4 Summary

One of the methods to reduce power consumption in stepper motor drivers is using the holding torque of the motor. In simple drivers, this can be done using the VREF reduction technique to lower the regulating current during holding mode. In advanced stepper drivers like the DRV8452, this can be done by enabling the inbuilt Standstill Power Saving feature. Results show that significant thermal benefits can be obtained using these methods. The reduced temperatures also allow the driver to carry higher current than the full-scale value.