{"product_id":"a4988-stepper-motor-driver-module-with-heatsink-2a-bipolar-microstepping-stepstick-3d-printer-cnc-compatible-red","title":"A4988 Stepper Motor Driver Module with Heatsink – 2A Bipolar Microstepping StepStick, 3D Printer \/ CNC Compatible (Red)","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e.nznpd{--o:#F57C00;--od:#E65100;--ink:#0F172A;--mut:#5b6573;--line:#E8ECF0;--soft:#F7F8FA;max-width:1120px;margin:0 auto;color:var(--ink);font-family:inherit;line-height:1.6} .nznpd,.nznpd *{box-sizing:border-box} .nznpd p{margin:0;color:var(--mut);font-size:15px;line-height:1.65} .nznpd strong{color:var(--ink)} .nznpd__intro{font-size:16px;color:var(--ink);font-weight:500;line-height:1.6;max-width:none} .nznpd__checks{list-style:none;padding:0;margin:22px 0 0;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);column-gap:26px;row-gap:13px} .nznpd__checks li{display:flex;gap:11px;align-items:flex-start;font-size:15px;color:var(--ink);line-height:1.45} .nznpd__checks li::before{content:\"\\2713\";flex:0 0 auto;width:21px;height:21px;margin-top:1px;border-radius:999px;background:#FFF3E8;color:var(--o);font-size:12px;font-weight:900;line-height:21px;text-align:center} .nznpd__qs{background:linear-gradient(170deg,#FFF9F3,#FFF1E6);border:2px solid #FCE0C6;border-radius:16px;padding:22px} .nznpd__qs h3{margin:0 0 16px;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.09em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--od)} .nznpd__steps{list-style:none;counter-reset:s;padding:0;margin:0;display:grid;gap:14px} .nznpd__steps li{display:grid;grid-template-columns:27px 1fr;gap:12px} .nznpd__steps li::before{counter-increment:s;content:counter(s);width:27px;height:27px;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;border:2px solid #FCE0C6;color:var(--od);font-weight:800;font-size:13px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center} .nznpd__steps strong{display:block;font-size:14px} .nznpd__steps p{font-size:13px;margin-top:2px;line-height:1.45} .nznpd__block{margin-top:36px;padding-top:30px;border-top:1px solid var(--line)} .nznpd__h{margin:0 0 28px;font-size:1.15rem;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:-.02em;color:var(--ink);display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px} .nznpd__h::before{content:\"\";flex:0 0 auto;width:20px;height:3px;border-radius:2px;background:var(--o)} .nznpd__specs{border:2px solid var(--line);border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden} .nznpd__spec{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(150px,.7fr) 1fr;gap:18px;padding:12px 16px;font-size:14px} .nznpd__spec:nth-child(odd){background:var(--soft)} .nznpd__spec span{color:var(--mut)} .nznpd__spec strong{font-weight:700} .nznpd__included{display:flex;gap:16px;align-items:center;border:2px solid var(--line);border-radius:16px;background:var(--soft);padding:18px 20px} .nznpd__qty{flex:0 0 auto;width:46px;height:46px;border-radius:12px;background:#FFF3E8;color:var(--o);font-weight:800;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center} .nznpd__included strong{display:block;font-size:15px;margin-bottom:3px} .nznpd__uses{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:10px} .nznpd__use{padding:13px 14px;background:var(--soft);border-left:3px solid var(--o);border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;font-size:14px;color:var(--ink);line-height:1.4} .nznpd__faqs{display:grid;gap:10px} .nznpd__faq{border:2px solid var(--line);border-radius:12px;background:#fff;padding:0 16px;transition:border-color .18s ease} .nznpd__faq[open]{border-color:#FCE0C6} .nznpd__faq summary{list-style:none;cursor:pointer;padding:15px 0;font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:var(--ink);display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:12px} .nznpd__faq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none} .nznpd__faq summary::after{content:\"\\203A\";flex:0 0 auto;color:var(--o);font-weight:800;font-size:20px;line-height:1;display:inline-block;transform:rotate(90deg);transition:transform .22s ease} .nznpd__faq[open] summary::after{transform:rotate(-90deg)} .nznpd__faq p{padding:0 0 16px;font-size:14px} .nznpd__faq[open] p{animation:nznpdReveal .24s ease} @keyframes nznpdReveal{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(-5px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}} .nznpd p.nznpd__note{margin-top:16px;background:var(--soft);border:2px solid var(--line);border-radius:12px;padding:14px 16px;font-size:13.5px;color:var(--mut);line-height:1.55} @media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.nznpd__faq summary::after{transition:none}.nznpd__faq[open] p{animation:none}} @media (max-width:749px){.nznpd__checks{grid-template-columns:1fr}.nznpd__uses{grid-template-columns:1fr}.nznpd__spec{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:2px}}\u003c\/style\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__lead\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"nznpd__intro\"\u003eThe A4988 is a complete microstepping driver for bipolar stepper motors, built around the Allegro A4988 chip on the standard StepStick footprint used by RAMPS, CNC shields and most 3D printer controllers. A simple STEP and DIR interface handles motion, an onboard trimpot sets the current limit, and five resolution modes take you from full step down to smooth 1\/16 microstepping. Each board ships with a self-adhesive heatsink and pre-soldered headers, ready to drop in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"nznpd__checks\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrives one bipolar stepper (NEMA 17, NEMA 14 and similar)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to 2A per phase with the heatsink fitted and airflow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull, 1\/2, 1\/4, 1\/8 and 1\/16 microstepping via MS1\/MS2\/MS3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimple STEP \/ DIR control from any microcontroller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustable current limit through the onboard trimpot (VREF)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8-35V motor supply, 3-5.5V logic supply\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt-in over-temperature, over-current and short protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeatsink and pre-soldered headers included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"nznpd__block\"\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"nznpd__h\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__specs\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDriver IC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAllegro A4988 DMOS microstepping driver\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMotor type\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBipolar stepper (4-wire)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMotor supply (VMOT)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8-35V DC\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eLogic supply (VDD)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3-5.5V\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMax current per phase\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1A continuous without extra cooling, up to 2A with the heatsink and airflow\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMicrostep modes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull, 1\/2, 1\/4, 1\/8, 1\/16 step\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eControl interface\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTEP and DIR logic inputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCurrent limit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable via onboard trimpot (VREF)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eProtections\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOver-temperature, over-current, short-to-ground and under-voltage lockout\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBoard size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e15.5 x 20.5mm (standard StepStick footprint)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eHeaders\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePre-soldered, breadboard and socket friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCooling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelf-adhesive heatsink included\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__spec\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003ePCB colour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRed\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"nznpd__block\"\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"nznpd__h\"\u003eWhat's in the box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__included\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__qty\"\u003e1x\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA4988 Stepper Driver + Heatsink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne A4988 driver module with pre-soldered headers and one self-adhesive aluminium heatsink. Stepper motor and controller board sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"nznpd__block\"\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"nznpd__h\"\u003eGreat for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__uses\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__use\"\u003eRAMPS 1.4 and 3D printer control boards\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__use\"\u003eCNC shields and GRBL machines\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__use\"\u003eArduino and Raspberry Pi stepper projects\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__use\"\u003eCamera sliders and motorised rigs\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__use\"\u003eRobotics and automation builds\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__use\"\u003eReplacing a failed or noisy driver\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"nznpd__block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__qs\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGetting started\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col class=\"nznpd__steps\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWire the power and motor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eConnect your motor supply (8-35V) to VMOT\/GND and your stepper's two coils to 1A\/1B and 2A\/2B. Always fit the 100uF bypass capacitor recommended for your supply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnect logic and control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed VDD\/GND from your 5V logic and drive STEP and DIR from your microcontroller or control board. Set MS1\/MS2\/MS3 to pick the microstep resolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSet the current limit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eMeasure VREF at the trimpot and adjust it to match your motor's rated current before running under load. This is the single most important step for cool, reliable operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStick on the heatsink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeel and press the included heatsink onto the A4988 chip so it can run harder without thermal shutdown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"nznpd__block\"\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"nznpd__h\"\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nznpd__faqs\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"nznpd__faq\" open\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDoes it come with a heatsink?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. Every board ships with a self-adhesive aluminium heatsink and pre-soldered headers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"nznpd__faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow much current can it really handle?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbout 1A per phase with no extra cooling, and up to 2A per phase with the heatsink fitted and some airflow. Always set the VREF current limit to your motor, not the maximum.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"nznpd__faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs it compatible with RAMPS and CNC shields?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. It uses the standard StepStick pin layout, so it drops straight into RAMPS 1.4, CNC shields, and most 3D printer and GRBL control boards.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"nznpd__faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the difference between the A4988 and DRV8825?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe A4988 does up to 1\/16 microstepping and around 1-2A per phase, while the DRV8825 pushes higher voltage and current with up to 1\/32 microstepping. The A4988 is the classic, well-supported choice for most 3D printers and light-to-medium steppers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"nznpd__faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCan it run a unipolar motor like the 28BYJ-48?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. The A4988 is for bipolar (4-wire) steppers such as NEMA 17. Small unipolar motors like the 28BYJ-48 use a different driver such as the ULN2003.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"nznpd__faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDo I need a capacitor across the motor supply?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, it is strongly recommended. Fit an electrolytic capacitor (typically 100uF) across VMOT and GND to protect the driver from voltage spikes when the motor moves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"nznpd__note\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to know:\u003c\/strong\u003e Set the VREF current limit before running your motor under load, and never connect or disconnect a stepper while the driver is powered, as this can destroy the board. Every driver is checked before it ships from our Te Awamutu stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NZN Electronics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42962418139232,"sku":"A4988-DRV-HS","price":4.49,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0664\/6127\/0112\/files\/A4988-Hero.png?v=1784342463","url":"https:\/\/www.nznelectronics.co.nz\/products\/a4988-stepper-motor-driver-module-with-heatsink-2a-bipolar-microstepping-stepstick-3d-printer-cnc-compatible-red","provider":"NZN Electronics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}