Micro Stepper Motor Arduino: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to controlling stepper motors with an Arduino, one of the most popular choices is the A4988 module. This versatile driver allows you to control a bipolar stepper motor, such as the NEMA 17, at up to 2A output current per coil. In this article, we'll delve into the world of stepper motors and explore how to use the A4988 module with an Arduino UNO.

Understanding Stepper Motors

Stepper motors are a type of brushless DC motor that divides a full rotation into a number of steps. This allows for precise control over the motor's position. Each step is achieved by energizing a coil, attracting the teeth closest to the cogged wheel and driving the motor one step forward.

A4988 Stepper Motor Driver Pinout

The A4988 module has two ground pins (9,16) that connect to the ground pin of the Arduino. The VDD pin powers the internal logic circuit. The module also has a total of 16 pins that connect to the stepper motor and the Arduino.

How the A4988 Module Works

Each HIGH pulse energizes the coil, attracting the teeth closest to the cogged wheel and driving the motor one step forward. The A4988 stepper motor driver has an output drive capacity of up to 35V and ☒A.

Controlling Stepper Motors with Arduino

To control a stepper motor using the A4988 module and Arduino UNO, you need to understand how to use the code to set the direction, speed, and number of steps. We'll also cover the wiring connections between the A4988, the stepper motor, and the Arduino.

Total Maximum Current Drawn

The total maximum current drawn by all output pins is 200mA for an Arduino nano. This means you can drive up to five coils at a time, leaving 40mA spare.

In this comprehensive guide, we've covered the basics of stepper motors and the A4988 driver module. We've also explored how to control a stepper motor using the A4988 module with an Arduino UNO. With the A4988's versatility and precision, you can create a wide range of applications that require precise control over stepper motors.

* A4988 Module datasheet

* Arduino UNO documentation

* Stepper Motor basics

Micro stepper motor arduino