The DRV8428 is a STEP/DIR stepper driver with up to 1/256 microstepping, integrated current sensing and a 4.2 to 33 V supply, driving up to 1 A full-scale per bridge depending on the PCB design. It needs no external sense resistors. It is a smaller, quieter step up from the A4988 and DRV8825 for small motors. Figures are from the Texas Instruments DRV8428 datasheet SLOSE54C.
Key specifications
| Supply | 4.2–33 V |
|---|---|
| Current | 1 A full-scale, 1.7 A peak |
| Microstepping | up to 1/256 |
| Current sense | integrated |
| RDS(on) | 1500 mΩ HS + LS |
| Packages | HTSSOP-16, WQFN-16 |
What the datasheet promises
| Item | Datasheet value |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 4.2 to 33 V |
| Current per bridge | 1.7 A peak, 1 A full-scale, 0.7 A rms |
| Microstepping | Up to 1/256 with a STEP/DIR interface |
| Current sensing | Integrated, no sense resistors; ±6 percent full-scale accuracy |
| On-resistance | 1500 mΩ high side plus low side at 24 V, 25 °C |
| Decay | Smart tune and mixed decay; configurable off time of 7, 16 or 32 µs |
| Logic inputs | 1.8 V, 3.3 V and 5 V |
| Sleep current | 2 µA, using the nSLEEP pin |
| EMI | Spread-spectrum clocking |
| Protection | VM undervoltage, overcurrent, thermal shutdown, with an EN/nFAULT output |
| Packages | HTSSOP-16 (5 × 4.4 mm) and WQFN-16 (3 × 3 mm) |
The 1 A figure depends on the PCB design, so a ready-made board with enough copper matters. Smart tune adjusts current regulation to compensate for motor variation and aging and reduces audible noise, according to the datasheet.
Using it on a robot
- Drive a small bipolar stepper in a pan-tilt or camera mount, within the current limit above.
- Set the current limit as the datasheet describes, and do not exceed the motor rating.
- Use the nFAULT output to catch a short or overheating.
Sources and further reading
- Texas Instruments DRV8428 datasheet (SLOSE54C) — supply, current, microstepping, current sensing, decay, sleep current and protection above.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Limits are from the Texas Instruments datasheet; breakout boards and modules vary. No price is quoted because it has not been checked.
Where to buy in India
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