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Pricelist: Retail Price (B2C) Pricelist
A4988 Stepper Motor Driver - Green Module with Heatsink

A4988 Stepper Motor Driver - Green Module with Heatsink

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SpecificationDetails
Operating Voltage (VMOT)8V to 35V DC
Logic Voltage (VDD)3V to 5.5V DC
Continuous Current1.0A per phase (with cooling)
Peak Current2.0A per phase
Microstep ResolutionsFull, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16
ProtectionThermal Shutdown, Under-voltage, Crossover-current
Price
₹ 84.75 ₹ 84.75
(Tax included)

Barcode: 985217

Product Description

The Green A4988 Stepper Motor Driver is a high-performance microstepping motor driver IC with a built-in translator for easy operation. Designed specifically to drive bipolar stepper motors in full-, half-, quarter-, eighth-, and sixteenth-step modes, it is the industry-standard choice for RAMPS-based 3D printers (like the RepRap), CNC shields, and precision camera sliders. The "Green" variant is recognized for its stable PCB layout and high-quality SMD components. It features an adjustable current limiting system, allowing you to set the maximum current output via a small onboard potentiometer to prevent motor overheating and ensure smooth, quiet motion.

Key Features

  • Built-in Translator: Simplifies control by requiring only two pins from your microcontroller: "STEP" for a single microstep and "DIR" for rotation direction.

  • Five Microstep Resolutions: Offers high-precision positioning and reduces vibration by dividing a standard 1.8° step into up to 16 microsteps.

  • Adjustable Current Control: Includes an onboard trimpot to calibrate the output current to match your specific stepper motor's rated current.

  • Intelligent Chopping Control: Automatically selects the correct current decay mode (Fast or Slow) to ensure optimal torque and minimize motor noise.

  • Heatsink Included: Comes with a specialized adhesive-backed aluminum heatsink to dissipate heat from the top of the IC during high-load operations.

Technical Details

  • Microstep Selection: Controlled via three logic inputs (MS1, MS2, MS3).

  • Drive Capability: Designed for Bipolar stepper motors (4, 6, or 8 wires in bipolar config).

  • Thermal Pad: Features an exposed solder pad on the bottom of the PCB for enhanced thermal performance.

Prototyping and Engineering Tips from Robogears

  • The "Golden Rule" of Steppers: NEVER connect or disconnect a stepper motor while the driver is powered. Doing so will cause a high-voltage inductive flyback pulse that will instantly destroy the A4988 driver IC. Always power down the system before changing motor wiring.

  • Current Limit Calibration (Vref): Before running your motor, you must set the reference voltage ($V_{ref}$). Use a ceramic screwdriver to turn the trimpot and measure the voltage between the trimpot screw and GND. A common formula is $V_{ref} = I_{max} \times 8 \times R_{sense}$ (where $R_{sense}$ is typically 0.1 ohms on green boards).

  • Heatsink Placement: Ensure the heatsink is centered on the A4988 chip and does not touch any of the surrounding header pins. A short circuit between the heatsink and the pins can blow the driver or your control board.

  • Decoupling Capacitors: Always place a large electrolytic capacitor (at least 100uF) across the VMOT and GND pins as close to the driver as possible. This protects the driver from destructive LC voltage spikes when the motor starts or stops.

  • Active Cooling: If you are running NEMA 17 motors at currents above 1A, the heatsink alone may not be enough. Use a small 40mm cooling fan to provide constant airflow over the drivers to prevent "Thermal Shutdown" mid-print or mid-cut.

Package Includes

  • 1 x Green A4988 Stepper Motor Driver Module

  • 1 x Aluminum Heatsink with Adhesive Backing

Disclaimer: This driver requires careful calibration of the current limit. Incorrect $V_{ref}$ settings can lead to motor damage or driver burnout. Ensure the logic ground and motor ground are connected correctly. Not suitable for motors requiring more than 2A of current.