Stepper motor driver ic offers improved efficiency

Targeted at office automation equipment applications such as copiers, scanners and multi function printers, the module is designed to reduce heat generation, vibration and noise from the motor, lowering the surface temperature of the driver ic and the motor by up to 46ºC and 28ºC respectively. "The poor energy efficiency of stepper motors utilised in a wide range of electronics applications has for some time been an area of concern and a challenge to power system design engineers," said Tsutomu Shimazaki, general manager of power products for ON's SANYO division. "The LV8702V meets this challenge by providing a unique driving system that enables it to achieve no load power consumption savings of up to 80% and a reduction in peak motor current of approximately 77%. This solution greatly assists our customers in the development of office automation electronics that meet the global demand for better energy efficiency." The new device has an operating voltage range of 9 to 32V. Protection features include output short protection, a thermal shutdown function and a step out detection function.