Comprehensive comparison between TMC2226 and TMC2209

In today's stepper motor control field, tmc2226 and tmc2209 are two common models. If you are looking for the right motor driver chip for your project, it will be important to know the features and differences between these two chips. Although there are many similarities between the two chips, there are also significant differences in some key features and application scenarios. Next, I will compare the two stepper motor driver chips for you in detail to help you better choose the chip suitable for your own.

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Table of Contents

• TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Overview
• TMC2226 and TMC2209 Pinout, Specifications and Packages
• TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Key Features
• TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Arduino
• TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Block Diagrams
• TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Manufacturer
• TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Same Applications
• TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Similarity
• Frequently Asked Questions

TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Overview

TMC2226 and TMC2209 are both trinamic stepper motor drivers, but they have different designs and functions. First, from the basic function point of view, tmc2226 focuses more on low power consumption and high efficiency, especially suitable for applications that require fine tuning and low noise. The tmc2209 focuses more on high efficiency and high power output, which can handle the demand of larger loads. Next, we will dive into the differences between the two chips one by one.

Overview of TMC2226

TMC2226 is a stepper motor driver designed for low power consumption and high accuracy. It uses Trinamic's CoolStep™ technology, which allows it to dynamically adjust the current according to the load, thereby reducing power consumption. In addition, the TMC2226 also supports StealthChop™ 2 technology, which provides a very quiet operation at low speeds, making it ideal for noise-critical applications.

Overview of TMC2229

The TMC2209 is an ultra-quiet motor driver IC designed for two-phase stepping motors. Its pin arrangement is compatible with multiple conventional drives and TMC2208. It also uses StealthChop™ technology to reduce noise and is equipped with a stronger motor drive capability. The TMC2209 supports higher operating currents, enabling it to drive more powerful stepper motors, and therefore performs particularly well in applications with high loads and high precision requirements. Compared with TMC2226, the power output of TMC2209 is more powerful and suitable for more complex application environments.

TMC2226 and TMC2209 Pinout, Specifications and Packages

When choosing these two chips, it is crucial to understand their pin layout and specifications, as this will directly affect the IC design and system performance.

TMC2226 Pinout

TMC2226 Pinout

TMC2226 Specifications

Max output current : Max 1.5A (adjustable via external thermal management)

Voltage range : 4.5V to 45V

Step mode : full step, 1/2 step, 1/4 step, 1/8 step

Noise control : Supports StealthChop™ 2 technology

Current adjustment : CoolStep™ technology is supported to adjust the current automatically

protection function : overcurrent protection, overheat protection

Operating temperature range : -40°C to +150°C

TMC2226 package

TMC2226 package

TMC2209 Pinout

TMC2209 Pinout

TMC2209 Specifications

Max output current : Max 2A

Voltage range : 5.5V to 29V

Step mode : full step, 1/2 step, 1/4 step, 1/8 step, 1/16 step, 1/32 step

Noise control : Supports StealthChop™ technology

Current adjustment : support adjustable current output, adapt to different loads

protection function : overcurrent protection, overheat protection, overvoltage protection

Operating temperature range : -40°C to +150°C

TMC2209 package

TMC2209 package

TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Key Features

Although the two chips share many similar functionalities, their key features differ significantly, especially in terms of energy efficiency, power output, and noise control. Below is a detailed comparison:

Key features of TMC2226

Energy Efficiency: The TMC2226 excels in energy efficiency thanks to Trinamic's CoolStep™ technology, which dynamically adjusts the motor current according to the load, ensuring reduced power consumption and optimized motor performance.

Silent Operation: With StealthChop™ 2 technology, the TMC2226 offers ultra-quiet operation, especially at low speeds, making it ideal for noise-sensitive applications such as 3D printers and medical equipment.

Precision Control: This driver is highly suitable for applications requiring high-precision control, delivering stable and accurate stepper motor performance in robotic and automation systems.

Protection Features: It includes overcurrent, overheat, and overvoltage protection, providing long-term system stability and reliability in demanding environments.

Key features of TMC2209

High Current Output: The TMC2209 supports a maximum output of 2A, making it ideal for high load applications such as CNC machines and large-scale robotic systems that require higher torque and power output.

Overload Protection: It has strong overload protection, ensuring that the motor remains stable and efficient even in high-power scenarios, thus preventing damage to the system in demanding conditions.

Efficient Power Control: Advanced StealthChop™ technology, combined with robust current regulation features, ensures smooth motor operation with minimal noise and optimal power efficiency.

Adjustable Current: The TMC2209 allows for flexible current adjustments, making it adaptable to various motor load requirements, ensuring consistent performance across a wide range of applications, from smart home devices to drones.

TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Arduino

Both the TMC2226 and TMC2209 are compatible with Arduino for stepper motor control, but they have different strengths depending on the project requirements:

TMC2226 Arduino:

Best for low power applications with silent operation (via StealthChop™ 2).

Ideal for 3D printers, small robotics, and precision control projects.

Supports dynamic current regulation with CoolStep™ for efficiency.

TMC2209 Arduino:

Suited for higher power applications with stronger current output (up to 2A).

Ideal for driving larger motors in robotics, CNC machines, and automated systems.

Includes overload protection and current adjustment for flexible motor control.

Both can be controlled via Arduino libraries and are excellent for stepper motor projects, but the choice depends on whether you need higher power or quieter operation. TMC2209 also has stronger overload protection and current regulation functions, suitable for high power applications such as robotics and CNC.

TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Block Diagrams

TMC2226 and TMC2209 have the same block diagram

Block diagram

TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Block Diagrams

Basic application block diagram

TMC2226 vs TMC2209 basic application block diagram

TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Manufacturer

Both TMC2226 and TMC2209 are manufactured by Trinamic. Trinamic is a world-renowned stepper motor control and drive chip manufacturer. With its expertise in the field of motor control, Trinamic provides a variety of high-efficiency, low-noise motor drive solutions. Whether TMC2226 or TMC2209, Trinamic ensures their consistency in performance, quality, and reliability.

Trinamic was founded in 2004 with a focus on motor control and drive solutions that are widely used in industrial automation, robotics, and the Internet of Things. In 2021, Trinamic was acquired by Maxim Integrated, which was subsequently acquired by Analog Devices in 2022. As a result, Trinamic is now part of Analog Devices.

TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Same Applications

Both the TMC2226 and TMC2209 are used in similar applications due to their StealthChop™ technology, current regulation, and precision control:

3D Printers: Both offer quiet operation and precise control; the TMC2226 is better for ultra-quiet needs.

Robotics: Ideal for robotic systems, offering smooth and accurate motor control.

Automation Equipment: Used in industrial automation, offering efficient and reliable motor performance.

CNC Machines: Both handle high precision and power; TMC2209 is better for higher torque needs.

Smart Home Devices: Both provide low power consumption and silent operation in smart devices.

Medical Equipment: Used in medical devices requiring precise motor control.

Drones and Autonomous Devices: Ideal for drone and self-driving tech, providing stable and efficient motor control.

While both can be used in these applications, the choice depends on power requirements and noise sensitivity.

TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Similarity

The TMC2226 and TMC2209 are both stepper motor drivers from Trinamic. They have many similarities and the following are the similarities between the two drivers.

Trinamic technology : Both drives use stealthChop™ technology designed to reduce noise, making them excellent for applications that require quiet operation (e.g. 3D printers and CNC).

Microstep control : Both support fine control of up to 256 microsteps, helping to achieve smoother motor operation and more precise positioning.

Current control : Both have adaptive current control function, automatically adjust the current according to the load, so as to optimize the motor performance and reduce heat.

Integrated protection function : Both drives include a variety of protection functions, such as over-temperature protection, over-voltage protection, over-current protection and short-circuit protection.

PWM control : Both use PWM (Pulse Width modulation) to adjust the current to ensure smooth and efficient operation of the motor.

Frequently Asked Questions

TMC2226 vs TMC2209 Datasheet PDF Where can I find?

You can access the official Datasheet (Datasheet PDF) of the TMC2226 and TMC2209 by clicking the link below.

TMC2226 Datasheet PDF

TMC2209 Datasheet PDF

What are the prices of TMC2226 and TMC2209?

TMC2226 : Due to its complex packaging and heat dissipation design, the price of TMC2226 is usually slightly higher, and the market price range is between $10- $15.

TMC2209 : Due to its higher cost performance and wide application, the price of TMC2209 is usually lower, and the market price range is between 7-12 US dollars.

Are TMC2226 and TMC2209 interchangeable?

In some cases they can be swapped, but there are two caveats:

Pin compatibility : TMC2209 is pin compatible with TMC2208, while TMC2226 may require a PCB redesign.

Functional requirements : Please ensure that the newly selected chip can meet the power, noise, and heat dissipation requirements of the project.

Which is more energy efficient, TMC2226 or TMC2209?

The TMC2226 outperforms the TMC2209 in terms of energy savings due to lower energy consumption due to CoolStep™ technology that dynamically regulates current.