Part Number: DRV8711
Function: STEPPER MOTOR CONTROLLER IC
Package: PowerPAD (HTSSOP) 38 Pin Type
Manufacturer: Texas Instruments
Image

Description
The DRV8711 is a stepper motor controller that uses external N-channel MOSFETs to drive a bipolar stepper motor or two brushed DC motors. A microstepping indexer is integrated, which is capable of step modes from full step to 1/256-step.
An ultra-smooth motion profile can be achieved using adaptive blanking time and various current decay modes, including an auto-mixed decay mode. Motor stall is reported with an optional back-EMF output.
A simple step/direction or PWM interface allows easy interfacing to controller circuits. A SPI serial interface is used to program the device operation. Output current (torque), step mode, decay mode,and stall detection functio ns are all programmable via a SPI serial interface.
Features
- Supports full-step to 1/256 microstepping resolution
- External N-channel MOSFET gate driver architecture for high power scalability
- Programmable PWM current regulation with internal torque DAC
- Multiple decay modes including slow, fast, and automatic mixed decay
- Adaptive blanking time for improved current regulation accuracy
- SPI interface for full configuration control
- Step/Direction and PWM input control options
- Integrated stall detection with optional back-EMF (BEMF) output
Pinout

Design Notes
- Requires careful MOSFET selection (low RDS(on), fast switching) for efficiency and thermal performance
- Current sensing resistors determine peak motor current; layout must minimize noise and parasitics
- Proper configuration of decay mode is critical for minimizing current ripple and acoustic noise
- SPI initialization sequence must be completed before enabling motor outputs
- Use proper gate drive layout and bootstrap/charge pump capacitors for stable operation
How to Choose This Part
- Select when high current or high voltage stepper control is required using external MOSFETs
- Ideal for applications needing fine microstepping (up to 1/256)
- Suitable when SPI configurability and advanced tuning are required
- Prefer over integrated drivers when thermal dissipation or scalability is critical
Applications
- Stepper motor control in industrial equipment
- Robotics and automation systems
- Precision positioning and motion control
- Medical instrumentation
Alternative / Equivalent Products
- DRV8701 (brushed DC motor driver variant)
- DRV8825 (integrated stepper driver)
- TMC5160 (Trinamic high-end stepper driver)
- A4988 (basic integrated stepper driver)
Other data sheets are available within the file: DRV8711DCP, DRV8711DCPR



