Tiny Controls · Own design
Tstep-117X Stepper Driver
Two-phase stepper drive for 18-110 V DC or 18-80 V AC supplies, with output current DIP-selectable from 1.2 A to 7.0 A.
Overview
The Tstep-117X sits between the 087X and the 168X: more supply voltage headroom than the 087X, at a lower cost than the 168X.
It runs from 18-110 V DC, or from an 18-80 V AC transformer secondary directly. The extra voltage over an 80 V drive matters most on longer axes and higher step rates, where winding inductance would otherwise limit how fast current can be established in the motor and torque would fall away.
Output current is set by DIP switch from 1.2 A to 7.0 A. Unlike the jumper-based drives in the range, the switches can be changed without removing anything from the panel, which is useful when commissioning a machine whose motors are not yet finalised.
Microstepping offers eight settings - 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 32 and 40 - one more than the other drives in the range. STEP and DIR inputs are optically isolated so the controller's ground stays out of the motor power loop. Idle current reduction and short-circuit protection are included.
Designed and built by Tiny Controls in India.
Specifications
| Supply voltage | 18 - 110 V DC \ 18 - 80 V AC |
|---|---|
| Output current | 1.2 - 7.0 A |
| Microstepping | 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 32, 40 |
| Current setting | DIP switch selectable |
| Idle current reduction | Yes |
| Short-circuit protection | Yes |
| STEP / DIR inputs | High Speed Optically Isolated |
Questions
How does the 117X differ from the 087X?
Supply voltage: 110 V DC against 80 V DC. The 117X also sets current by DIP switch rather than jumper, and adds a 40 microstep setting.
Do I need the full 110 V?
Only if your axes run fast. Higher supply voltage preserves torque at high step rates; on a slow machine an 80 V drive performs identically for less money.
Is a separate rectifier needed for AC?
No. The drive accepts 18-80 V AC directly, so a transformer secondary can feed it without an external rectifier and filter.