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Full machine-readable index: https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt # Tic T500 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller **Type:** Product page · **SKU:** POLOLU-3135 · **Brand:** [Pololu](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/pololu-australia) **Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/tic-t500-usb-multi-interface-stepper-motor-controller.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/tic-t500-usb-multi-interface-stepper-motor-controller.html.md)) The Tic T500 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller makes basic control of a stepper motor easy, with quick configuration over USB using our free... ## Pricing - **Price:** $54.20 (inc GST) — $49.27 AUD, exc GST - **Quantity discounts:** 6+ $47.30 (exc GST) · 12+ $45.83 (exc GST) ## Availability & dispatch - In stock, ships same business day if ordered before 2PM (Australia/Sydney). - We can dispatch 1 today, and up to 120 more in 4–7 days. ## How to buy - **Build a cart:** compose `https://core-electronics.com.au/cart/link?items=POLOLU-3135:1` (comma-separated SKU:qty pairs) and share the link. Opening it shows a confirmation page with live pricing and stock before anything is added to the cart. - **Verify the cart first:** fetch `https://core-electronics.com.au/cart/link/POLOLU-3135:1.md` for live line prices (inc & exc GST, quantity discounts applied), stock and dispatch estimates, and totals. Append `/to/{AU-postcode}` (or `/to/{country-code}:{postcode}`) before `.md` for delivery options and prices to that destination. Unknown, retired, or out-of-stock SKUs are flagged. (Query form `cart/link.md?items=...` also works but some robots parsers refuse query strings here.) - **Checkout** is completed on-site and includes a captcha at the payment step. Share the cart link; checkout takes it from there. - **Search the catalogue:** `https://core-electronics.com.au/search/{query}.md` (URL-encode the query; pages 2-3 at `search/{query}/{page}.md`; `search.md?q=` also works) - **Payment methods, purchase orders, policies and contact details:** https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt ## Description The Tic family of stepper motor controllers makes it easy to add basic control of a [bipolar stepper motor](https://core-electronics.com.au/components/motors/stepper-motors.html) to a variety of projects. These versatile, general-purpose modules support six different control interfaces: USB for direct connection to a computer, TTL serial and I²C for use with a microcontroller, RC hobby servo pulses for use in an RC system, analog voltages for use with a potentiometer or analog joystick, and quadrature encoder for use with a rotary encoder dial. They also offer many settings that can be configured using Pololu's free configuration utility (for Windows, Linux, and macOS). This software simplifies initial setup of the device and allows for in-system testing and monitoring of the controller via USB (a [micro-B USB cable](https://core-electronics.com.au/thin-2mm-usb-cable-a-to-micro-b-6-ft-low-full-speed-only.html) is required to connect the Tic to a computer). The table below lists the members of the Tic family and shows the key differences among them. | | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8556_55790d3674.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/drv8825-stepper-motor-driver-carrier-high-current-43964.html)[Tic T500](https://core-electronics.com.au/drv8825-stepper-motor-driver-carrier-high-current-43964.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8074_458486bb8b.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-tic-t834-usb-multi-interface-stepper-motor-controller-connectors-soldered.html) **[Tic T834](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-tic-t834-usb-multi-interface-stepper-motor-controller-connectors-soldered.html)** | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J7821_49182aa9a5.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-tic-t825-usb-multi-interface-stepper-motor-controller-connectors-soldered.html) [**Tic T825**](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-tic-t825-usb-multi-interface-stepper-motor-controller-connectors-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J9841_4287ccf23a.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-tic-t249-usb-multi-interface-stepper-motor-controller-connectors-soldered.html) **[Tic T249](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-tic-t249-usb-multi-interface-stepper-motor-controller-connectors-soldered.html)** | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J10510_5037a319a5.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-tic-36v4-usb-multi-interface-high-power-stepper-motor-controller.html) **[Tic 36v4](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-tic-36v4-usb-multi-interface-high-power-stepper-motor-controller.html)** | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Operating voltage range: | 4.5 V to 35 V**(1)** | 2.5 V to 10.8 V | 8.5 V to 45 V**(1)** | 10 V to 47 V**(1)** | 8 V to 50 V**(1)** | | Max continuous current per phase(no additional cooling): | 1.5 A | 1.5 A | 1.5 A | 1.8 A | 4 A | | Peak current per phase(additional cooling required): | 2.5 A | 2 A | 2.5 A | 4.5 A | 6 A | | Microstep resolutions: | fullhalf1/41/8 | fullhalf1/41/81/161/32 | fullhalf1/41/81/161/32 | fullhalf1/41/81/161/32 | fullhalf1/41/81/161/321/641/1281/256 | | Automatic decay selection: | ![Yes](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/check-fa31fa0963023302eb66fe206c0d1e8cb1135facdac9a4e8f5b5ffcc3c3ea377_29454a38f.png) | | | ![Yes](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/check-fa31fa0963023302eb66fe206c0d1e8cb1135facdac9a4e8f5b5ffcc3c3ea377_29454a38f.png) | ![Yes](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/check-fa31fa0963023302eb66fe206c0d1e8cb1135facdac9a4e8f5b5ffcc3c3ea377_29454a38f.png) | | Automatic gain control (AGC): | | | | ![Yes](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/check-fa31fa0963023302eb66fe206c0d1e8cb1135facdac9a4e8f5b5ffcc3c3ea377_29454a38f.png) | | | Driver IC: | MP6500 | DRV8834 | DRV8825 | TB67S249FTG | discrete MOSFETs | **1** See product pages and user’s guide for operating voltage limitations. | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J9758_21082fa1130.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J9758_52067512d1f.jpg) | |---| | Tic T500 USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controller, bottom view with dimensions. | ### **Features** - Open-loop speed or position control of one bipolar stepper motor - A variety of control interfaces: - **USB** for direct connection to a computer - **TTL serial** operating at 5 V for use with a microcontroller - **I²C** for use with a microcontroller - **RC hobby servo pulses** for use in an RC system - **Analog voltage** for use with a potentiometer or analog joystick - **Quadrature encoder** input for use with a rotary encoder dial, allowing full rotation without limits (*not* for position feedback) - **STEP/DIR** inputs for compatibility with existing stepper motor control firmware - Acceleration and deceleration limiting - Maximum stepper speed: 50,000 steps per second - Very slow speeds down to 1 step every 200 seconds (or 1 step every 1428 seconds with reduced resolution). - Selectable microstep modes up to 1/256-step resolution: - The Tic 36v4 supports full-step to 1/256-step modes - The Tic T825, Tic T834, and T249 support full-step to 1/32-step modes - The Tic T500 supports full-step to 1/8-step modes - Digitally adjustable current limit - Optional safety controls to avoid unexpectedly powering the motor - Input calibration (learning) and adjustable scaling degree for analog and RC signals - 5 V regulator (no external logic voltage supply needed) - Optional limit switch inputs with homing capabilities - Optional kill switch inputs - STEP/DIR outputs for controlling external stepper motor drivers - Connects to a computer through USB via a [USB A to Micro-B cable](https://core-electronics.com.au/thin-2mm-usb-cable-a-to-micro-b-6-ft-low-full-speed-only.html) (not included) - Free configuration software available for Windows, Linux, and macOS - [Arduino library](https://github.com/pololu/tic-arduino) makes it easy to get started using these controllers with an [Arduino](https://core-electronics.com.au/search/?q=arduino+compatible) or compatible board - Comprehensive user’s guide [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J9773_816439d804a.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J9773_202141b760e.jpg) The Tic T500 is based on the MP6500 IC from Monolithic Power Systems. This driver IC features automatic decay mode selection, using internal current sensing to automatically adjust the decay mode as necessary to provide the smoothest current waveform. The Tic T500 can operate from 4.5 V to 35 V and can deliver up to approximately 1.5 A continuous per phase without a heat sink or forced air flow (the peak current per phase is 2.5 A). This version is sold **unassembled** so soldering is necessary to use it. Powering the Tic T500 with a supply voltage between 4.5 V and 5.5 V might cause its logic voltage to be lower than normal, which could affect operation. See the user’s guide for more information. [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J9742_43955cc09b6.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J9742_558740e768d.jpg) A version is also available [**that requires no soldering to use**](https://core-electronics.com.au/drv8825-stepper-motor-driver-carrier-high-current-43964.html) as the terminal blocks and main header pins are already installed.\\ ### **Dimensions** | Size: | 1.50" × 1.05" × 0.42"[1](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note1) | |---|---| | Weight: | 4.8 g[1](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note1) | ### ### **Specifications** | Model: | Tic T500 | |---|---| | Motor driver: | MP6500 | | Control interface: | USB; non-inverted TTL serial; I²C; RC servo pulses; analog voltage; quadrature encoder | | Minimum operating voltage: | 4.5 V[2](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note2) | | Maximum operating voltage: | 35 V | | Continuous current per phase: | 1.5 A[3](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note3) | | Maximum current per phase: | 2.5 A[4](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note4) | | Maximum step rate: | 50000 PPS | | Microstep resolutions: | full, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 | | Reverse voltage protection?: | Y | | Connectors soldered?: | N | **Identifying markings** | PCB dev codes: | tic03a, tic03b | |---|---| | Other PCB markings: | 0J11038, 0J11910 | **Notes:** 1. Without included optional hardware. 2. Powering the Tic T500 with a supply voltage between 4.5 V and 5.5 V might cause its logic voltage to be lower than normal, which could affect operation. See the user’s guide for more information. 3. Without a heat sink or forced air flow. 4. With sufficient additional cooling. ### **Documentation** - ![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J10516_34627b0a70.jpg)**Tic Stepper Motor Controller User’s Guide ([Printable PDF](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/tic_2557764813a.pdf))** User’s manual for the Pololu Tic USB Stepper Motor Controller. ### **File downloads** - **Tic Software and Drivers for Windows (10MB msi)** - **[Tic Software for Linux (x86)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/pololu-tic-1_8329898e043.xz) (8MB xz)** - **[Tic Software for Linux (Raspberry Pi)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/pololu-tic-1_61388dd3730.xz) (6MB xz)** - **Tic Software for macOS (8MB pkg)** - **[Dimension diagrams of the Tic USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controllers](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/tic-stepper-motor-controller-dimensions_11751329fd6.pdf) (1MB pdf)** - **[3D models of the Tic USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controllers](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/tic-stepper-motor-controller-models_11096ca6d4a.zip) (11MB zip)** This file contains 3D models (in the step file format) of all the Tic USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controllers. - **[Drill guides for the Tic USB Multi-Interface Stepper Motor Controllers](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/tic-drill_233342ab88f.zip) (23k zip)** This file contains DXF drawings that show the locations of the holes on all of the different Tic PCBs. - **[MPS MP6500 stepper motor driver datasheet](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/MP6500_r1_102628f097f.pdf) (1MB pdf)** - **[TB67S249FTG datasheet](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/TB67S249FTG_datasheet_en_20170818_53324ff1216.pdf) (533k pdf)** - **[UM10204 I²C-bus specification and user manual](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/UM10204_13957626aa3.pdf) (1MB pdf)** The official specification for the I²C-bus, which is maintained by NXP. ### **Recommended links** - **[Video: Getting Started with the Tic Stepper Motor Controllers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cAjdT6QN_w)** Getting up and running with your Tic stepper motor controller from Pololu is easy. This video will guide you through the basic steps to connect your Tic to its software and control a stepper motor from your computer. - **[Tic Stepper Motor Controller software source code](https://github.com/pololu/pololu-tic-software)** This repository contains the source code of the Pololu Tic Command-line Utility (ticcmd) and the Pololu Tic Control Center (ticgui). It also has drivers for Windows and build instructions. - **[Tic Stepper Motor Controller library for Arduino](https://github.com/pololu/tic-arduino)** This is a library for the Arduino IDE that helps interface with a Tic Stepper Motor Controller using serial or I²C. - **[Texas Instruments DRV8825 stepper motor driver datasheet](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/drv8825_18167d2c16c.pdf)** - **[Texas Instruments DRV8834 stepper motor driver datasheet](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/drv8834_382414a9057.pdf)** ## Images - [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/i/m/image_6078.jpg)