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DRV8462: Problem connecting stall detection with automatic microstepping with high value.

Part Number: DRV8462

Hello,
I am using DRV8462 to control stepper motors. I use stand still power saving, automatic torque and stall detection. I previously used this controller to control motors with a fixed microstep, but I want to change it to automatic microstep.
With fixed microstep, there were no problems learning the values of ATQ and STALL registers like in DS, but when I reduce the frequency from 16kHz with fixed microstep 1/16 to 1kHz with full step and automatic microstep, I have problems successfully learning stall detection. After this change, the value of the learned ATQ registers was the same, which is obvious because practically the motor rotated at the same speed, but when I tried to learn the automatic stall detection register with an automatic microstep higher than 1/32 it always failed (STL_LRN_OK = 0b). When I read STALL_TH, it is very low (e.g. 1 or 2). But with automatic microstep 1/32 everything is ok (STALL_TH = 30 / 40 etc.). 

Is it normal that with higher values of automatic microstepping there is a problem with stall detection? Is there anything that can be done about it?

Motors I am using are: DINGS 17E2115AB4-69SNSN-130

  • Hello Maciej,

    Depending on operating conditions such as VM supply voltage, motor IFS and motor characteristics the torque count will likely reduce at higher microstep settings vs. lower microstep settings. You said "I reduce the frequency from 16kHz with fixed microstep 1/16 to 1kHz with full step and automatic microstep". Auto microstepping has four settings 1/32, 1/64. 1/128 and 1/256. If you select 1/32 and reduce step input to 500 Hz you should get stall detection to work pretty close to 1/16 fixed microstep (actually 1/32 fixed.). Higher fixed microstepping or auto microstepping would reduce the torque count significantly and affect stall detection. 

    Regards, Murugavel  

  • That is, there are frequency and microstep settings in which, by teaching the algorithm according to DS, it is impossible to achieve working STALL-detection? 

  • Hello Maciej,

    In those specific combinations both learning will not be successful as well as the count may be pretty low that it may not be possible to detect stall even using a manually configured stall threshold. The effect is pronounced at higher microstepping 128 and 256 because not enough TOFF cycles will be present within a microstep period to calculate the torque count. 

    The theory of stall detection is described in this application note, https://www.ti.com/lit/an/slvaei3/slvaei3.pdf

    Regards, Murugavel

  • Oki, now I understand, thank you for your help.