Load-position control is a form of closed-loop stepper-motor control. It’s true that stepper motors can run open loop—as they don’t need sensor-feedback-based controller corrections. So, stepper-motor circuits are simpler and the motors are easy to implement … but if anything goes wrong in the application, the open-loop stepper won’t respond to the new condition. In […]
FAQs + basics
FAQ: How to pick between stepper motor, brush dc, and brushless motors?
When choosing a motor for an application, consider key differences between each motor’s operation. Stepper motors: Performance positioning Stepper motors work for precise positioning and control with torque. Intermittent moves is what steppers output best. Tip: Don’t use stepper motors for continuous operation. When applications need motors to operate nonstop, steppers exhibit dwindling efficiency and […]
FAQ: What’s the difference between variable-reluctance linear and hybrid linear steppers?
Linear motors come in different mechanical and electromechanical arrangements to satisfy the requirements of different applications. For example, brushless linear motors (capable of forces to 2,600 N or more) work well in heavy robotics or material-handing applications. Linear ac-induction motors output 2,000 N to satisfy heavy-conveyor parameters. In contrast, iron-core brushless linear motors deliver a […]
FAQ: How do linear stepper motors compare to familiar rotary types?
Stepper motors go into linear actuators in two different ways: Stepper motors that are traditional rotary motors couple to mechanical rotary-to-linear motion devices (often in the form of a threaded shaft that mates with traversing nut or carriage) to produce linear motion. In this actuator setup, the motor output shaft usually couples to the screw […]
The hardware and software of a PC-based motion controller
Physically, a PC-based controller is made up the same kinds of hardware components as most personal computers — a processor, some memory and an interface bus. The interface bus is a high-speed dedicated bus that provides all types of information to and from the processor. In personal computing, the hardware I/O consists of a keyboard […]
FAQ: What do DIP switches on stepper drives do, and what are alternatives?
Dual in-line package or DIP switches are manual electronic switches that, along with other switches in one package, form one unit. They usually mount on printed circuit boards through pins. Some common types of DIP switches include rotary, slider and rocker switches. Through them, end users configure circuit boards or controllers for the application at […]
FAQ: What are motion-control systems on a chip (SoCs) for stepper motor control?
A system on a chip is an integrated circuit that contains all the components of a computer. That is everything from processors, memory and power regulation to external inputs such as USB. For stepper drives, this means one chip combines all the stepper components that are traditionally separate parts. More specifically, the drive, indexer, computer, […]
FAQ: How do engineers typically integrate stepper drives?
Engineers can implement stepper motor drives in numerous ways. Companies often produce pre-packaged drives that can run with a variety of microprocessors and motors. This means that that drive is prefabricated and the engineer has many decisions on where and how to use it. Beyond this, some companies even offer complete off-the-shelf boards. These combine […]
FAQ: What are stepper drives and how do they work?
A stepper drive is the driver circuit that controls how the stepper motor operates. Stepper drives work by sending current through various phases in pulses to the stepper motor. There are four types: wave drives (also called one-phase-on drives), two-phase on, one-two phase-on drives and microstepping drives. Wave or one-phase-on drives work with only one […]
FAQ: What are gearmotors and what do they do?
A gearmotor is a single component that integrates a gear reducer with either an ac or dc electric motor. Thanks to its gearset, a gearmotor can deliver high torque at low horsepower or low speed. Gearmotors are most common in applications that need a lot of force to move heavy objects. Most industrial gearmotors incorporate […]
