Stepper Drives

stepper systems (motor + drive) are open-loop systems which accept digital step & direction inputs provided by an "indexer" or "motion controller" which is basically a programmable pulse generator. step & direction commands are typically generated from a plc (programmable logic controller), signal generator, pc or programmable motion controller. the sequence of command pulses is "translated" into motion of the motor by the drive ("translator"). the result is a very cost effective all-digital smart motion system. the function of the stepper drive is to sequentially regulate the current into the motor phase windings in order to produce the desired motion. the switching scheme used in a drive (full-step, half-step, mini-step or micro-step) in combination with the mechanical construction of the motor determines the system resolution in discrete motor steps per revolution (steps/rev). while heat considerations ultimately limit the maximum torque from a given motor/drive system, the tor