ULN2003 5-12V Stepper Motor Driver Module

Stepper motor plays a prominent role in various electronic and robotic applications. We use the stepper motor for correct positioning in different circuits. For example, in robotics arms, antennas, telescopes, etc. These motors may run at high speeds but have a high holding torque. But, these motors require a driver circuit. And, for this reason, there are many types of drivers which are available in the electronic market. This article is about the ULN2003 5-12V Stepper Motor Driver.

Hardware Overview of ULN2003 Module

• The module comprises ULN2003 IC  which is one of the most frequently used stepper Motor driver IC used when one needs to drive the loads having high current. For example, digital logic circuits, Timers, Gates, etc. Since some motors that require 9V and 300mA to run cannot be powered by the microcontroller and therefore we use this IC to source enough current and voltage for the load. 
• The board also includes a connector thatch makes it very easy to connect the motor to the module board. Moreover, there are connections for four control inputs and power supply connections.
• Also, the board has four LEDs that indicate the work on the four control input lines

Working Principle

The working basis of this driver circuit is to control the stepper motor by delivering current using different phases in pulses in the motor's direction. The designers rarely use the wave driving technique because of reasons like it presents small torque and is inefficient.

Features and Specifications of ULN2003 5-12V

Features

• ULN2003A motor driver chip
• Chip all the pins already leads for easy connection to use

Specifications

• 5-12V power supply
• 4-way signal indicator
• Step angle: 5.625 x 1 / 64
• Reduction ratio: 1 / 64
• Phase: 4
• Current / Phase: 5V

Pinouts

Applications

Robotics

Robots usually use stepper motors in robotic arms, etc, which requires high precision. Hence, driver modules play an important part there.

3D Printers

Stepper motors are an essential part of 3D printers. We use them in a variety of applications depending on the type of printer.

Other Applications

• Medical equipment
• Gaming machines
• Automation circuits
• CNC machines, etc.