TB6560 3A Stepper Motor Driver Board – Single Axis Controller with 10-Speed Microstep Adjustment

Description

Product Overview

The TB6560 3A Stepper Motor Driver Board is a high-performance, single-axis controller designed for precision motion control in CNC machinery, 3D printers, robotics, and industrial automation. Built around the advanced Toshiba TB6560AHQ chip , this driver represents a significant upgrade from basic driver modules, offering a unique combination of high current output, flexible microstepping, and sophisticated current control features .

Unlike simpler drivers, the TB6560 incorporates Toshiba’s proprietary Selectable Mixed Decay Mode (SMDM) technology, which allows you to adjust the coil discharge pattern to match your specific motor and application . This results in minimized PWM ripple, reduced audible noise, and virtually eliminated vibration—addressing the common issues of resonance and mechanical shake that plague standard stepper drivers .

With a maximum output current of 3.5A peak (3A continuous) and support for a wide input voltage range of 10V to 35V DC , this driver is capable of powering a diverse range of stepper motors, from small NEMA 17 to larger NEMA 23 and even some NEMA 34 frame sizes . The inclusion of a large aluminum heatsink ensures reliable operation even under sustained high-current loads .

Whether you are retrofitting a CNC router, building a custom engraving machine, or developing precision automation equipment, the TB6560 provides the professional-grade features and robust performance required for demanding applications.

Key Features

• Toshiba TB6560AHQ Chipset: Powered by the advanced Toshiba TB6560AHQ motor driver IC, a high-performance, single-chip PWM chopper-type sinusoidal micro-step bipolar stepping motor driver .

• High Output Current: Delivers a maximum rated output current of 3A continuous (3.5A peak), providing ample power for a wide range of 2/4-phase stepper motors, including 42mm, 57mm, and 86mm frame sizes .

• Wide Operating Voltage: Accepts input voltage from 10V to 35V DC . The broad voltage range allows for optimization of high-speed torque (higher voltage) while maintaining compatibility with various power supplies. Recommended voltage selection: 12-16V for NEMA 17, 16-24V for NEMA 23, 24-36V for NEMA 34 motors .

• 10-Speed Microstep Adjustment: Offers selectable excitation modes to balance smoothness, resolution, and speed. Configurable via DIP switches to:

  • Full Step (1/1): Maximum speed, lowest resolution .

  • Half Step (1/2): Improved smoothness .

  • 1/8 Step: High smoothness for most applications .

  • 1/16 Step: Maximum smoothness and highest resolution, ideal for precision work .

• Adjustable Drive Current (8 Settings): Features precise current control with 8 selectable settings via DIP switches (typically 0.3A, 0.5A, 0.8A, 1A, 1.1A, 1.2A, 1.4A, 1.5A, 1.6A, 1.9A, 2A, 2.2A, 2.6A, 3A, depending on the board variant) . This allows you to perfectly match the driver output to your motor’s rated current, preventing overheating .

• Selectable Mixed Decay Mode (SMDM): A sophisticated feature that allows adjustment of the coil current decay pattern (0%, 25%, 50%, 100%) via DIP switches . This helps to:

  • Eliminate motor noise and vibration when locked .

  • Reduce shaking during motor movement .

  • Match the driver impedance to different motors for optimal performance .

• Automatic Half-Current (Idle Current Reduction): Features a programmable idle current reduction function (Torque Settings) that reduces motor current to 20%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of the operating current when no pulse signal is received . This significantly reduces motor and driver heating during idle periods while maintaining holding torque .

• High-Speed Optocoupler Isolation: Utilizes high-speed optocouplers (such as 6N137) on all control signal inputs (CLK, CW, ENABLE) . This ensures:

  • Excellent noise immunity in electrically noisy environments.

  • Protection of your CNC controller or computer from back-EMF and voltage spikes.

  • High-speed signal transmission without losing steps .

• Comprehensive Protection Features:

  • Over-temperature Protection: Built-in thermal shutdown (typically 150°C) automatically disables outputs to prevent damage .

  • Over-current Protection: Safeguards the driver and motor against excessive current draw .

  • Low-Voltage Protection: Prevents erratic operation under low-voltage conditions .

• Large Passive Heatsink: Comes with a substantial aluminum heatsink to ensure efficient heat dissipation during continuous high-current operation, enhancing long-term reliability .

• Universal Motor Compatibility: Designed for 2-phase and 4-phase hybrid stepper motors, compatible with 4, 6, or 8 wire configurations (bipolar and unipolar) .

Technical Specifications