
4255
8-BIT
MICROCONTROLLER
115 Northeast Cutoff, Box 15036
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 (508) 853-5000
Table 2 — Microcontroller terminal descriptions
A4255CA
A4255CLN
DIP
SSOP
Function
Description
Comments, connections, etc.
1
Input
Mode select 1
Static and/or dynamic control of stepping mode
2
Input
Mode select 2
Static and/or dynamic control of stepping mode
3
Input
Step in
Governs full-step rate (
÷8 for A3955; ÷16 for A3957)
4
Input
Reset
Resets DIR., MS2, MS1, and MS0 to 0000 (detent)
5
5, 6
Power
Ground
Logic power return
6
7
Output
Monitor out
Signals full-step rotor alignment (active low)
7
8
I/O
Shift clock
Pull up for A3955; pull down for A3957
8
9
Output
Serial data out
Shifts 8-bit serial data to 74HC595 serial input
9
10
Output
Strobe out
Latches 8-bit data into 74HC595 (latch clock in)
10
11
Output
Phase B
Controls current direction in phase B
11
12
Output
PFD B
Phase B recirculation control
12
13
Output
Phase A
Controls current direction in phase A
13
14
Output
PFD A
Phase A recirculation control
14
15, 16
Power
Supply
(VDD) Recommended range: 4.5 V to 5.5 V
15
17
Output
Osc/clock out
Crystal oscilator connection
16
18
Input
Osc/clock in
Crystal oscillator connection/external clock input
17
19
Input
Direction control
Determines direction of step motor rotation
18
20
Input
Mode select 0
Static and/or dynamic control of stepping mode
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION (cont’d)
Mode-select inputs
These three inputs (MS2, MS1, and MS0) determine
the stepping format, disable/enable motor power, and reset
the controller/sequencer. In conjunction with the direction
input, the mode inputs control the sixteen operating states
listed. Deactivating stepper power in any position except
‘detent’ (i.e., a single phase activated) results in the motor
rotor advancing, or retracting, from its intermediate
position and alignment with a natural (i.e., minimum-
reluctance flux field) orientation. The absolute position
may be affected by inertia, load, fractional position,
ringing, etc. and cannot be determined without feedback.
Phase currents must be maintained to immobilize the
rotor/load in any intermediate position.
Step (clock) input
The sequencer stepping-clock frequency is a multiple
of the actual stepping rate. The A3955 requires a step-
ping-clock input frequency equal to eight times the
intended stepping rate for the motor; the A3957 requires a
stepping clock rate that is sixteen times the actual stepping
rate of the motor. However, neither design necessitates
that the step frequency be varied should the operating
mode(s) be switched during operation. Shifting from one
stepping format does not mandate a simultaneous (and
equivalent) change in the clock frequency.
Using a 20 MHz crystal (maximum limit for the
A4255) allows a 50 kHz stepping clock for the A3955,
and this equates to 6 250 full steps per second (50 kHz/8).
For the A3957 this 50 kHz stepping clock translates to