Enhance automation with TB67S209 and STM32F446RE and revolutionizes motion control

Multi Stepper Click is based on the TB67S209FTG, a two-phase bipolar stepping motor driver using a PWM chopper from Toshiba Semiconductor. The TB67S209FTG has a built-in clock-in decoder (CLOCK-in controlled), which means that each up-edge of the CLK signal is routed to the PWM pin of the mikroBUS™ socket, will shift the motor’s electrical angle per step. It also incorporates a low on-resistance MOSFET output stage, which can deliver a 2.8A current with a motor output voltage rating of 47V, and integrated protection mechanisms such as over-current, over-temperature, and under-voltage detection. In addition, it allows from full-step up to 1/32 steps resolution, with the help of which motor noise can be significantly reduced with smoother operation and more precise control. The TB67S209FTG supports a selectable Mixed Decay mode. Though the Mixed Decay is determined by controlling two different types of decay (Fast Decay and Slow Decay), this function enables the user to select the ratio of the Mixed Decay through the PCA9555A pins P4/P5. To allow both pins to be configurated by the expander, the SMD jumper labeled JP4 must be positioned to an appropriate position marked as P4. Also, the motor current output value can be manually set using an onboard trimmer labeled VR1, which sets the reference voltage from 0V to 3.3V.

As mentioned, the TB67S209FTG supports various step resolution configurations through its control signals. These control signals are provided through the PCA9555A port expander, which establishes communication with the MCU via the I2C serial interface. This Click board™ also allows a connection of external step-resolution control signals on the onboard header J1 on pins labeled as P1 and P2 for the device’s DMODE1 and DMODE2 control. The PCA9555A also allows choosing the least significant bit (LSB) of its I2C slave address by positioning SMD jumpers labeled ADDR SEL to an appropriate position marked as 0 and 1. Also, this Click board™ has a Standby function, activated when all three step-resolution control signals are in their low logic state, used to switch to Standby mode by setting all motor control pins to a low logic state. When the Standby mode is active, the TB67S209FTG stops supplying the power to the internal oscillating circuit and motor output part (the motor drive cannot be performed). In addition to the I2C communication, several GPIO pins connected to the mikroBUS™ socket are also used. The Enable pin, labeled as EN and routed to the CS pin of the mikroBUS™ socket, optimizes power consumption used for power ON/OFF purposes. Also, a simple rotation direction function routed to the AN pin on the

mikroBUS™ socket allows MCU to manage the direction of the stepper motor (clockwise or counterclockwise), while the RST pin of the mikroBUS™ socket initializes an electrical angle in the internal counter to set an initial position. Regarding angle monitoring, this Click board™ has a dual way of monitoring selected by positioning the SMD jumper labeled as JP5 to an appropriate position marked as P6 or INT, which chooses to monitor via the expander or INT pin of the mikroBUS™ socket. In that case, this anomaly is indicated by a red LED marked as DIAG and via P7 pin over the I2C INT to the mikroBUS™ INT pin proceeding JP5 is set to P6. Multi Stepper Click supports an external power supply for the TB67S209FTG, which can be connected to the input terminal labeled as VM and should be within the range of 10V to 47V, while the stepper motor coils can be connected to the terminals labeled as B+, B-, A-, and A+. This Click board™ can operate with either 3.3V or 5V logic voltage levels selected via the VCC SEL jumper. This way, both 3.3V and 5V capable MCUs can use the communication lines properly. However, the Click board™ comes equipped with a library containing easy-to-use functions and an example code that can be used, as a reference, for further development.

Nucleo-64 with STM32F446RE MCU offers a cost-effective and adaptable platform for developers to explore new ideas and prototype their designs. This board harnesses the versatility of the STM32 microcontroller, enabling users to select the optimal balance of performance and power consumption for their projects. It accommodates the STM32 microcontroller in the LQFP64 package and includes essential components such as a user LED, which doubles as an ARDUINO® signal, alongside user and reset push-buttons, and a 32.768kHz crystal oscillator for precise timing operations. Designed with expansion and flexibility in mind, the Nucleo-64 board features an ARDUINO® Uno V3 expansion connector and ST morpho extension pin

headers, granting complete access to the STM32's I/Os for comprehensive project integration. Power supply options are adaptable, supporting ST-LINK USB VBUS or external power sources, ensuring adaptability in various development environments. The board also has an on-board ST-LINK debugger/programmer with USB re-enumeration capability, simplifying the programming and debugging process. Moreover, the board is designed to simplify advanced development with its external SMPS for efficient Vcore logic supply, support for USB Device full speed or USB SNK/UFP full speed, and built-in cryptographic features, enhancing both the power efficiency and security of projects. Additional connectivity is

provided through dedicated connectors for external SMPS experimentation, a USB connector for the ST-LINK, and a MIPI® debug connector, expanding the possibilities for hardware interfacing and experimentation. Developers will find extensive support through comprehensive free software libraries and examples, courtesy of the STM32Cube MCU Package. This, combined with compatibility with a wide array of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), including IAR Embedded Workbench®, MDK-ARM, and STM32CubeIDE, ensures a smooth and efficient development experience, allowing users to fully leverage the capabilities of the Nucleo-64 board in their projects.