Have you ever tried running a 3D printer overnight only to be kept awake by loud buzzing from your NEMA 17 stepper motors? Have you seen visible ripple lines in a CNC-milled surface and wondered if stepper resonance was to blame?

Although NEMA 17 stepper motors are compact and precise, they are notorious for producing unexpected noise and vibration in desktop manufacturing systems. Whether you’re working with FDM 3D printers, lightweight gantry CNCs, or open-frame robotic arms, that characteristic hum can quickly become problematic, causing lost steps, surface artifacts, or excessive noise in a shared space.

This guide tackles these challenges head-on, providing field-tested tuning strategies to help you eliminate motor whine and reclaim clean, quiet, reliable motion from your NEMA 17 setup.

Understanding NEMA 17 Stepper Motor Basics

What Exactly Is a NEMA 17 Stepper Motor?

NEMA 17 stepper motors are compact electric motors designed for precise control of position and speed. They are widely used in applications requiring high accuracy and repeatability. The designation “NEMA 17” refers to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard for the motor’s faceplate size: 1.7 inches (approximately 43 mm) square.

Due to their compact dimensions and reliability, NEMA 17 motors are commonly found in 3D printers, CNC machines, robotics, and automation systems. If you’re looking to source high-quality NEMA 17 motors for your project, check out this curated selection of NEMA 17 stepper motors . They offer motors with various torque ratings and wiring options.

Standard specifications include:

• Step Angle: NEMA 17 motors typically have a step angle of 1.8°, meaning each full rotation (360°) requires 200 steps. Smaller step angles provide higher resolution and smoother motion, especially when microstepping is employed.
• Torque: Torque ratings for NEMA 17 motors generally range from 20 to 100 oz-in (approximately 0.14 to 0.7 Nm) and are suitable for precisely driving moderate loads.
• Voltage: These motors usually operate within a voltage range of 2 to 12 volts and a current range of 1.2 to 2 amps, depending on the motor and application. (TMC2209 Datasheet).

Why Do Stepper Motors Get Noisy?

Stepper motors produce noise due to mechanical vibrations and resonance. These vibrations occur as a result of the motor’s stepwise operation, which creates rapid accelerations and decelerations. These movements can resonate with other mechanical components, amplifying noise and vibrations.

Common causes of stepper motor noise include:

• Current settings: Excessive current can lead to increased torque ripple, causing louder vibrations and noise. Conversely, insufficient current may cause missed steps, which can further exacerbate vibrations.
• Speed variations: Certain speeds align closely with the natural resonance frequency of the motor assembly, which significantly amplifies vibrations.
• Mechanical Alignment: Misalignment or improper installation of couplings, belts, pulleys, or motor mounts can significantly increase noise due to irregular forces and additional friction.

⚡ Electrical causes of stepper motor noise

Stepper motor noise largely originates from how electrical signals drive the motor coils. Most modern stepper systems use pulse-width modulation (PWM) to control the current delivered to the coils. While efficient, this rapid switching can induce audible frequencies, especially in the 16–20 kHz range, which humans can partially perceive.

Additionally, microstepping is intended to smooth motion by subdividing full steps into finer increments (e.g., 1/16 or 1/32); however, it often leads to nonlinear current distribution. Due to limitations in driver implementation, the torque produced during microsteps is uneven. This torque ripple introduces mechanical vibrations that translate into sound.

Another key factor is resonance amplification. When the stepping frequency aligns with the system’s mechanical natural frequency, especially during acceleration or deceleration, the vibrations caused by torque ripple can escalate significantly. This is most evident in the 5–50 mm/s speed range of open-frame printers and small computer numerical control (CNC) machines.

The impact of noise and vibration on performance and lifespan is significant.

Stepper motor noise is more than just an annoyance; it indicates mechanical inefficiencies that can reduce the lifespan of your motor and connected machinery. Constant vibrations accelerate wear on bearings, motor shafts, couplings, and structural elements, potentially leading to premature mechanical failure.

Furthermore, excessive vibrations can degrade the quality of the end product. In applications such as 3D printing or precision machining, even minor vibrations can produce visible artifacts, inaccuracies, and reduced dimensional stability. This underscores the importance of addressing noise and vibration issues effectively to ensure the quality and longevity of your equipment.

Preparing Your NEMA 17 Motor Setup for Silent Operation

Addressing noise and vibration requires carefully examining and properly tuning your existing motor setup. The following preparation steps help ensure effective noise reduction and smooth operation.

Evaluate your existing setup

Inspect physical conditions, such as mounting and shaft alignment

Begin by closely examining the physical setup of your stepper motor. Proper mounting and alignment are crucial for minimizing vibrations. Check the following:

• Ensure the motor mounts are firmly attached and tightened to prevent unwanted movement.
• Inspect the alignment of the motor shaft, couplings, and connected belts or pulleys. Misalignment can significantly amplify vibrations.
• Look for signs of wear, such as damaged bearings or worn-out couplings, and replace any necessary components.

Checking Initial Settings: Currents, voltages, and speeds

After verifying the physical conditions, assess your motor’s electrical parameters.

• Measure and verify the current and voltage settings against the manufacturer’s specifications. Incorrect settings can lead to noise, inefficiency, or even damage.
• Evaluate operational speeds. Determine if certain speed ranges correspond with increased noise levels due to resonance.
• Record your existing settings as a baseline for comparison after making adjustments.

Tools You Need for Proper Tuning

Essential hardware: drivers, controllers, dampers

To achieve quieter performance, you will likely need to upgrade or adjust key hardware components, including:

• Silent Stepper Motor Drivers: Drivers like the TMC2208 or TMC2209 significantly reduce vibrations and audible noise through advanced microstepping and current management techniques.
• Quality Motor Controllers: Controllers with fine-grained speed and acceleration control allow for smoother operation.
• Mechanical dampers and isolation mounts: Dampers reduce the transmission of vibrations from the motor to surrounding components, greatly decreasing noise.

Recommended software tools for monitoring and tuning

Using specialized software can greatly simplify the tuning process.

• Motor control software (Marlin, Klipper, and Duet Web Control): These platforms allow for precise adjustments to motor settings, including current, acceleration, and microstepping.
• Monitoring and analysis tools: Software such as OctoPrint, Repetier Host, or Pronterface enables real-time monitoring of motor behavior and allows for the rapid identification of problematic speeds or settings.
• Oscilloscope software and frequency analysis tools: Advanced users may benefit from software-based oscilloscopes or frequency analysis tools to more precisely detect and correct resonance issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Silent Tuning

After thoroughly assessing and preparing your existing motor setup, you are ready to proceed with the detailed tuning steps designed specifically for achieving silent operation.

Selecting the Right Stepper Motor Driver

Overview of Silent Drivers (TMC2208, TMC2209, TMC5160)

Choosing the right driver is essential for reducing noise. Silent drivers, such as the TMC series, offer substantial improvements in noise performance.

• TMC2208: Ideal for most desktop 3D printers and offers excellent noise reduction through StealthChop technology.
• TMC2209: An enhanced version of the TMC2208, it has improved thermal management, stall detection, and a slightly higher current capacity.
• TMC5160: Suitable for larger, high-torque applications, it integrates advanced motion control features for heavier loads.

Comparing Drivers: Pros, Cons, and Specific Use Cases

TMC2208

• Pros: Quiet operation, low cost, sufficient for most small to medium tasks.
• Cons: Limited maximum current (~1.2A RMS).
• Use case: Typical 3D printers and small CNC machines.

TMC2209

• Pros: Higher current handling (up to 2A RMS), improved reliability, and sensorless homing. (Watterott SilentStepStick FAQ)
• Cons: Slightly more expensive.
• Use case: Mid-range 3D printers and moderate-torque CNCs.

TMC5160

• Pros: High power handling and advanced motion control.
• Cons: Higher cost and complexity.
• Use case: Heavy-duty CNC machines and industrial-grade robotics.

Real Tuning Session via OctoPrint

We conducted a live tuning session using the OctoPrint Diagnostics plugin to validate vibration reduction after switching from A4988 to TMC2209 drivers. The graph below tracks both axis position and real-time noise levels during a controlled acceleration–hold–deceleration cycle.

Figure 5: shows the axis motion profile versus vibration amplitude. The purple line represents the motion sequence (0 → 50 mm/s → 0), and the green line tracks acoustic vibration. The reduced peak amplitude after the driver change indicates smoother microstepping performance.

🔍 Driver Firmware Logic: stealthChop vs. spreadCycle

Modern stepper motor drivers, such as the TMC2209 and TMC5160, offer firmware-controlled current regulation modes that directly influence motion smoothness and acoustic output. Two of the most important algorithms are stealthChop and spreadCycle.

stealthChop is a voltage-based modulation technique optimized for silent operation. Rather than using traditional constant-current chopper control, stealthChop modulates coil voltage using a sine-wave-like profile. This minimizes audible switching noise, making it ideal for low-speed, low-load motion, which is common in 3D printers during slow travel or idle moves. However, it may compromise torque consistency during rapid acceleration or under a high load.

spreadCycle, on the other hand, is a classic current-controlled chopper mode with adaptive off-time regulation. It provides sharper transitions and a better dynamic response, making it suitable for high-speed or high-torque applications, such as CNC toolheads or delta printers. The trade-off is increased audible noise, especially during low-speed operation.

Most firmware (e.g., Marlin and Klipper) allows you to switch dynamically between the two modes based on speed thresholds. A common hybrid strategy is to use stealthChop at speeds below 50 mm/s and automatically switch to spreadCycle above that threshold to maintain stability and torque.

Real-World Tuning Example

During one of our test setups, we used a stock NEMA 17 motor in a Prusa i3 clone and measured sound levels at 62 dB during travel moves using A4988 drivers. After switching to a TMC2209 driver with stealthChop enabled and reducing the current from 1.4 A to 1.1 A, the average noise level decreased by 29%, dropping to 44 dB. This result was verified using a standard decibel meter positioned 30 cm from the motor housing.

Notably, vibration artifacts on 3D-printed parts, particularly ringing, were significantly reduced. The motion was also smoother overall, with no missed steps observed during 48 hours of continuous printing.

Recommended Configuration Files

The following GitHub repositories include tested configurations for popular firmware platforms (Marlin and Klipper) with noise optimization parameters, current limits, and input shaping profiles.

• Klipper – TMC2209 Config with Input Shaper:
  
  Klipper printer.cfg example (Creality Ender 3 V2)
  
• Marlin – Silent Stepper Settings (TMC2209 UART):
  
  Marlin `Configuration_adv.h` with stealthChop tuning
  
• Resonance Calibration Script:
  
  Klipper: Input Shaping & Resonance Compensation Guide
  

These configurations include parameters such as STEALTHCHOP_THRESHOLD, CURRENT_CONTROL, and [input_shaper] for typical tuning scenarios. Always verify them against your board version and motor specs.

Having this information helps ensure that the chosen driver aligns perfectly with your application, significantly contributing to quieter performance.

Advanced Techniques to Achieve Quieter Operation

Watch: Before/After Stepper Tuning Results

This Trinamic video demonstrates the significant noise reduction and smoother motion achieved by switching to stealthChop-capable drivers (TMC2xxx). Note the contrast in the whisper-quiet operation during low-speed moves.

Selecting the correct stepper motor drivers and carefully adjusting electrical and mechanical parameters are the first steps in achieving silent operation of NEMA 17 stepper motors, but advanced techniques can further enhance this operation. These methods address subtle vibrations and resonance issues, delivering noticeable improvements in quietness and performance.

Using Stepper Motor Dampers and Isolation Mounts

Types of Dampers and How They Function

Stepper motor dampers significantly reduce mechanical vibrations transferred from the motor shaft and body to surrounding components. Two primary types of dampers are commonly used:

• Rubber vibration dampers: These dampers use flexible materials, such as rubber or silicone pads, which are positioned between the motor and the mounting surface. The rubber effectively absorbs and dissipates vibrations, reducing transmitted noise.
• Rotational dampers: These specially designed metallic or hybrid couplings are installed between the motor shaft and the mechanical assembly. They absorb torsional vibrations, smoothing motion and minimizing resonance-induced noise.

Figure 1: Wiring diagram of a stepper motor connected to a driver through a mechanical damper. VIO, GND, STEP, and DIR lines are color-coded for clarity.

Installation Tips for Maximum Noise Reduction

• Ensure the dampers are correctly aligned with the motor and the connected mechanical assembly to prevent introducing new alignment issues.
• Tighten the mounting screws uniformly and moderately to prevent overtightening, which could compress the dampers excessively and reduce their effectiveness.
• Periodically check the condition of the dampers, as they can degrade over time, especially under continuous stress or exposure to oils and chemicals.

Resonance Compensation and Its Importance

Explanation of Resonance and Its Effects

Resonance occurs when the motor’s frequency coincides with the motor assembly’s natural vibration frequency, amplifying vibrations. This phenomenon increases noise levels and negatively impacts motion accuracy, potentially causing missed steps or inaccurate positioning.

Figure 2: Combined thermal and frequency analysis of a NEMA 17 stepper motor. Left: resonance peak near 400 Hz captured during acceleration. Right: thermal image showing vibration concentration and localized heat buildup around the stator base.

Methods of Resonance Tuning

Several methods effectively mitigate resonance:

• Input Shaping: This technique modifies the motion commands issued to the motor, strategically shaping the acceleration and deceleration profiles to avoid exciting resonance frequencies. Input shaping is highly effective in reducing vibrations without requiring major hardware changes.
• Software-Based Tuning: Modern firmware and control software often include resonance compensation features. Tools like Klipper’s “Input Shaper” measure and compensate for resonance, automatically optimizing motor control signals after initial calibration.

Mechanical Improvements and Modifications

Upgrading Pulleys, Belts, and Couplings

Improving these components significantly reduces vibration transmission and noise generation. Consider:

• Precision pulleys and belts: Replacing stock pulleys and belts with higher-quality components reduces irregularities in motion transmission and minimizes vibrations caused by slippage or uneven belt tension.
• Flexible Couplings: High-quality flexible couplings absorb small misalignments and torque fluctuations more effectively, reducing vibrations and noise transmission through the drive chain.

Benefits of Precision Bearings and Improved Mount Rigidity

Further noise reduction can be achieved by:

• Precision bearings: High-quality bearings reduce friction and vibration, providing smoother rotation and quieter operation over extended periods.
• Rigid Motor Mounts: Improving the rigidity and stability of motor mounts minimizes unwanted vibrations. Consider upgrading to metal mounts with tight tolerances, or reinforce existing mounts with structural braces or plates.

Use Case: NEMA 17 Noise Optimization in a Custom CNC Router

In a recent custom CNC router project designed for PCB engraving, significant noise and vibration issues were encountered when using standard NEMA 17 motors paired with A4988 drivers.

At a travel speed of 40 mm/s, the motors produced audible resonance, which caused surface finish defects due to step instability. After switching to TMC5160 drivers with input shaping via Klipper firmware, however, the noise decreased by over 50%, and the engraving line accuracy increased from ±0.2 mm to ±0.05 mm.

We also added rubber dampers and reinforced the motor mount plate with 5 mm aluminum instead of acrylic. These combined measures eliminated all visible ghosting effects and enabled overnight operation in a shared workspace without disruptive noise.

Implementing these advanced techniques ensures a comprehensive approach to minimizing noise and significantly improving motor performance and reliability.

Troubleshooting Common Issues After Tuning

Despite careful implementation of advanced techniques, occasional issues with noise or performance may persist. Properly diagnosing and addressing these issues ensures continued optimal operation.

Diagnosing Persistent Noise Problems

Checklist Approach for Identifying Noise Sources

To systematically diagnose persistent noise, follow these steps:

• Visual Inspection: Confirm that the motor mounts, couplings, belts, and dampers are secure and aligned correctly.
• Component Condition Check: Examine all mechanical components (bearings, belts, and pulleys) for wear or damage.
• Electrical Settings Verification: Re-check the current and voltage settings to ensure they match the recommended specifications.
• Speed Test: Operate the motor across its full speed range and note any speeds at which noise peaks significantly.
• Resonance Assessment: Use resonance testing firmware or software to pinpoint problematic frequency ranges.

Solutions for Stubborn Vibration or Humming Issues

• Fine-tune the current: Slightly reducing the motor current often mitigates persistent vibrations without significantly compromising torque.
• Adjust microstepping: Experiment with different microstepping settings to find the right balance between smoothness and performance.
• Enhance isolation: Consider adding dampers, isolation mounts, or reinforced rigid mounts to isolate vibrations further.

Addressing Performance Losses Post-Tuning

Balancing Silent Operation with Torque and Speed

Achieving silence can sometimes lead to reduced motor torque or speed. Balance performance by:

• Gradually adjusting the current upward if torque loss is noticeable while closely monitoring noise and vibration.
• Fine-tune acceleration and jerk settings in the firmware to maximize performance without introducing new noise.

Optimize motor parameters without sacrificing overall performance.

Incremental Adjustments

Small incremental changes to the acceleration, jerk, and current settings in the firmware often yield an optimal performance balance.

• Regular monitoring is essential: Continuously monitor performance metrics (temperature, torque output, and vibration levels) after adjustments to quickly detect and resolve any issues.
• Document changes: Keep detailed records of settings and performance outcomes to facilitate easier adjustments and long-term optimization.

Best Practices for Maintaining Silent Operation Long-Term

After troubleshooting common tuning issues and optimizing your stepper motor’s performance, maintaining long-term silent operation becomes crucial. Regular maintenance and systematic monitoring ensure consistent performance and help avoid gradual degradation or unexpected operational issues.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections Are Essential

Scheduled Checks for Alignment, Tension, and Driver Performance

Regularly scheduled inspections are essential to prevent minor issues from escalating into significant problems. Implement the following checks periodically:

• Alignment checks: Confirm the proper alignment of the motor shaft, couplings, pulleys, and belts. Misalignment often develops over time due to vibrations or minor shifts in positioning.
• Tension assessments: Regularly assess the tension of the belts and pulleys. Proper tension ensures efficient motion transmission and minimizes vibrations. Adjust tensions according to the manufacturer’s specifications or guidelines.
• Driver performance evaluations: Periodically verify stepper driver performance by checking the current and voltage settings to ensure they remain within the optimal range. Changes in ambient temperature or prolonged use can slightly alter these settings.

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Silent Performance Longevity

• Routine lubrication: Apply appropriate lubricants to bearings, shafts, and couplings according to the recommended maintenance schedule. Lubrication reduces friction, minimizing wear and noise.
• Maintain dampers and isolation components: Regularly inspect dampers, isolation mounts, and flexible couplings for signs of wear or degradation. Replace these components promptly if any deterioration is noticed.
• Cleanliness: Keep your stepper motors and related mechanical assemblies free of dust and debris, as these can contribute to wear and noise over time.

Monitor Performance Over Time

Use Software to Monitor Long-Term Motor Health

Long-term monitoring software helps identify performance trends and early signs of degradation.

• Motor monitoring software: Use tools such as OctoPrint, Pronterface, or Duet Web Control to continuously track motor temperatures, current draw, and vibration levels. These metrics provide valuable insights into motor health.
• Data logging and analysis: Regularly analyze logged data to identify gradual changes or emerging issues before they affect performance or reliability. Establish baseline measurements after initial tuning and periodically compare them to promptly detect deviations.

Signs Indicating a Need for Retuning or Maintenance

• Increased noise levels: A noticeable increase in operational noise usually indicates alignment issues, component wear, or driver misconfiguration.
• Vibration and resonance return: The recurrence of vibrations or resonance suggests the need for reinspection and possible retuning of the hardware or firmware settings.
• Performance inconsistencies: Any reduction in precision, torque, or responsiveness should trigger immediate maintenance checks and possible parameter adjustments.

Consistently applying these best practices can significantly prolong the silent, efficient operation of your stepper motors, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for years to come.

Firmware Compatibility and Version Notes

All tuning procedures and driver settings described in this guide were tested using:

• Firmware: Marlin 2.1.2
• Board: SKR Mini E3 v3.0 (STM32F103)
• Driver: TMC2209 (UART mode)

Techniques such as stealthChop tuning, spreadCycle fallback, current adjustments, and resonance compensation were validated with this combination of firmware and hardware. While these principles are generally applicable to most Marlin 2.x and Klipper builds, some syntax or feature locations may differ slightly.

If you are using different firmware, such as Klipper or Duet3D RepRapFirmware, verify the compatibility of parameters, especially for current limits, acceleration curves, and input shaping methods. Refer to firmware-specific documentation when adapting tuning profiles.

Reference Materials and Datasheets

• TMC2209 Datasheet by Trinamic (PDF): Details the operational principles of StealthChop, SpreadCycle, current limits, and thermal behavior.
• Marlin Firmware GitHub Discussions on TMC Drivers: Highlights tuning issues, bug fixes, and user-reported test results across hardware configurations.
• Watterott Application Notes on SilentStepStick Tuning: Offers practical tuning tips and common troubleshooting advice for real-world applications.

FAQ & Further Reading

Why does resonance occur between 40–60 mm/s on most 3D printers?

This range often matches the natural frequency of the stepper motor and frame system. When step pulses match this frequency, small vibrations are amplified, resulting in audible noise and ringing artifacts.

Is stealthChop always better than spreadCycle?

Not necessarily; stealthChop is ideal for silent, low-load movement. However, for high-speed or high-torque scenarios, such as CNC routing, spreadCycle offers better current control and torque stability.

What is the difference between dampers and input shaping?

Dampers are physical devices that absorb mechanical vibration. Input shaping is a software technique that modifies stepper acceleration profiles to prevent exciting mechanical resonance frequencies.

Can I use the same tuning profile on Marlin and Klipper?

Not directly. Each firmware has different configuration syntax and behavior. However, principles such as current limits, resonance identification, and stepper smoothing are applicable to both.

How can I tell if my driver supports StealthChop?

Check your driver model (e.g., TMC2208 or TMC2209). Then, consult the official datasheet or the SilentStepStick FAQ. UART-based drivers typically allow mode switching via firmware.

What are the cheapest silent stepper drivers?

The TMC2208 is one of the most affordable, typically priced under $5 for unofficial boards. It supports StealthChop for low-noise operation, making it an affordable choice for 3D printers and light-duty CNC machines. The TMC2209 offers better current handling and sensorless homing and usually costs between $6 and $9. If cost is your primary concern, there are some filtered versions of A4988 drivers with damping capacitors, but they don’t compare to the TMC series. For an entry-level solution, a
TMC2208 with a compatible NEMA 17 motor
provides excellent value and quiet performance.

Why is Klipper better than Marlin for noise tuning?

Klipper provides superior noise tuning flexibility thanks to its host-controller architecture and powerful real-time processing. Unlike Marlin, which runs directly on the control board, Klipper offloads computation to a Raspberry Pi or similar host. This enables advanced features like input shaping, resonance testing, and automatic frequency detection. These tools make it easier to diagnose and suppress vibration-related noise. Additionally, Klipper’s configuration system allows for on-the-fly tuning without the need for recompiling the firmware, which significantly accelerates the optimization process.

Is there a significant noise difference between NEMA 17 and NEMA 23 stepper motors?

Yes, there is a noticeable difference. NEMA 23 motors are physically larger and have higher rotor inertia, which lowers their natural resonance frequency and can make them noisier at lower speeds, especially if they are not properly damped. They also require higher current and often generate more heat. In contrast, NEMA 17 motors are more agile and easier to tune for quiet operation using drivers like the TMC2209. For desktop environments or light-load applications where low noise is a priority, NEMA 17 motors are generally the better choice.

Conclusion:

Tuning NEMA 17 stepper motors for silent performance is about more than just eliminating noise; it’s also about achieving greater precision, extending the life of your hardware, and providing a smoother user experience. We’ve walked through the entire process: understanding the causes of motor noise, preparing your setup, selecting the right drivers, fine-tuning electrical and firmware settings, applying advanced damping and resonance techniques, and maintaining silent performance over time.

By taking these steps, you’re reducing unwanted sound and improving overall system stability and output quality. Now it’s your turn. Review your setup and apply the techniques that best fit your system to experience the difference that silent motion can make.

Quiet performance is achievable. With the right approach and consistent care, your machines can run more smoothly, quietly, and reliably than ever. Take action today and give your NEMA 17 motors the tuning they deserve.

About the Authors

Alex Ren

Technical Writer & Motion System Integrator

Alex is a control systems writer and integrator with a background in mechatronics engineering. He specializes in translating low-level driver behavior, motion tuning logs, and real-world resonance compensation strategies into actionable guides for engineers, machine builders, and hobbyists. This article draws from firsthand configuration tests with Klipper and Marlin firmware, real-time oscilloscope waveform captures, and damping trials in Cartesian 3D printers.

Technical Review by Dr. Emily Zhao

Stepper Motor Applications Engineer at Trinamic (part of Maxim Integrated)

Dr. Zhao has over 12 years of experience in low-noise stepper driver development and specializes in current waveform control, EMI optimization, and microstepping algorithms. She reviewed sections on StealthChop versus SpreadCycle behavior, current scaling curves, and thermal performance under high-frequency loads to ensure accuracy and relevance to applications.

Contact Dr. Zhao at emily.zhao@trinamic.com.

First published: November 18, 2024. Last updated: 2025-06-23