Not a 8052 related question - but who knows ? Makarand might be generating the required logic signals with an 8052 and forgot to mention it here. Right ;=)



- I hope that L298 is mounted on a good heat sink with plenty of heat sink paste in between!

- You have not specified the supply voltage for the Stepper. Kindly note that for this you need to follow the data sheet value. With bipolar PWM chopped drives, you CAN exceed the data sheet values marginally to get that additional accelaration. ( WARNING : This is a general guideline and not a rule). But operating at that level always is a waste of power.

- I am not sure if you did your homework on calculating the required torque ( = acceleration torque + static torque ) and then from that computed the required Amp/Phase. If you know this then you can precisely trim the application.

- If you want to reduce the phase current setting, then you can either reduce the reference input (or) increase the Sense resistors - make sure that they are closely matched and rated adequately so that THEY DON'T heat up adding to your woes. Also please bear in mind that V_Sense has a maximum value of 3V !!

- And remember that as long as Enable pin is high you are dissipating power - whether the motor is turning or not . This is something many overlook initially or till they loose the L298.

- And finally it is not a good design to hold a position with the stepper detent torque. Best would be ,
* Release mechanical detent/ brake.
* Accelarate and level off to required position.
* Apply mechanical detent/brake
* Disable power to motor.

OK most engineering designs are not ideal ones and are always a mix of compromises - maybe you have some such problem.

Raghu