Tic T825 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller

Overview

The Tic T825 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller is a versatile, general-purpose controller designed to control one bipolar stepper motor. With a variety of supported interfaces–USB for direct connection to a computer, TTL serial and I²C for use with a microcontroller, RC hobby servo pulses for use in an RC system, analogue voltages for use with a potentiometer or analogue joystick, and quadrature encoder for use with a rotary encoder dial–and a wide array of configurable settings, the Tic T825 makes it easy to add basic control of a bipolar stepper motor to a variety of projects. A free configuration utility (for Windows, Linux, and macOS) simplifies initial setup of the device and allows for in-system testing and monitoring of the controller via USB.

A Micro-B USB cable (not included) is required to connect the Tic to a computer.

Details for item #3131

The Tic T825 is based on the DRV8825 IC from Texas Instruments. It can operate from 8.2 V to 45 V and can deliver up to approximately 1.5 A per phase without a heat sink or forced air flow (absolute maximum is 2.5 A per phase). It has reverse protection for motor power supplies up to 40 V. This version is sold unassembled so soldering is necessary to use it. A version is also available that requires no soldering to use as the terminal blocks and main header pins are already installed.

Features and specifications

• Open-loop speed or position control of one bipolar stepper motor
• A variety of control interfaces:
  • USB for direct connection to a computer
  • TTL serial operating at 5 V for use with a microcontroller
  • I²C for use with a microcontroller
  • RC hobby servo pulses for use in an RC system
  • Analogue voltage for use with a potentiometer or analogue joystick
  • Quadrature encoder input for use with a rotary encoder dial, allowing full rotation without limits (not for position feedback)
  • STEP/DIR inputs for compatibility with existing stepper motor control firmware
• Acceleration and deceleration limiting
• Maximum stepper speed: 50,000 steps per second
• Very slow speeds down to 1 step every 200 seconds (or 1 step every 1428 seconds with reduced resolution).
• Six different microstep resolutions: full step, half step, 1/4 step, 1/8 step, 1/16 step, and 1/32 step
• Digitally adjustable current limit
• Optional safety controls to avoid unexpectedly powering the motor
• Input calibration (learning) and adjustable scaling degree for analogue and RC signals
• 5 V regulator (no external logic voltage supply needed)
• Optional kill switch inputs
• Connects to a computer through USB via a USB A to Micro-B cable (not included)
• Free configuration software available for Windows, Linux, and macOS

A comprehensive user’s guide and software downloads for Windows and macOS are coming soon.

Dimensions

General specifications

Identifying markings

Notes:

1

Without included optional hardware.

2

Reverse voltage protection only works up to 40 V.

3

Without a heat sink or forced air flow.

4

With sufficient additional cooling.

5

To -40 V. Connecting supplies over 40 V in reverse can damage the device.