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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated TMC236A-PA
- Part No.:
- TMC236A-PA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 44-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
TMC236A-PA.pdf
- Description:
- IC MTR DRVR BIPOLAR 3-5.5V 44QFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,046
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Product details
Overview
TMC236A-PA from TRINAMIC Motion Control GmbH & Co. KG is a dual full-bridge stepper motor driver IC in TQFP-44 package, integrating eight low-RDS(on) trench MOSFETs for bipolar two-phase motors. It delivers up to 1.5 A peak (1.1 A RMS) at 7–36 V DC supply, supports 16-microstep resolution via internal DACs, and implements mixed decay, slope control, and comprehensive diagnostics including overcurrent, open-load, and two-level overtemperature detection - enabling compact, thermally robust motion control in office automation and medical devices.
For engineers reviewing the TMC236A-PA datasheet, TMC236A-PA pinout, TMC236A-PA application, or TMC236A-PA equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-mode interface (SPI or analog/digital standalone), thermal derating to 105°C without heat slug, microstepping fidelity with programmable current scaling, and diagnostic flag reporting via ERR/OT/OLA/OLB pins - all critical for reliable embedded stepper systems requiring smooth motion and fault resilience.
Technical Context
The TMC236A-PA uses HVCMOS technology to integrate high-efficiency power stages and digital control logic in a single multichip-package. Its chopper operates with mixed decay mode and user-adjustable blank time (BL1/BL2 pins), while oscillator frequency is set via external capacitor on OSC pin (typ. 17.5 kHz at 1 nF). Current regulation relies on internal 4-bit DACs referenced either to 2 V internal reference or externally applied voltage (0–3 V) on INA/INB pins.
Protection architecture includes high-side overcurrent detection using RSH, VS-to-VT threshold monitoring (150 mV), and dual-stage thermal shutdown (prewarning at 135°C, shutdown at 150°C). Diagnostics are reported synchronously via SPI status word (bits OCA/OCA, OLB/OLA, OT/OTPW, UV) or as active-high ERR signal in standalone mode.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Output Current | 1.5 A per phase - enables driving NEMA 17–23 stepper motors with high torque at low speeds without external heatsinking. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 7 V to 36 V DC - supports wide industrial input rails including 12 V and 24 V systems without external regulators. |
| Microstep Resolution | 16 microsteps - achieved via internal 4-bit DACs generating precise sine/cosine coil current profiles for smooth, low-vibration motion. |
| RDS(on) (High-Side) | Typ. 0.35 Ω - reduces conduction loss and thermal stress, allowing 105°C ambient operation in compact 10×10 mm TQFP-44 package. |
| Diagnostic Coverage | Overcurrent (high/low side), open load (A/B), overtemperature (prewarning + shutdown), undervoltage - enables autonomous fault recovery in safety-critical motion sequences. |
| Interface Modes | SPI (12-bit command/status) or analog/digital standalone - provides flexibility between microcontroller-offloaded motion control and minimal-pin-count legacy designs. |
| Thermal Shutdown Threshold | 150°C junction - triggers immediate power stage disable with hysteresis; prewarning flag asserts at 135°C for proactive thermal management. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TQFP-44, 10 mm × 10 mm, 0.8 mm pitch, optical inspectable - optimized for automated optical inspection (AOI) and high-density PCB layouts with integrated thermal pads (OA1/OA2/OB1/OB2).
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| INA / INB (42, 41) | Analog current reference inputs | Accept 0–3 V external voltage to scale DAC output; 2 V yields 100% coil current; enables motor-specific current tuning without hardware change. |
| OA1/OA2/OB1/OB2 (2–3, 5–6, 26–27, 28–29) | Power bridge outputs | Paired high-side (P-channel) and low-side (N-channel) MOSFET terminals; require identical copper area for thermal balancing and EMI reduction. |
| SRA / SRB (12, 22) | Current sense comparator inputs | Monitor voltage drop across external sense resistors (RSENSE); trip threshold = 0.17 × VIN × DAC setting - sets precise current limit per phase. |
| ENN (19) | Enable / overvoltage shutdown | Active-low device enable; pulled high disables driver and enters shutdown mode; also monitors VS overvoltage condition (threshold ~40 V). |
| ANN (1) | Analog mode enable | Low-active signal that enables INA/INB analog current control; tied low in standalone mode to override SPI current settings. |
| SPE (20) | SPI mode select | High-active signal enabling SPI interface; tied to GND for classical analog/digital standalone operation with PHA/PHB/MDBN/MDAN pin remapping. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Mixed Decay Chopper | Combines fast and slow decay phases per coil to minimize torque ripple and audible noise - essential for quiet operation in POS and lab automation. |
| Slope Control (SLP) | Programmable slew rate via external resistor to OA1/OA2 outputs - reduces dv/dt and electromagnetic emissions (EMI) without sacrificing step response. |
| Standby & Shutdown Modes | Standby (coils off, oscillator halted) and shutdown (all references disabled, SPI reset) reduce quiescent current to <100 µA - extends battery life in portable equipment. |
| Open-Load Detection | Monitors coil current ramp-up time (<14 oscillator cycles); flags OLA/OLB if target not reached - detects broken wires or disconnected motors during standstill or low-speed moves. |
| Dual Thermal Protection | Separate prewarning (135°C) and shutdown (150°C) thresholds with latched status bits - allows firmware to throttle motion before thermal shutdown disrupts positioning. |
Applications
| Office Automation | Medical Fluid Handling |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Precision paper feed and carriage movement in multifunction printers and document scanners. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual full-bridge driver executing 16-microstep motion profiles with mixed decay to eliminate cogging and vibration during low-speed scanning. Use Value: Enables silent, jitter-free paper transport and optical head positioning - meeting acoustic requirements for office environments and improving scan resolution stability. |
Use Scenario: Syringe pump actuation and valve sequencing in clinical analyzers and infusion systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-resilient stepper driver with open-load and overtemperature diagnostics ensuring safe fluid delivery even during tube occlusion or motor stall. Use Value: Prevents uncontrolled dosing by halting motion and signaling error via ERR pin upon detected open load or thermal overload - critical for IEC 62304 compliance. |
| POS Terminals | CCTV Pan-Tilt Mechanisms |
|
Use Scenario: Receipt printer advancement and cash drawer actuation in retail point-of-sale systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact, high-current driver operating from 12 V rail with standby mode to minimize power draw between transactions. Use Value: Reduces system standby power by >90% versus discrete H-bridge solutions - extending uptime in battery-backed or energy-constrained kiosks. |
Use Scenario: Smooth, low-noise pan/tilt motion in outdoor security cameras under variable temperature conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Thermally robust driver sustaining 105°C ambient operation without heat slug, using slope control to meet FCC Class B EMI limits. Use Value: Eliminates need for external heatsinks or forced cooling - reducing bill-of-materials cost and mechanical complexity in sealed IP66 enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar stepper driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMC236B-PA | Lower RDS(on) (0.32 Ω vs. 0.35 Ω), same pinout and register map - improves thermal margin at 105°C ambient. | Drop-in replacement for higher efficiency; identical standalone/SPI modes and diagnostics. | Select when maximum thermal headroom is required in space-constrained designs without layout change. |
| TMC246-PA | Adds StallGuard sensorless homing; otherwise identical feature set and pin compatibility with TMC236A-PA. | Enables homing without endstops - suitable for applications requiring absolute position initialization after power cycle. | Choose when eliminating physical limit switches reduces assembly cost and improves long-term reliability in field-deployed equipment. |
Compared with TMC236A-PA, the TMC236B-PA offers marginally better thermal performance due to reduced conduction loss, while the TMC246-PA adds StallGuard functionality without altering microstepping behavior or power stage specs - making both viable alternatives depending on whether thermal optimization or sensorless homing is the primary design requirement.
Availability
TMC236A-PA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for office automation, medical fluid handling, and POS terminal applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for TMC236A-PA 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 high-precision motion control ICs, founded in Hamburg in 1997 and focused on intelligent motor drivers with embedded intelligence.
The TMC236 product line targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained stepper applications where silent operation, thermal resilience, and diagnostic completeness are mandatory - such as in medical devices, lab instruments, and consumer office equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous motor current supported by the TMC236A-PA?
The TMC236A-PA supports up to 1.5 A peak current per phase, with 1.1 A RMS rating at 105°C ambient temperature. This is achieved using its integrated low-RDS(on) MOSFETs and thermal design optimized for the 10×10 mm TQFP-44 package. Derating is required above 105°C, and actual current capability depends on PCB copper area, airflow, and sense resistor selection per the datasheet's RSENSE calculation guidelines.
Does the TMC236A-PA support both SPI and analog control interfaces simultaneously?
No, the TMC236A-PA operates in one interface mode at a time: SPI mode is enabled when SPE is high, while standalone (analog/digital) mode activates when SPE is tied to GND. In SPI mode, INA/INB serve as base current references; in standalone mode, they directly set coil current while PHA/PHB and MDAN/MDBN replace SCK/CSN/SDI/SDO functions. Mode selection is hardware-configured and mutually exclusive.
How does open-load detection work on the TMC236A-PA, and when is it active?
The TMC236A-PA detects open load by measuring whether coil current reaches the programmed DAC threshold within 14 oscillator cycles. It reports OLA or OLB flags via SPI status word or active-high ERR pin. Detection is disabled when coil current is set to 0000 (standby), and most reliable during standstill or low-speed microstepping - not recommended during full-step or high-velocity motion where torque loss may falsely trigger the flag.
Can the TMC236A-PA be used without an external microcontroller?
Yes, the TMC236A-PA supports fully standalone operation using analog current inputs (INA/INB) and digital phase/polarity signals (PHA/PHB) with mixed-decay enable (MDAN/MDBN). No microcontroller is needed for basic stepping - only external timing (e.g., 555 timer or FPGA) to generate synchronized sine/cosine waveforms on INA/INB and square waves on PHA/PHB. The datasheet provides waveform examples for 16-microstep generation in standalone mode.
What thermal protection features does the TMC236A-PA provide, and how are they signaled?
The TMC236A-PA provides two-level thermal protection: prewarning at 135°C (OTPW bit) and shutdown at 150°C (OT bit), both reported in the 12-bit SPI status word. In standalone mode, ERR pin goes high on either condition. During shutdown, the power stage disables, oscillator halts, and all outputs float. Recovery requires cycling ENN or power; OTPW allows firmware to reduce current before shutdown occurs.
TMC236A-PA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 44-LQFP
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- Bipolar
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- -
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (4)
- Interface:
- SPI
- Technology:
- HVCMOS
- Step Resolution:
- 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Current - Output:
- 1.5A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 5.5V
- Voltage - Load:
- 7V ~ 34V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 44-PQFP (10x10)
TMC236A-PA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TMC236A-PA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TMC236A-PA 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 TMC236A-PA reliable?
The price and inventory of TMC236A-PA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TMC236A-PA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TMC236A-PA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TMC236A-PA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TMC236A-PA?
TMC236A-PA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TMC236A-PA 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 TMC236A-PA?
For technical support, including TMC236A-PA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TMC236A-PA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TMC236A-PA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TMC236A-PA 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 TMC236A-PA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TMC236A-PA?
All TMC236A-PA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TMC236A-PA, 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 TMC236A-PA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TMC236A-PA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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