Open-loop stepper motors are prone to step loss, for example, when the load torque is more than the torque produced by the stepper motor. Stepper motors lose synchronization and positional accuracy as a result of step loss. In most applications the full-scale current is selected in such a way that step loss does not happen due to unexpected load peaks. Therefore, the torque output of the stepper motor is often 40–50% higher than the maximum load torque expected in the application.

The margin between the full-scale current and load has to be calculated by taking into account the worst case current sense accuracy. When the current sense accuracy is poor, the full-scale current setting has to be parked higher to prevent step loss and loss of accuracy. Therefore, better current sense accuracy allows the selection of a lower value of full-scale current rating of the stepper driver, which indirectly leads to better positional accuracy of the system by preventing step loss, while minimizing power loss. The DRV84xx family of stepper drivers feature ±5% maximum current-sense accuracy over operating voltage range, process and temperature.