This figure shows a comparison between fast and slow decay modes of operation. Two things are important to notice. First, the ripple current is much higher in the fast decay mode. Second, the current decays or decreases much faster in the fast decay mode. For most applications that are operated in full step or half step sequences, the slow decay mode is probably a better choice since it gives less ripple in the current. Many times it will also have less dissipation in the driver, but this is not always the case. The fast decay has an advantage if the current must decay rapidly, which is required in some applications.