With a wide input range, customisable PWM settings, and an intuitive GUI for motor tuning, the design delivers precision, reliability, and ease of use for developers across diverse applications.
This solution highlights the ability of AutoTune to dynamically adapt to changes in system inputs or motor characteristics without requiring manual parameter adjustments from the user. Such capability significantly reduces setup complexity and improves performance consistency. Built around the DRV8880 Evaluation Module, this design allows users to explore the full feature set of the DRV8880 stepper motor driver, making it ideal for applications requiring precision and reliability. Key applications for this design include industrial automation, enterprise systems, multifunction printers, EPOS printers, infusion pumps, and gaming machines like Pachinko and PachiSlot.
The TIDA-00830 design by Texas Instruments supports a wide range of operational parameters, making it versatile for various use cases. It operates on an input voltage range of 6.5 to 45 V and can handle up to 2.0-A full-scale maximum drive current. Users can customize the PWM off-time with three options: 10 µs, 20 µs, or 30 µs, catering to different performance requirements. An onboard 3.3-V, 10-mA LDO regulator provides a reliable power supply for system peripherals. The hallmark of the design, the AutoTune feature, simplifies the tuning process by automatically adjusting motor parameters, enabling faster deployment and robust operation across diverse environments.
Ease of use is a critical focus of this design. The TIDA-00830 includes a simple graphical user interface (GUI) for driver input control and motor tuning, allowing users to efficiently configure and optimize motor performance. Onboard USB communication enhances connectivity with external controllers, streamlining integration into existing systems. Additionally, a 100-mil header provides test probe access to all driver input controls, enabling thorough testing and debugging during development. This reference design is particularly suited for applications where precision motion control and adaptability are crucial. In enterprise systems and multifunction printers, it ensures smooth and reliable operation.
Industrial equipment benefits from its robust motor control capabilities, while infusion pumps leverage its precision for accurate fluid delivery. Gaming machines like Pachinko and PachiSlot rely on its adaptability to handle varying operational demands. The design showcases the power and convenience of AutoTune technology, making stepper motor tuning more efficient and accessible for a wide range of applications. By integrating advanced features with user-friendly tools, it provides an optimal solution for developers seeking to streamline motor control in their systems.
TI has tested this reference design. It comes with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, assembly drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and more. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.
