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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated TMC2160A-TA-X
- Part No.:
- TMC2160A-TA-X
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 48-TQFP Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
TMC2160A-TA-X.pdf
- Description:
- IC MTR DRV BIPOLAR 10-50V 48TQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,644
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Product details
Overview
TMC2160A-TA-X from TRINAMIC Motion Control is a high-voltage, SPI-configurable stepper motor driver IC for 2-phase bipolar stepper motors. It delivers up to 1.4 A RMS coil current, operates from 8–60 V DC, supports 256 microsteps per full step via MicroPlyer™ interpolation, and integrates StealthChop2™ for silent standstill and SpreadCycle™ for high-dynamic motion-used in high-speed 3D printers and lab automation systems.
For engineers reviewing the TMC2160A-TA-X datasheet, TMC2160A-TA-X pinout, TMC2160A-TA-X application, or TMC2160A-TA-X equivalent, key selection criteria include its external MOSFET gate driver architecture, StallGuard2™ sensorless load detection, CoolStep™ current adaptation (up to 75% energy reduction), and dual-mode operation (SPI-controlled or hardware-configured STEP/DIR).
Technical Context
The TMC2160A-TA-X implements two independent chopper modes: StealthChop2™ (voltage-mode, auto-tuned, zero audible noise at standstill and low speed) and SpreadCycle™ (current-mode, cycle-by-cycle regulation, optimized for mid-to-high velocity with resonance dampening). Both operate on the same 4×256-entry sine-wave lookup table and share stall detection via StallGuard2™.
It features dual control interfaces: full-featured SPI (40-bit command/status words) for register-level configuration and diagnostics, and hardware-pin-configurable standalone mode (via SPI_MODE, CFG pins) enabling Step/Dir-only operation without firmware overhead. The chip drives external N-channel MOSFET half-bridges using six high-side (HA1/HA2/HB1/HB2) and six low-side (LA1/LA2/LB1/LB2) gate drivers with integrated charge pump (CPI/CPO) and 11.5 V gate supply (12VOUT).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 8–60 V DC motor supply (VS); enables direct integration into industrial 24/48 V systems without external DC-DC conversion. |
| Max Coil Current | 1.4 A RMS per phase (TMC2160A variant); set via external sense resistors and IHOLD/IRUN registers-supports compact motor sizing. |
| Microstep Resolution | Up to 256 microsteps/full step via MicroPlyer™ interpolation; achieves smooth motion even with coarse STEP inputs (e.g., full-step source). |
| Chopper Modes | StealthChop2™ (auto-tuned voltage chopper) + SpreadCycle™ (adaptive current chopper); selectable per velocity zone for quiet low-speed and dynamic high-speed operation. |
| Stall Detection | StallGuard2™ provides real-time mechanical load measurement without sensors; enables sensorless homing and closed-loop-like positioning feedback. |
| Energy Optimization | CoolStep™ reduces motor current based on StallGuard2™ load data-verified 75% power reduction at standstill vs. fixed-current drive. |
| Protection Features | Integrated short-circuit, open-load, overtemperature, and undervoltage protection with DIAG0/DIAG1 flag outputs-reduces need for external fault-handling circuitry. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TQFP-48 EP (7 × 7 mm² body, 9 × 9 mm² with leads), thermally enhanced exposed die pad connected to GNDD.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| HA1, HA2, HB1, HB2 | High-side gate driver outputs | Drive external N-channel MOSFET gates; require bootstrap capacitors (CA1/CA2/CB1/CB2) and bridge center connections (BMA1/BMA2/BMB1/BMB2). |
| LA1, LA2, LB1, LB2 | Low-side gate driver outputs | Directly drive low-side MOSFETs; powered by internal 11.5 V regulator (12VOUT) with 2.2 µF decoupling. |
| SRAH, SRAL, SRBH, SRBL | Phase A/B sense resistor terminals | Kelvin-connected analog inputs for current sensing; SRAL/SRBL tie to GND side of sense resistors to cancel PCB trace IR drop. |
| STEP, DIR, DRV_ENN | Digital control inputs | Edge-triggered STEP (rising/falling configurable), level-sensitive DIR, active-high enable-fully functional in standalone mode without SPI. |
| CSN, SCK, SDI, SDO | SPI interface signals | 40-bit command/status protocol; CSN active-low enables daisy-chaining; SDO is tristate for bus sharing. |
| DIAG0, DIAG1 | Open-drain diagnostic outputs | Configurable flags (e.g., overtemperature, short, stall); require ≤47 kΩ pull-up for logic-level interfacing with MCU GPIOs. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| StealthChop2™ | Auto-tuned voltage chopper eliminating audible noise at standstill and low speeds-no manual tuning required; extends usable microstepping range. |
| SpreadCycle™ | Adaptive current chopper with automatic fast-decay insertion-suppresses mid-band resonance and maintains torque across 0–2000 RPM without external damping components. |
| StallGuard2™ | Real-time load measurement derived from motor back-EMF during chopping-enables stall detection within ±5% torque accuracy and sensorless homing repeatability < ±0.1 full step. |
| CoolStep™ | Dynamic current reduction scaling with StallGuard2™ output-reduces RMS current by up to 75% at standstill while maintaining holding torque, lowering thermal stress on MOSFETs and PCB. |
| DcStep™ | Load-dependent velocity adjustment-automatically slows motor before stall occurs, ensuring zero step loss under variable mechanical load (e.g., filament extrusion resistance in 3D printing). |
Applications
| 3D Printer Motion Control | Lab Automation Positioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Precise X/Y/Z axis movement in fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers with rapid direction changes and variable extruder load. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stepper motor driver IC managing coil current, microstepping, and real-time load compensation via DcStep™ and StallGuard2™. Use Value: Eliminates missed steps during acceleration/deceleration and enables silent operation (<30 dB(A)) in office/lab environments. | Use Scenario: High-repeatability pipetting and plate handling in automated liquid handlers with strict positional accuracy requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Closed-loop-equivalent stepper driver using StallGuard2™ for sensorless homing and CoolStep™ for thermal stability during extended duty cycles. Use Value: Achieves ±0.05 mm positioning accuracy without encoders; reduces motor heating by 60% vs. fixed-current drive, extending actuator lifetime. |
| Industrial Packaging Machine | Medical Imaging Stage Drive |
Use Scenario: High-speed indexing of packaging trays under varying mechanical load due to product weight and conveyor belt inertia. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage stepper driver (8–60 V) delivering 1.4 A RMS with SpreadCycle™ for vibration-free motion at 1500+ RPM. Use Value: Suppresses mechanical resonance at 120–180 Hz, preventing misalignment and reducing maintenance frequency by 40%. | Use Scenario: Quiet, precise linear motion of X-ray detector stages in portable imaging devices where EMI and acoustic noise are strictly regulated. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise stepper driver implementing StealthChop2™ and filtered sense paths (SRAL/SRAH RC networks) to meet IEC 60601-1 EMC limits. Use Value: Meets Class B radiated emissions and <25 dB(A) acoustic noise requirements without shielding or acoustic enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar stepper motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMC2130-TA | Lower voltage (4.75–46 V), integrated MOSFETs (1.4 A), no external gate drivers; smaller 5×5 mm QFN32 package. | Best for space-constrained, lower-power designs (e.g., desktop CNC) where board area > voltage headroom. | Select TMC2130-TA when integrating MOSFETs simplifies layout and 46 V max supply suffices. |
| TMC5160-TA | Includes integrated motion controller (ramp generator, position tracking); same gate driver architecture but adds 32-bit position register and UART/SPI motion commands. | Required for autonomous multi-axis motion without host CPU intervention (e.g., robotic arms with coordinated trajectories). | Select TMC5160-TA when replacing external motion controller ICs or adding servo-like features (e.g., velocity profiling, absolute positioning). |
Compared with TMC2160A-TA-X, the TMC2130-TA trades external MOSFET flexibility for integration and size reduction, while the TMC5160-TA adds motion control intelligence at the cost of higher software complexity-making TMC2160A-TA-X optimal for host-controlled, high-voltage, high-dynamic-range stepper systems.
Availability
TMC2160A-TA-X is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed 3D printers, lab automation equipment, industrial packaging machines, and medical imaging stage drives requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for TMC2160A-TA-X includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
TRINAMIC Motion Control GmbH & Co. KG is a German semiconductor company specializing in intelligent motion control ICs, founded in Hamburg in 1997 and acquired by Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) in 2021.
The TMC2160 product line was designed to deliver high-voltage, high-current stepper motor control with advanced noise suppression and energy efficiency-targeting industrial automation, precision instrumentation, and compact medical devices where thermal and acoustic constraints are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum motor supply voltage supported by the TMC2160A-TA-X?
The TMC2160A-TA-X supports a motor supply voltage range of 8 V to 60 V DC on the VS pin. This wide input range allows direct use with standard industrial 24 V and 48 V power rails without intermediate regulation, and accommodates battery-powered systems with voltage sag. Absolute maximum rating is 65 V, but continuous operation above 60 V is not recommended per datasheet Section 23.
Does the TMC2160A-TA-X integrate power MOSFETs, or does it require external ones?
The TMC2160A-TA-X does not integrate power MOSFETs-it is a gate driver IC requiring external N-channel MOSFETs for both high-side and low-side switching. It provides six high-side (HA1/HA2/HB1/HB2) and six low-side (LA1/LA2/LB1/LB2) gate drivers, along with bootstrap capacitor support (CA1/CA2/CB1/CB2) and 11.5 V gate supply (12VOUT). This architecture enables scalable current handling up to several 10 A per coil with appropriate MOSFET selection.
How does StallGuard2™ work on the TMC2160A-TA-X, and what accuracy can be expected?
StallGuard2™ on the TMC2160A-TA-X measures motor load by analyzing back-EMF-induced disturbances in the sense resistor voltage during chopper operation-without external sensors. It outputs a 10-bit value proportional to mechanical load, enabling stall detection with ±5% torque accuracy and sensorless homing repeatability better than ±0.1 full step. Calibration is automatic; no user tuning is required beyond setting the SGT threshold register.
Can the TMC2160A-TA-X operate without an SPI interface, and how is configuration handled in that mode?
Yes, the TMC2160A-TA-X supports standalone operation when the SPI_MODE pin is tied low. In this mode, configuration is performed via hardware pins (CFG0–CFG6), setting microstep resolution (8/16/32/64), run current (16–31 steps), chopper mode (StealthChop/SpreadCycle), and CoolStep enable. STEP/DIR signals directly control motion, and DIAG outputs provide basic status-ideal for simple motion systems without MCU firmware overhead.
What thermal management provisions does the TMC2160A-TA-X include, and how should the exposed pad be handled?
The TMC2160A-TA-X uses an exposed die pad (GNDD) for thermal dissipation. Per datasheet Section 25.1, this pad must be soldered to a dedicated GND plane with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) to maximize heat transfer. The pad serves as the return path for low-side gate drivers and contributes significantly to thermal resistance reduction-achieving θJA ≈ 35 °C/W with proper PCB layout. Failure to connect the pad degrades SOA and may trigger thermal shutdown below rated current.
TMC2160A-TA-X Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 48-TQFP Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- Bipolar
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- Brushed DC
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (4)
- Interface:
- SPI, Step/Direction
- Technology:
- BCD MOS External Power MOSFETs
- Step Resolution:
- 1 ~ 1/256
- Applications:
- Automation Control, Industrial, Medical
- Current - Output:
- 20A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 10V ~ 50V
- Voltage - Load:
- 10V ~ 55V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 48-TQFP-EP (7x7)
TMC2160A-TA-X FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TMC2160A-TA-X through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TMC2160A-TA-X on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for TMC2160A-TA-X reliable?
The price and inventory of TMC2160A-TA-X are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TMC2160A-TA-X is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TMC2160A-TA-X?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TMC2160A-TA-X transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TMC2160A-TA-X?
TMC2160A-TA-X orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TMC2160A-TA-X order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for TMC2160A-TA-X?
For technical support, including TMC2160A-TA-X datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TMC2160A-TA-X requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TMC2160A-TA-X is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TMC2160A-TA-X products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that TMC2160A-TA-X meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TMC2160A-TA-X?
All TMC2160A-TA-X units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TMC2160A-TA-X, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The TMC2160A-TA-X part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TMC2160A-TA-X:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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