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Not all drivers are suitable to run all motors, so when designing a motion control system the driver selection process is critical. There are numerous types of drivers, with different voltage and current ratings and construction technology. Drivers - The driver (or amplifier) converts the indexer command signals into the power necessary to energize the motor windings.
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In addition, the indexer is typically required to perform many other sophisticated command functions. Indexers - The indexer (or controller) is a microprocessor capable of generating step pulses and direction signals for the driver.Stepper motor systemĪ stepper motor system consists of three basic elements, often combined with some type of user interface (host computer, PLC or dumb terminal): Other uses are in packaging machinery, and positioning of valve pilot stages for fluid control systems.Ĭommercially, stepper motors are used in floppy disk drives, flatbed scanners, computer printers, plotters, slot machines, image scanners, compact disc drives, intelligent lighting, camera lenses, CNC machines and, more recently, in 3D printers. In the field of lasers and optics they are frequently used in precision positioning equipment such as linear actuators, linear stages, rotation stages, goniometers, and mirror mounts. They are typically digitally controlled as part of an open loop system for use in holding or positioning applications. ApplicationsĬomputer controlled stepper motors are a type of motion-control positioning system. They are typically referred with NEMA DD, where DD is the diameter of the faceplate in inches x 10 (e.g. The US National Electrical Manufacturers Association ( NEMA) standardises various aspects of stepper motors. Step motors adapted to harsh environments are often referred to as IP65 rated. Steppers should be sized according to published torque curve, which is specified by the manufacturer at particular drive voltages or using their own drive circuitry. How quickly the torque falls off at faster speeds depends on the winding inductance and the drive circuitry it is attached to, especially the driving voltage. The rated voltage will produce the rated winding current at DC: but this is mostly a meaningless rating, as all modern drivers are current limiting and the drive voltages greatly exceed the motor rated voltage.Ī stepper's low speed torque will vary directly with current. Stepper motors nameplates typically give only the winding current and occasionally the voltage and winding resistance.