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Battery driven applications of Stepper motor and challenges in Consumer electronics design

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DRV8836, DRV8835, SN74CB3Q3253

Hi ,

I am working on a consumer electronics application where the bipolar stepper motor will be used . The biggest challenge I am facing now is to make the whole electronics and Motor sustain on  AA batteries . But the major power consumer being the stepper motor . My intention is to know how do we reduce the current consumption of the Stepper or replace the stepper with other motor.

The holding torque of the Stepper is not required so I have disabled the motor driver chip when  the stepping is done. Still the power consumption is quite high.

Is there way or a reference design to run the stepper motor using  AA batteries. Please help.

Thanks in Advance.

Naveen Neo G

  • Hi Naveen,

    Please take a look at the DRV8835/DRV8836. These two devices can be used to drive a stepper motor with batteries.

    Once the motion is complete the device can be placed in a low power sleep mode.
  • Thanks Rick Duncan for the info,

    Also can i use some kind of Demux/Mux to drive multiple stepper motors , In this case which Mux/Demux will you suggest for the motor driving applications. Or is it advisable to use the dedicated Driver for each Stepper and multiplex the inputs using a Demux.

    With regards 

    Naveen G

  • Hi Naveen,

    A mux  can be used to drive multiple steppers. Using the DRV8835 as an example, there are a few recommendations.

    1) Use separate FETs to control VCC on each of the DRV8835. This will minimize power when not in use.

    2) When not in use, set the inputs to a logic low.

    3) As an example for the mux/demux, the SN74CB3Q3253 was chosen. Assuming the voltage range is correct, two devices can be used to control 4 steppers.  Each device can control two inputs. The S0/S1 pins can steer the control signal Ax to the proper stepper input.

    For more suggestions on which mux/demux to use, the selection tool is available at: LINK

    and the logic forum is available LOGIC FORUM

    Hope this helps.