Tic T500 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller

Pololu item #: 3135
Brand: Pololu supply outlook
Status: Active and Preferred 
RoHS 3 compliant

Price break Unit price (US$)
1 29.95
5 27.55
25 25.35
100 23.32


backorders allowed

The Tic T500 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller makes basic control of a stepper motor easy, with quick configuration over USB using our free software. The controller supports six control interfaces: USB, TTL serial, I²C, analog voltage (potentiometer), quadrature encoder, and hobby radio control (RC). This version incorporates an MPS MP6500 driver, and male headers and terminal blocks are included but not soldered. It can operate from 4.5 V to 35 V and can deliver up to approximately 1.5 A per phase without a heat sink or forced air flow (or 2.5 A max with sufficient additional cooling).

Alternatives available with variations in these parameter(s): model connectors soldered? Select variant…

 Description Specs (15) Pictures (10) Resources (16) FAQs (1) On the blog (7) 

Overview

The Tic family of stepper motor controllers makes it easy to add basic control of a bipolar stepper motor to a variety of projects. These versatile, general-purpose modules support six different control interfaces: USB for direct connection to a computer, TTL serial and I²C for use with a microcontroller, RC hobby servo pulses for use in an RC system, analog voltages for use with a potentiometer or analog joystick, and quadrature encoder for use with a rotary encoder dial. They also offer many settings that can be configured using our free configuration utility (for Windows, Linux, and macOS). This software simplifies initial setup of the device and allows for in-system testing and monitoring of the controller via USB (a micro-B USB cable is required to connect the Tic to a computer).

The table below lists the members of the Tic family and shows the key differences among them.


Tic T500

Tic T834

Tic T825

Tic T249

Tic 36v4
Operating voltage range: 4.5 V to 35 V(1) 2.5 V to 10.8 V 8.5 V to 45 V(1) 10 V to 47 V(1) 8 V to 50 V(1)
Max continuous current per phase
(no additional cooling):
1.5 A 1.5 A 1.5 A 1.8 A 4 A
Peak current per phase
(additional cooling required):
2.5 A 2 A 2.5 A 4.5 A 6 A
Microstep resolutions: full
half
1/4
1/8
full
half
1/4
1/8
1/16
1/32
full
half
1/4
1/8
1/16
1/32
full
half
1/4
1/8
1/16
1/32
full
half
1/4
1/8
1/16
1/32
1/64
1/128
1/256
Automatic decay selection: Yes Yes Yes
Automatic gain control (AGC): Yes
Driver IC: MP6500 DRV8834 DRV8825 TB67S249FTG discrete MOSFETs
Price (connectors not soldered): $29.95 $39.95 $39.95 $49.95 $59.95
Price (connectors soldered): $31.95 $41.95 $41.95 $51.95 $61.95

1 See product pages and user’s guide for operating voltage limitations.

Tic T500 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller, bottom view with dimensions.

Tic T834 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller, bottom view with dimensions.

Tic T825 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller, bottom view with dimensions.

Tic T249 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller, bottom view with dimensions.

Tic 36v4 USB Multi-Interface High-Power Stepper Motor Controller, bottom view with dimensions.

Features and specifications

  • Open-loop speed or position control of one bipolar stepper motor
  • A variety of control interfaces:
    • USB for direct connection to a computer
    • TTL serial operating at 5 V for use with a microcontroller
    • I²C for use with a microcontroller
    • RC hobby servo pulses for use in an RC system
    • Analog voltage for use with a potentiometer or analog joystick
    • Quadrature encoder input for use with a rotary encoder dial, allowing full rotation without limits (not for position feedback)
    • STEP/DIR inputs for compatibility with existing stepper motor control firmware
  • Acceleration and deceleration limiting
  • Maximum stepper speed: 50,000 steps per second
  • Very slow speeds down to 1 step every 200 seconds (or 1 step every 1428 seconds with reduced resolution).
  • Selectable microstep modes up to 1/256-step resolution:
    • The Tic 36v4 supports full-step to 1/256-step modes
    • The Tic T825, Tic T834, and T249 support full-step to 1/32-step modes
    • The Tic T500 supports full-step to 1/8-step modes
  • Digitally adjustable current limit
  • Optional safety controls to avoid unexpectedly powering the motor
  • Input calibration (learning) and adjustable scaling degree for analog and RC signals
  • 5 V regulator (no external logic voltage supply needed)
  • Optional limit switch inputs with homing capabilities
  • Optional kill switch inputs
  • STEP/DIR outputs for controlling external stepper motor drivers
  • Connects to a computer through USB via a USB A to Micro-B cable (not included)
  • Free configuration software available for Windows, Linux, and macOS
  • Arduino library makes it easy to get started using these controllers with an Arduino or compatible board
  • Comprehensive user’s guide

Details for item #3135

The Tic T500 is based on the MP6500 IC from Monolithic Power Systems. This driver IC features automatic decay mode selection, using internal current sensing to automatically adjust the decay mode as necessary to provide the smoothest current waveform. The Tic T500 can operate from 4.5 V to 35 V and can deliver up to approximately 1.5 A continuous per phase without a heat sink or forced air flow (the peak current per phase is 2.5 A). This version is sold unassembled so soldering is necessary to use it.

Powering the Tic T500 with a supply voltage between 4.5 V and 5.5 V might cause its logic voltage to be lower than normal, which could affect operation. See the user’s guide for more information.

Tic T500 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller (without connectors soldered) with included headers and terminal blocks.

A version is also available that requires no soldering to use as the terminal blocks and main header pins are already installed.

Related Products

Tic T500 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller (Connectors Soldered)
Tic T834 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller (Connectors Soldered)
Tic T834 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller
Tic T825 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller (Connectors Soldered)
Tic T825 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller
Tic T249 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller (Connectors Soldered)
Tic T249 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller
Tic 36v4 USB Multi-Interface High-Power Stepper Motor Controller (Connectors Soldered)
Tic 36v4 USB Multi-Interface High-Power Stepper Motor Controller
Thin (2mm) USB Cable A to Micro-B, 6 ft, Low/Full-Speed Only
USB Cable A to Micro-B, 6 ft
MP6500 Stepper Motor Driver Carrier, Potentiometer Current Control
MP6500 Stepper Motor Driver Carrier, Digital Current Control
DRV8834 Low-Voltage Stepper Motor Driver Carrier
DRV8825 Stepper Motor Driver Carrier, High Current
TB67S249FTG Stepper Motor Driver Compact Carrier
TB67S249FTG Stepper Motor Driver Carrier - Full Breakout
Pololu High-Power Stepper Motor Driver 36v4
Jrk G2 18v19 USB Motor Controller with Feedback
Jrk G2 24v21 USB Motor Controller with Feedback

Related Categories

Tic Stepper Motor Controllers
DRV8825 Stepper Motor Driver Carriers, High Current
Stepper Motor Drivers
Stepper Motors
Premium Jumper Wires
Wires with Pre-Crimped Terminals
Solderless Breadboards
RC Interface
Log In
Pololu Robotics & Electronics
Shopping cart
(702) 262-6648
Same-day shipping, worldwide
Menu
Shop Blog Forum Support
My account Comments or questions? About Pololu Contact Ordering information Distributors