How to Use Stepper Motor Driver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The COVVY TB6600 Stepper Motor Driver is a high-performance device designed to control the operation of stepper motors by sending precise electrical pulses. This allows for accurate positioning, speed control, and smooth operation of stepper motors in a variety of applications. The TB6600 is widely used in CNC machines, 3D printers, robotics, and other automation systems where precise motor control is essential.

• CNC machines for precise cutting, milling, and engraving
• 3D printers for accurate layer-by-layer printing
• Robotics for controlled movement and positioning
• Conveyor systems in industrial automation
• Camera sliders and other motion control systems

The TB6600 Stepper Motor Driver is designed to handle a wide range of stepper motors, offering flexibility and reliability in various applications.

The TB6600 has a set of input and output terminals for connecting the stepper motor, power supply, and control signals.

1. Connect the Stepper Motor:
   • Attach the motor's coil wires to the A+/- and B+/- terminals of the TB6600. Ensure the connections match the motor's datasheet to avoid incorrect wiring.
2. Power the Driver:
   • Connect a DC power supply (9V to 42V) to the VCC and GND terminals. Ensure the power supply voltage matches the motor's requirements.
3. Connect Control Signals:
   • Use a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino UNO) to send pulse (PUL), direction (DIR), and enable (ENA) signals to the driver. Connect the PUL+, DIR+, and ENA+ pins to the microcontroller's digital output pins, and connect the PUL-, DIR-, and ENA- pins to the microcontroller's ground.
4. Set the Current and Microstepping:
   • Use the DIP switches on the TB6600 to configure the output current and microstepping mode. Refer to the TB6600 datasheet for the DIP switch settings.
5. Test the Setup:
   • Power on the system and send control signals from the microcontroller to test the motor's operation.

• Current Settings: Ensure the current setting on the TB6600 matches the stepper motor's rated current to prevent overheating or damage.
• Cooling: The TB6600 has a built-in heatsink, but additional cooling (e.g., a fan) may be required for high-current applications.
• Signal Voltage: Ensure the control signal voltage (3.3V or 5V) is compatible with the microcontroller being used.
• Wiring: Double-check all connections before powering on the system to avoid short circuits or incorrect operation.

Below is an example Arduino sketch to control a stepper motor using the TB6600:

// Define control pins for the TB6600
const int stepPin = 3;  // Pin connected to PUL+ on TB6600
const int dirPin = 4;   // Pin connected to DIR+ on TB6600
const int enablePin = 5; // Pin connected to ENA+ on TB6600

void setup() {
  // Set pin modes
  pinMode(stepPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(dirPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(enablePin, OUTPUT);

  // Enable the driver
  digitalWrite(enablePin, LOW); // LOW enables the driver
}

void loop() {
  // Set motor direction
  digitalWrite(dirPin, HIGH); // HIGH for one direction, LOW for the other

  // Generate step pulses
  for (int i = 0; i < 200; i++) { // 200 steps for one revolution (1.8°/step motor)
    digitalWrite(stepPin, HIGH);
    delayMicroseconds(500); // Adjust for speed (500 µs = 1 kHz step frequency)
    digitalWrite(stepPin, LOW);
    delayMicroseconds(500);
  }

  delay(1000); // Wait 1 second before reversing direction

  // Reverse direction
  digitalWrite(dirPin, LOW);
  for (int i = 0; i < 200; i++) {
    digitalWrite(stepPin, HIGH);
    delayMicroseconds(500);
    digitalWrite(stepPin, LOW);
    delayMicroseconds(500);
  }

  delay(1000); // Wait 1 second before repeating
}

1. Motor Not Moving:

   • Check the wiring between the motor and the TB6600.
   • Ensure the power supply voltage and current are sufficient for the motor.
   • Verify the control signals from the microcontroller.

2. Motor Vibrates but Does Not Rotate:

   • Check the motor coil connections (A+/A- and B+/B-). Incorrect wiring can cause this issue.
   • Verify the microstepping settings on the DIP switches.

3. Driver Overheating:

   • Ensure the current setting matches the motor's rated current.
   • Add additional cooling, such as a fan, if necessary.

4. Inconsistent Motor Movement:

   • Check the pulse signal frequency and ensure it is within the TB6600's supported range.
   • Verify the microcontroller's timing and ensure no delays are causing missed steps.

Q: Can the TB6600 drive a unipolar stepper motor?
A: No, the TB6600 is designed for bipolar stepper motors. Unipolar motors are not compatible.

Q: What is the maximum step frequency supported by the TB6600?
A: The TB6600 supports a maximum step frequency of 200 kHz.

Q: Can I use a 12V power supply with the TB6600?
A: Yes, the TB6600 supports input voltages from 9V to 42V, so a 12V power supply is compatible.

Q: How do I disable the driver?
A: Set the ENA+ pin to HIGH (or leave it unconnected) to disable the driver.