In this project I introduce my new PCB which I designed to fit on the back of a NEMA17-type stepper motor. The PCB contains the basic circuit of the AS5600 magnetic position encoder. It is a very simple circuit which consists of the AS5600 chip, 2 resistors and 2 capacitors. The panel works both at +3.3 V and +5 V. It can be used with i2c or by using the analog output. One very important thing is that if you don’t use the DIR pin, you have to tie it to the ground, otherwise you will have fluctuating readings. This simple circuit board can transfer your stepper motor into a servo, so you can have a precise information on the speed and position of the stepper motor. Or, you can also control the motor using some PID algorithm.

Components

C1: 1 uF - 0402 size

C2: 100 nF - 0402 size

R1, R2: 4.7k - 0603 size

U1: AS5600-ASOT - SOIC-8 packaging

You will also need a special, diametrically magnetized magnet which should be attached to the shaft of the motor. The typical gap between the AS5600 chip and the magnet is 0.5 - 3 mm.