increased step accuracy, and reduced power dissipation.

The interface is an ideal fit for applications where a complex microprocessor is unavailable or is overburdened. During stepping operation, the chopping control automatically selects the current decay mode, Slow or Mixed. In Mixed decay mode, the device is set initially to a fast decay for a proportion of the fixed off-time, then to a slow decay for the remainder of the off-time. Mixed decay current control results in reduced audible motor noise, increased step accuracy, and reduced power dissipation. 

This module comes pre-soldered, so is ready to use out of the box. We also include a small heatsink