PD Stepper - NEMA 17 Stepper Driver and Controller

Stepper motors are fantastic for precision projects, but the setup is often a headache. You usually need a microcontroller, a separate driver board, a bulky 12V or 24V power supply, and a mess of wires to connect them all. The PD Stepper from Things by Josh solves this problem by consolidating everything into a single, powerful, and compact unit that mounts directly to the back of your NEMA 17 motor.

High Power, No Bricks

Say goodbye to bulky DC power bricks. The PD Stepper utilizes the modern USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) standard. By negotiating high-voltage power directly from a standard USB-C PD charger, it can drive a stepper motor with up to 50W. This creates a clean, single-cable solution for power and programming.

Silent, Smart, and Wireless

Don't let the compact size fool you. By fitting directly onto the back of the motor, the PD Stepper consolidates an entire high-end motion control stack into a remarkably small package without sacrificing power or features:

• Wireless Control: Powered by an ESP32-S3, providing ample processing power along with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®. This opens the door to wireless control, IoT integration, and easy use with platforms like ESPHome and ESP-NOW.
• Silent Operation: Features the renowned Trinamic TMC2209 driver. Famous for its ultra-silent operation (stealthChop™) and high efficiency, it also supports sensorless homing, eliminating the need for external limit switches.
• Closed-Loop Precision: An onboard AS5600 magnetic rotary encoder provides absolute angle measurement. This enables true closed-loop control, ensuring your motor never loses a step and is positioned exactly where you want it.
• Easy Expansion: Includes a Qwiic connector, giving you instant, solderless access to the vast SparkFun Qwiic ecosystem. Easily add sensors, displays, or relays to your motion project without soldering a single pin.

Compact and Complete

The PD Stepper is designed to fit perfectly on the back of a standard NEMA 17 motor. It comes with a robust cooling solution, including aluminium heatsinks and a polycarbonate cover for protection. Whether you are building a camera slider, an automated feeder, or a smart window opener, this is the easiest way to get started!

• Getting Started Guide
• Github Project Page
• Building a USB PD Powered Stepper Driver