A Stepper Motor Driver (Motor Driver for Stepper Motors) is an electronic circuit or module that controls the movement of stepper motors. Unlike DC motors that rotate continuously, stepper motors rotate in precise steps, and the driver ensures the correct sequence of pulses is sent to control speed, direction, and position. 🔹 Details and Explanation 1. Function Converts low-power control signals (from a microcontroller like Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi) into high-power signals to drive stepper motor coils. Controls step sequence, speed, acceleration, and direction. Provides current regulation to prevent overheating and ensure smooth motion. 2. Common Stepper Motor Drivers ULN2003 → For small 28BYJ-48 stepper motors. L293D / L298N → Can drive bipolar or unipolar stepper motors. A4988 → Popular for NEMA 17 stepper motors (used in 3D printers, CNC). DRV8825 → Similar to A4988 but supports higher current and microstepping. TB6600 → High-power stepper driver for industrial motors. 3. Operating Principle The driver energizes the stepper motor’s coils in a specific sequence (wave drive, full-step, half-step, or microstepping). A STEP pin receives pulses: each pulse = one step. A DIR pin sets the rotation direction (clockwise/counterclockwise). Microstepping drivers (like A4988, DRV8825) divide each step into smaller steps for smoother motion. 4. Typical Pinout (e.g., A4988/DRV8825) VMOT → Motor power supply (8–35V). GND → Ground. VDD → Logic power (3.3V/5V). STEP → Step pulse input. DIR → Direction control. EN → Enable/disable motor. MS1, MS2, MS3 → Microstepping mode selection. OUT1A, OUT1B, OUT2A, OUT2B → Outputs to motor coils. 5. Applications 3D printers CNC machines Robotics (precise movement, robotic arms) Camera sliders and gimbals Automated instruments