Walton-on-Thames, UK — The A3982 from Allegro MicroSystems is a bipolar stepper-motor driver IC featuring built-in translator circuitry that makes it very easy to interface to microprocessor-based control systems in office automation and industrial applications. The circuit has DMOS outputs rated at 35 V and ±1.5 A (2 A peak). Low ON resistance DMOS outputs, along with synchronous rectification, result in low-power dissipation, allowing higher motor currents and leading to reduced temperature rise. The device is controlled via a simple two-wire step-and-direction interface for easy operation in full- or half-step modes, and is housed in a 24-pin SOIC package (15.4 x 7.5 mm) that is 20-50% smaller than competitive ICs in the same current range. The translator is key to the easy implementation of the A3982. Simply inputting one pulse on the step input causes the motor to take one step. There are no phase sequence tables, high-frequency control lines or complex interfaces to program. The A3982 is ideal for applications with multiple motors that would normally push the I/O capacity of most microprocessor controllers. Allegro MicroSystems , Walton-on-Thames, UK. www.allegromicro.com.