Stepper motor controllers send pulse signals to drivers, which control the function of stepper motors. They offer additional control over motor functions, including microstepping and multi-axis control. Some controllers can control several motors from one point. Controllers must be matched to the appropriate motor and driver type, which can be bipolar or unipolar.
Stepper motor controllers are electrical circuits used to provide information to the stepper driver, which controls the function of a stepper motor. The stepper motor controller can be incorporated into the stepper driver design. In some cases, stepper motor drivers are programmed with an initial set of commands that do not change. These drivers are a form of standalone stepper motor controller. In other cases, the driver programming is changed by a separate stepper motor controller to produce various motions.
The stepper motor controller sends a pulse signal to the stepper drivers. The signal order can be entered by an equipment operator or it can be a programmed set of commands. This signal is interpreted into commands by the driver and forwarded to the motor by energizing or de-energizing the windings.
The advantage of using stepper motor controllers, rather than stand alone drivers, is in the additional control of the motor functions. While basic stepper drivers control a limited amount of functions, stepper motor controllers are capable of handling motion on a larger scale. Microstepping, multi-axis control and other functions are possible with the use of stepper motor controllers. In addition to controlling the direction of motion, stepper motor controllers also record and manipulate the exact speed and distance of motion.
In some cases multi-axis controllers are used. This type of stepper motor controller allows you to control several stepper motors from one point. These advanced stepper motor controllers are used in applications where precise control of synchronized motion is required. With the ability to control the functions of multiple motors simultaneously, these controllers can create the smooth motion needed for precision manufacturing equipment.
Stepper motors and drivers are available in bipolar and unipolar motor configurations. When using stepper motor controllers, the controllers must be matched to the appropriate motor and driver type. The key difference between the two types is the number of wraps for each step.
A unipolar stepper motor has two windings for each step because electric current only travels in one direction. This type of stepper motor requires the driver to turn on pairs of windings, rather than a single winding per step. The bipolar stepper motor allows electric current to flow in both directions through a single winding in each phase. The stepper motor drivers used for this type of motor only need to turn on one winding for a single step. The stepper motor controller is responsible for signaling the driver to activate the windings which, in turn, create the desired movement.
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