MKS TMC5160-PRO Stepper Motor Driver – SPI & Standalone, 8–60V, 6A

The MKS-TMC5160-PRO is a high-power stepper motor driver module from Makerbase, built around the Trinamic TMC5160 controller and driver IC with external power MOSFETs for high-voltage, high-current, and high-speed operation. It supports both SPI and standalone drive modes, selectable via onboard jumpers, and is compatible with Marlin and Klipper firmware. In SPI mode, the driver provides configurable current control, microstepping, and sensorless homing (StallGuard), while standalone mode offers jumper-based current and microstep settings with chopper mode configuration.

The module accepts a motor supply voltage of 8V to 60V DC and a logic voltage of 3.3V to 5V. Output current reaches up to 6A in SPI mode and 5.23A to 9.85A in standalone mode. A 12-pin adapter port simplifies wiring to compatible motherboards, and the package includes two heatsinks for thermal management. The TMC5160’s advanced features—stealthChop2 for silent operation, spreadCycle for high-dynamic control, and dcStep for load-dependent speed control—make it suitable for 3D printers, CNC machines, industrial equipment, and precision motion systems. The driver is designed for users who need higher torque and voltage headroom than standard TMC2209 or TMC2130 modules can provide, and it is particularly effective in applications requiring sensorless homing or advanced current shaping. Care must be taken during installation: the module must not be inserted backwards, and voltage measurements should be performed with the power supply connected and motors disconnected to avoid damage.