Robotics, precision manufacturing and 3D printers call for stable, precise and rapid control of the motors involved. Today's systems therefore use driver ICs to ensure precise movement of stepping motors at high speeds under various loads while also cutting power consumption, waste heat and system costs. The TB67S249FTG and TB67S279FTG models from Toshiba Electronics Europe (TEE) are two such ICs that detect excessive load on the motor and adjust the power supply to it automatically.

The new stepping motor drivers are based on Toshiba's anti-stall and Active Gain Control (AGC) technology, which protects motors from stalling and possible damage. AGC continuously monitors the motor torque and automatically optimizes the motor current to meet the load requirements, without the need for an additional microcontroller. By operating at nominal currents instead of high currents, these components also cut power consumption and waste heat by up to 80 percent compared to existing drivers without AGC while maintaining motor precision and efficiency under a wide variety of loads and speeds. The new stepping motor driver ICs are already in series production and are now available.

Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH (40549 Düsseldorf, Germany)
Website: www.toshiba.semicon-storage.com