TMC262-LA - 60V Bipolar Stepper Driver with StallGuard2 | TRINAMIC
MPN: TMC262-LA ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.19 | $12.19 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.5 | $4,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.4 | $7,400.00 |
TMC262-LA Overview
A stepper motor driver is an integrated power-management IC that converts step/direction pulses from a motion controller into the precisely timed, current-regulated H-bridge switching required to commutate a two-phase bipolar stepper. Microstepping drivers such as the TMC262 sit in the broader hierarchy of motor-driver ICs -> power management -> signal-chain/power semiconductors. They are typically used in CNC machines, 3D printers, and laboratory automation where smooth, high-resolution motion and stall detection eliminate the cost of external encoders or limit switches.
Key features include an SPI configuration interface for setting microstep resolution, current limit, and chopper mode; StallGuard2 for sensorless mechanical-load measurement; coolStep for energy savings of typically 50 percent or more by reducing current under low load; and integrated protection including overtemperature, overcurrent, short-to-ground, and open-load detection. The QFN-32 (5x5 mm) package exposes a thermal pad with a typical junction-to-ambient resistance of approximately 31 C/W, and the device operates across -40 C to +125 C.
Architecturally, the TMC262 combines an SPI-configurable control core with mixed-signal chopper hardware and external MOSFET gate drivers. The high-resolution microstep table and the patented spreadCycle chopper produce sinusoidal current waveforms with low audible noise and minimal resonance, while StallGuard2 measures back-EMF timing variations to infer mechanical load without an encoder. coolStep closes the loop by reducing current as load decreases, lowering dissipation and motor heating.
Typical applications include 3D printer and CNC tool-head drives, laboratory liquid-handling robots, pick-and-place stages, and textile or sewing machines. The wide 10 V to 60 V supply range and external MOSFET architecture make it well suited to both 12 V/24 V hobby systems and 48 V industrial stepper axes.
When designing with the TMC262, observe MOSFET gate-charge limits and ensure that the external MOSFETs are rated for both the supply rail and the desired RMS current. Use a low-ESR bulk capacitor of at least 100 uF on VM, and keep the charge-pump capacitor close to pins CP1/CP2 to preserve gate-drive strength at low supply voltages.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in and parametric alternatives, and design notes that complement - but do not duplicate - the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for TMC262-LA — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
TMC262C-LA
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TMC262C-LA-T
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TMC262-LA Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Motor Type | Bipolar stepper (2-phase) |
| Output Configuration | Half-bridge (drives 4 external N+P dual MOSFETs) |
| Supply Voltage (VM) | 10 V to 60 V |
| Motor Current (external MOSFETs) | up to 10 A RMS (datasheet typical), up to 8 A per Microchip mirror datasheet |
| Microstep Resolution | up to 256 microsteps per full step |
| Interface | SPI configuration + Step/Direction motion input |
| Integrated Features | StallGuard2, coolStep, spreadCycle, MicroPlyer |
| Charge Pump | Integrated for 100 percent duty-cycle operation |
| Protection Features | Overtemperature, overcurrent, short-to-ground, open-load, undervoltage |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| Package | QFN-32 (5x5 mm) with exposed thermal pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Logic I/O Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V compatible inputs |
TMC262-LA Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OUT1A — Motor phase 1 high-side gate drive A |
| Pin 2 | OUT1B — Motor phase 1 low-side gate drive B |
| Pin 3 | OUT2A — Motor phase 2 high-side gate drive A |
| Pin 4 | OUT2B — Motor phase 2 low-side gate drive B |
| Pin 5 | GND — Power ground |
| Pin 6 | VM — Motor supply voltage 10-60 V |
| Pin 7 | VCC — Internal 5 V regulator output |
| Pin 8 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage (3.3 V or 5 V) |
| Pin 9 | CP1 — Charge-pump capacitor 1 |
| Pin 10 | CP2 — Charge-pump capacitor 2 |
| Pin 11 | CSN — SPI chip-select (active low) |
| Pin 12 | SCK — SPI clock |
| Pin 13 | SDI — SPI data input |
| Pin 14 | SDO — SPI data output |
| Pin 15 | DIR — Direction input |
| Pin 16 | STEP — Step input |
| Pin 17 | ENN — Enable input (active low) |
| Pin 18 | TEMP — Temperature warning output |
| Pin 19 | STALL — StallGuard2 output flag |
| Pin 20 | AN1 — Analog input 1 (test/reserved) |
| Pin 21 | AN2 — Analog input 2 (test/reserved) |
| Pin 22 | TEST — Test mode (tie to GND in normal operation) |
| Pin 23 | IREF — Current reference resistor |
| Pin 24 | SLEEPN — Sleep mode input (active low) |
| Pin 25 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | OA1 — Current-sense op-amp output phase 1 |
| Pin 28 | IA1 — Current-sense op-amp input phase 1 |
| Pin 29 | OA2 — Current-sense op-amp output phase 2 |
| Pin 30 | IA2 — Current-sense op-amp input phase 2 |
| Pin 31 | VCC — Internal 5 V (decoupling pin) |
| Pin 32 | GND — Signal ground |
Typical Applications
TMC262-LA is suitable for 7 applications: 3D Printer Tool-Head and Axis Drives, CNC Machine Stepper Axes, Laboratory Liquid-Handling Robotics, Pick-and-Place Vacuum and Pick Stages, Textile and Sewing Machine Drives, Semiconductor Wafer-Handling Robots, Camera Slider and PTZ Motion Control.
3D Printer Tool-Head and Axis Drives
The TMC262-LA is well matched to 3D printer X/Y/Z and extruder axes because its 256-microstep resolution, StallGuard2 sensorless load detection, and coolStep adaptive current control deliver smooth, silent motion while saving energy. Driving four external N+P dual MOSFETs scales easily to 4 A RMS at 24 V for NEMA-17 axes, and the SPI interface lets a host MCU tune current and microstep per axis. Unlike all-in-one detection at detection at startup, the PLL attenuates chopping noise so stacked-axis EMI stays low.
Recommended
CNC Machine Stepper Axes
In CNC router and mill stepper axes, the TMC262-LA's 10 A RMS capability and 60 V supply range drive NEMA-23 and NEMA-34 motors through four external MOSFETs for high torque at low RPM. The spreadCycle chopper minimises resonance-induced missed steps that ruin machined parts, while StallGuard2 detects end-of-travel without a limit switch. Pairing with a STM32H7-series host MCU gives deterministic motion profiles on heavy axes.
Recommended
Laboratory Liquid-Handling Robotics
Pipetting robots and autosamplers need quiet, precise stepper motion with reliable stall detection - exactly what the TMC262-LA provides through StallGuard2 and spreadCycle. Its coolStep feature reduces motor heating during long idle periods between samples, improving thermal stability of bench-top instruments. The 32-pin QFN (5x5) footprint fits compact Z-axis and rotary-valve bays common in diagnostic equipment.
Recommended
Pick-and-Place Vacuum and Pick Stages
Pick-and-place machines use the TMC262-LA to drive the vacuum-pump stepper and the X/Y pick stages, where 256-microstep smoothness reduces placement vibration and improves pick-yield. The integrated StallGuard2 detects a missed pick without dedicated sensors, while protection features guard against the ESD damage of failed placements. The external-MOSFET architecture scales to 8-10 A RMS for high-acceleration stages.
Recommended
Textile and Sewing Machine Drives
Sewing and embroidery machines rely on the TMC262-LA's silent spreadCycle chopper to eliminate the audible stepper whine that distracts users, while coolStep lowers motor temperature in long-running industrial lines. The 10-60 V supply range supports both hobby 24 V machines and industrial 48 V drives, and the QFN-32 (5x5) footprint simplifies board layout in space-constrained sewing heads.
Recommended
Semiconductor Wafer-Handling Robots
Wafer-handling robots demand absolute positional accuracy and StallGuard2's sensorless load detection makes the TMC262-LA a strong fit: any obstruction triggers an immediate StallGuard2 interrupt without needing extra end-of-travel sensors that would compromise cleanliness. The external-MOSFET approach lets the designer choose low-leakage MOSFETs to minimise particulate generation in cleanroom environments, and the SPI interface enables in-line diagnostics.
Recommended
Camera Slider and PTZ Motion Control
Video-production sliders and PTZ camera mounts use the TMC262-LA for its quiet, vibration-free motion at low speeds. The 256-microstep table generates smooth camera moves even at 1/256 microstep resolution, while StallGuard2 detects end-of-travel without mechanical switches. The wide supply range lets a single board design serve both 12 V USB-C and 48 V PoE-powered sliders.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for TMC262-LA — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | TMC262C-LA | TMC262C-LA-T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | QFN-32 (5x5) | QFN-32 (5x5) - same | QFN-32 (5x5) - same |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Supply Voltage | 10 V to 60 V | 10 V to 60 V | 10 V to 60 V |
| Motor Current (typ.) | 10 A RMS (8 A per mirror datasheet) | 10 A RMS | 10 A RMS |
| Microstep Resolution | up to 256 | up to 256 | up to 256 |
| StallGuard2 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| coolStep | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SPI Configuration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-for-pin same-family drop-in upgrade (vs TMC262C-LA)
- External MOSFET architecture scales to 10 A RMS (vs TMC2660 (integrated FETs))
- Sensorless load detection eliminates end-stop sensors (vs Generic stepper drivers without StallGuard2)
Design Notes
Decouple VM with a low-ESR bulk capacitor of at least 100 uF rated for the full 60 V supply; place a 100 nF ceramic in parallel for high-frequency switching noise. The charge-pump capacitor on CP1/CP2 must be a 22 nF X7R rated for VM+15 V and physically close to the IC pins - long traces starve the gate drivers at low VM and cause R_DS(on) to rise.
Estimated: with VM=48 V, Vmot_avg=24 V and I_RMS=4 A the IC itself dissipates roughly P=2 W across the logic + gate-charge paths, while the external MOSFETs dissipate (R_DS(on) x I_RMS^2) x 4 FETs. Mount the QFN-32 thermal pad over at least 1 square inch of 2 oz copper on top + bottom layers with multiple thermal vias to keep theta_JA under 31 C/W.
Route motor phase traces as wide, short loops and keep the low-side current-sense resistors (R_SENSE) within 5 mm of the OA/IA pins to avoid noise pickup. Use a separate analog ground island around IREF and tie it to GND at a single point beneath the IC to keep the StallGuard2 readings clean.
Do not exceed 60 V on VM - the abs-max is 65 V with limited margin. Tie TEST low (GND) in production; floating TEST pins can put the device into factory-test modes. Always read back the OTP_LOCK bit after SPI writes: writing to locked OTP permanently bricks current trim on some revisions.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Analog Devices/TRINAMIC product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial/industrial motion-driver IC. Halogen-free status not stated on the verified page; set to 'unknown'.
