Control Stepper Motor with Infineon TCA3727 Driver using Arduino

Control Stepper Motor with Infineon TCA3727 Driver using Arduino

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Introduction

Stepper motors are widely used in automation, robotics, and CNC machines where precise movement control is essential. While popular drivers like L298N or ULN2003 can drive stepper motors, Infineon’s TCA3727 offers a more efficient and compact solution. In this tutorial, we’ll learn how to control a stepper motor using the TCA3727 motor driver with Arduino. We’ll cover everything from pin connection to code explanation and working principles.

🔹 What is Infineon TCA3727?

The Infineon TCA3727 is a dual full-bridge driver IC designed for controlling DC and stepper motors. It is optimized for low power loss and high performance, making it ideal for embedded motor control systems. Unlike older drivers such as the L293D, it features low ON-resistance MOSFETs, built-in protection features, and a compact 16-pin package.

✨ Key Features:

• Dual full-bridge driver (can drive one bipolar stepper or two DC motors)
• Output current: up to 1A per channel
• Operating voltage range: 5V to 18V
• Logic level compatible with 5V microcontrollers like Arduino
• Built-in thermal shutdown and short-circuit protection
• Separate logic and motor supply pins (VCC and VS)
• Compact and efficient for continuous operation

This makes the TCA3727 a great choice for Arduino stepper motor projects requiring smooth control, reliability, and efficiency.

🔹 Infineon TCA3727 Pinout

Infineon TCA3727 - Interface with Arduino

🔹 Components Required

Before we start wiring, gather the following components:

• Arduino Board : Microcontroller board for controlling the driver
• TCA3727 Motor Driver :Dual H-bridge driver IC/module
• Stepper Motor (Bipolar, e.g., NEMA17): For testing motor control
• 12V Power Supply : (for Arduino connection)For motor power (VS)
• Breadboard & Jumper Wires: For easy connections
• 2 × 220 nF Capacitor
• 2 × 100 μF Capacitor
• 1 × 2.2 nF Capacitor
• 2 × 1Ω Registor

Make sure your stepper motor’s rated voltage matches your power supply. TCA3727 can handle up to 18V motor supply safely.

🔹 Circuit Diagram and Pin Connection

The TCA3727 driver has four input pins (IN1–IN4) used to control the two H-bridges. These pins are connected to the Arduino digital I/O pins. Below is the connection table:

Arduino Pin	TCA3727 Pin	Function	Description
D2	I10	Input 1	Controls coil A (forward)
D3	I11	Input 2	Controls coil A (reverse)
D8	I20	Input 3	Controls coil B (forward)
D9	I21	Input 4	Controls coil B (forward)
D4	Phase 1	Input current setting coil1	controls the current through phase winding 1
D10	Phase 2	Input current setting coil2	controls the current through phase winding 2
D13	Inhibit	Enable Pin	put motor on stand by mode
12V	VS	Motor Supply	Powers the motor coils
GND	GND	Ground	Common ground
5V	VCC	Logic Supply	Provides logic voltage

⚙️ Important: Always connect the GND of Arduino and TCA3727 together to ensure a proper reference ground for logic signals.

🔹Control Digital Input

When we are coding using Arduino IDE first we have to set current limit as per above table , need to motor status set I11,I21 set as Low , I10,I20 set as high for base current 2/3 Imax for accelerating motor need both pin as HIGH

IX0, IX1 for the magnitude of the current of the particular phase ,It is Digital Control

Phase1: controls the current through phase winding 1. On H-potential the phase current flows from Q11 to Q12, on L-potential in the reverse direction.

Phase2: controls the current through phase winding 1. On H-potential the phase current flows from Q21 to Q22, on L-potential in the reverse direction.

🔹 Working Principle

The Arduino sends digital pulses to the TCA3727 inputs. Each pulse energizes a specific coil of the stepper motor. The sequence of coil energizing determines the direction of rotation. When the sequence is reversed, the motor rotates in the opposite direction.

Since TCA3727 contains two full-bridges, each pair of inputs (IN1–IN2 and IN3–IN4) drives one motor winding. The built-in MOSFETs ensure efficient current switching with low heat generation compared to older bipolar transistor-based drivers.

Arduino Development

Library Installation

For Driving stepper motor we are using Accel Stepper Library.This library is fairly easy to use and can greatly improve the performance of your hardware.

Download AccelStepper Library

Arduino Code

#include "AccelStepper.h"
int I10 = 2;
int I11 = 3;

int I20 = 8;
int I21 = 9;

int Phase1 = 4;
int Phase2 = 10;
int Inhib = 13;

AccelStepper stepper1(AccelStepper::FULL2WIRE, Phase1, Phase2);

void setup()
{
  pinMode(I10,OUTPUT);
  pinMode(I11,OUTPUT);
  pinMode(I20,OUTPUT);
  pinMode(I21,OUTPUT);

  pinMode(Inhib,OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(Inhib, HIGH);
  
  digitalWrite(I10, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(I11, LOW);
  digitalWrite(I20, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(I21, LOW);
 
  stepper1.setMaxSpeed(200);
  stepper1.setAcceleration(10);
  stepper1.moveTo(100000);
   
}

void loop() 
{
    stepper1.run(); 
}
     

Applications of Infineon TCA3727:

The Infineon TCA3727 motor driver is used in various embedded and industrial control systems. Its efficient design and safety features make it ideal for projects that demand precise motion with minimal noise and power loss.Here are some practical applications:

3D printer axis control

Camera slider or gimbal systems

CNC machine control

Small robotic arms

Automated test fixtures and laboratory devices

🔹 Conclusion

Controlling a stepper motor with the Infineon TCA3727 driver and Arduino is simple yet powerful. With just a few connections and lines of code, you can achieve product and smooth operation. The TCA3727’s advanced MOSFET design, compact footprint, and integrated safety features make it a superior choice for hobbyists and professionals working on robotics, automation, or CNC systems.