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SparkFun ProDriver - Stepper Motor Driver (TC78H670FTG)
The SparkFun ProDriver makes it easy to start developing with the TC78H670FTG bipolar stepper motor driver from Toshiba! Latch terminals provide instant solder-less connections to every feature offered. Use our extensive Arduino Library with 10 examples, and you can quickly explore the many features of this precise and small package size motor driver IC.
In addition to high resolution control (down to 1/128th of a step), the ProDriver can be controlled via traditional clock-in stepping or serial commands. Both methods are demonstrated in the Arduino Library. The serial command method is especially unique in that it allows the user to precisely control the phase, torque, current limit and mixed decay ratio of each coil immediately during stepping. Most stepper motor driver ICs require using an external trimpot to set the current limit, but with the ProDriver, you can precisely adjust this via serial commands!
- Toshiba TC78H670FTG Clock-in and Serial controlled Bipolar Stepping Motor Driver
- Latch terminals for plug and play access (no soldering required!)
- Allows full, half, quarter, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128 step operation
- Power supply operating voltage: 3.6 V to 16.0 V
- Output current ratings: 2.0 A (max)
- Additional over current protection provided by an on-board PTC
- Multi error detect functions (Thermal shutdown (TSD), Over current (ISD), motor load open (OPD) and Under voltage lockout (UVLO))
- Exposed copper for optional bottom side heat sink
- Extensive Arduino Library support with 10 examples!
SparkFun ProDriver - Stepper Motor Driver (TC78H670FTG) Product Help and Resources
SparkFun ProDriver Hookup Guide
September 3, 2020
The SparkFun ProDriver utilizes Toshiba's TC78H670FTG stepper motor driver and with the latch pin connections, this new board is easier to get started with than the "Easy" Drivers. To get started, follow this hookup guide and you will be spinning stepper motors, in no time.
Core Skill: Robotics
This skill concerns mechanical and robotics knowledge. You may need to know how mechanical parts interact, how motors work, or how to use motor drivers and controllers.
Skill Level: Experienced - Your experiences should include working with stepper motors and feedback system. You may need to understand how encoders and more complex control systems work.
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Core Skill: Programming
If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.
Skill Level: Competent - The toolchain for programming is a bit more complex and will examples may not be explicitly provided for you. You will be required to have a fundamental knowledge of programming and be required to provide your own code. You may need to modify existing libraries or code to work with your specific hardware. Sensor and hardware interfaces will be SPI or I2C.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping
If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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Customer Reviews
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Is it possible to control the motor's speed? Setup: I currently have two bipolar 125 oz.in stepper motors connected with two pro drivers as describe in the ProDriver guide. I know for the Stepper.h library it was as simple as .setspeed(). Is there a similar method to control the motors speed with the sparkfun prodriver library?
Any plans on offering this in a smaller footprint without the fancy-pants terminals? I know it's not apples-to-apples, but the Easy Driver is less than half the size.
I know the original intent of this product was to be solderless; that being said, I will pass along the request. (*My guess would be that it is probably already in the works, but I am not privy to the planning/decision making process.)
Does this work with 5V logic Arduino Uno boards, or will it need logic level conversion down to 3.3V?
Is this RoHS compliant? Most other SparkFun boards seem to be, but this one is missing that icon.
At this time we cannot guarantee RoHS compliance on this board since we haven't received the proper paperwork and certification from our PCB and IC manufacturer. We are, however, actively attempting to get this resolved.
Getting 404 errors with some of the documentation
Sorry about that. The links should be live now. Try again. ;)
I still can't get to the Hook-up diagrams which is linked inside of the Arduino Library link.
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/sparkfun-prodriver-hookup-guide
Thanks for looking into this so quickly!
Sorry, I had some technical issues... guide is live now.
Ahhh, I thought you were referring to the links in the Documents tab. It looks like we are still adding a few details in the tutorial before setting it live.
Hi - how many stepper motors can be driven at the same time with one of these boards ?
Looking at the back of the ProDriver, it should be one bi-polar stepper motor per board.
given the following 1. serial mode: set the Torque to: 25% 2. step mode: control the motor speed and microstepping question: would the torque setting (25%) be kept when in step mode?