Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: 8-wire stepper: series is 1/2 the amps.Strange but True

Stepper Driver circuit design

I have gotten my samples from Allegro, and they're the 3967 single chip
bipolar stepper translator/driver. Nice chip...inconvenient package for
a homebuilder (24 pin SOIC), but a nice chip nontheless. that's what
PCB CAD libraries are for.

So...I have a chip, a power supply, and a stepper motor. Now what? ;-)

No...I'm not starting out quite that basic -- the circuitry is not going
to be a big problem, but a motor is an inductive load, which sometimes
complicates things. I assume there will be backcurrents to deal with,
possibly interference from traces laid parallel to each other at certain
frequencies, etc. I understand the parallel port can operate at 50KHz?

So...any tips on stepper driver board design, from those who have done
it? Do I need to isolate the grounds for the various parts of the
circuit? Diodes to prevent backcurrent from reaching the chips? That
sort of thing. I have only the white sheets from Allegro, at this
point, on which to base my design.

Has anyone ever designed a circuit based on this chip? I understand
it's new...single chip translator and microstepper for bipolar drives.
If I can get it to work, I think it'll be nice.

THANKS!

-- Chuck Knight