Stepper Motors > αSTEP Closed Loop Stepper Motors

αSTEP Closed Loop Stepper Motor Systems

Closed Loop Stepper Motors

Closed Loop Stepper Motor Systems

Oriental Motor's αSTEP closed loop stepper motor control systems perform accurate positioning operations with ease. The αSTEP features a unique control system combining the benefits of "open loop control" and "closed loop control".

With the αSTEP stepper motor control system, the position of the motor is always monitored and then the driver automatically switches between the two types of control depending on the situation. Under normal circumstances the operation of the motor is monitored and control is applied using open loop like a standard stepper motor. If an error occurs between the command and motor position due to a load or the like, the system immediately switches to closed loop control like a servo motor. This corrects the position and speed maintaining the desired operation. The combination of these two control methods ensures high reliability and performance.

To expand applications of stepper motors, Oriental Motor offers many different product series designed with different power specifications and various functions. A wide spectrum of variation are available within each series, as products come in many frame sizes and pre-assembled options, such as electromagnetic brake types, geared types or linear and rotary actuator products.

αSTEP Control Systems
αSTEP Motor Types
αSTEP Driver Types
Downloads & Reference

αSTEP Control
αSTEP Performance
αSTEP Sensor Types

αSTEP Hybrid Control Systems

αSTEP products are stepper motor based hybrid motors with a unique hybrid control system combining the benefits of "open loop control" and "closed loop control".

The position of the motor is always monitored, and then the driver automatically switches between 2 types of control depending on the situation.

Normally Operates in Open Loop Control for the Same Ease of Use as a Stepper Motor

Open Loop Control

High Response

By utilizing the high responsiveness of the stepper motor, moving a short distance for a short time is possible. The motors can execute commands without lag.

High Response

Holding the Stop Position without Hunting

During positioning, the motor stops with its own holding force without hunting. Because of this, it is ideal for applications where the low rigidity of the mechanism requires absence of vibration upon stopping.

Tuning-Free

Because it is normally operated with open loop control, positioning is still possible without gain adjustment even when the load fluctuates due to the use of a belt mechanism, cam or chain drive, etc.

Switches to Closed Loop Control during Overload for More Reliable Operation like a Servo Motor

Closed Loop Control

Continues Operation Even with Sudden Load Fluctuation and Sudden Acceleration

It operates synchronously with commands using open loop control during normal conditions. In an overload condition, it switches immediately to closed loop control to correct the position.

Closed Loop Control

Alarm Signal Output in Case of Abnormality

If an overload is applied continuously, an alarm signal is output. When the positioning is complete, and END signal is output. This ensures the same level of reliability as a servo motor.

αSTEP Performance

What is the Output of αSTEP ?

"Rated Output" is not listed because αSTEP has no "rated speed". Refer to the graph below to compare rate torque of the αSTEP to Watts of of servo motor's rated output torque.

αSTEP Rated Output

What is the Stopping Accuracy of αSTEP ?

The stopping accuracy of a typical αSTEP is ±0.05° (under no load), which is equivalent to that of servo motors. The graphs below show the actual measured stopping accuracies when an αSTEP and an AC servo motor were rotated once.

αSTEP Stopping Accuracy

Hybrid Control System

The hybrid control system constantly monitors the motors position allowing for the benefits of performance from "open loop" control while providing the assurance of "closed loop " performance.

αSTEP Sensor Types

AZ Series with Absolute (ABZO) Sensor - αSTEP

The αSTEP AZ Series stepper motors offer high efficiency, low vibration and incorporates our newly developed Mechanical Absolute Encoder for absolute-type positioning without battery back-up or external sensors to buy.

Mechanical Multi-turn Absolute Sensor

Absolute position detection is possible within ±900 rotations (1800 rotations) of the motor shaft from the home reference.

No Battery Required

Because positioning information is managed mechanically by the absolute sensor, the positioning information can be preserved, even if the power turns off or if the cable between the motor and driver is disconnected.

AR Series with Rotor Position Detection Sensor - αSTEP

The αSTEP AR Series stepper motors offer high efficiency, low vibration, continuous operation with the security of closed loop performance without hunting or gain tuning.

Slim Motor Sensor

Because the sensor is compact and slim, the overall length of the motor has been reduced.

High Performance Resolver

Performance such as heat resistance and vibration resistance is better than with regular optical encoders.

Reduced Wiring

Because an encoder cable is not necessary, the motor and driver can be connected with just 1 cable.

αSTEP Motor Types

The αSTEP stepper motors are used in multiple product types to meet your specific application needs; stepper motors available with a wide range of gearing options and brake types, as well as a full line linear actuators and rotary actuators.

Stepper Motors

Quick View

Compact Linear Actuators

Rack and Pinion Linear Actuators

Quick View

Rack and Pinion Linear Heads

Quick View

Electric Gripper

Quick View

αSTEP Stepper Motor Driver Types

A wide range of stepper motor drivers are available for use with the αSTEP series products:

AZ Series AC Input Drivers

The αSTEP AZD (AC Input) Drivers offers superior high speed performance, high functionality and closed loop control. There are no external sensors to buy as the motor and driver complete the system. Advanced operation and function control is included through our MEXE02 software (free download). The αSTEP AZD (AC Input) Drivers can perform quick positioning operations over a short distance without the need for tuning, while providing smooth performance.

Built-in Protective Functions
Emergency Torque Off Function
Pulse Input, Pulse Input with RS-485 Communications, Built-in Controller (Network), EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP™ or PROFINET Types
Single-Phase 100-120 VAC or Single-Phase/Three-Phase 200-240 VAC
For use with αSTEP AZ Series Motors (AC Input)

AZ Series DC Input Drivers

The αSTEP DC Input Drivers offer 24/48 VDC input voltage, high functionality and closed loop control. There are no external sensors to buy as the motor and driver complete the system. The αSTEP AZD-K (DC Input) can perform quick positioning operations over a short distance without the need for tuning, while providing smooth performance.

Built-in Protective Functions
Pulse Input, Pulse Input with RS-485 Communications, Built-in Controller (Network), EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP™ or PROFINET Types
24/48 VDC
For use with αSTEP AZ Series Motors (DC Input)

AR Series AC Input Drivers

The αSTEP ARD (AC Input) Drivers offers superior high speed performance, low vibration and closed loop control. Available in a stored data (network) driver or pulse input driver. Advanced operation and function control is included through our MEXE02 software (free download). The ARD (AC Input) Drivers can perform quick positioning operations over a short distance without the need for tuning, while providing smooth performance.

Built-in Protective Functions
Pulse Input or Built-in Controller (Network) Types
Single-Phase 100-115, 200-240 VAC or Three-Phase 200-230 VAC
For use with αSTEP AR Series Motors (AC Input)

AR Series DC Input Drivers

The αSTEP ARD-K (DC Input) Drivers offer 24/48 VDC input voltage, low vibration and closed loop control. Available in a stored data (network) driver or pulse input driver. Advanced operation and function control is included through our MEXE02 software (free download). The ARD-K (DC Input) Driver can perform quick positioning operations over a short distance without the need for tuning, while providing smooth performance.

Built-in Protective Functions
Pulse Input or Built-in Controller (Network) Types
24/48 VDC
For use with αSTEP AR Series Motors (DC Input)

AZ Series mini DC Input Drivers

The AZ Series mini Driver works with a variety of αSTEP AZ Series, DC input products. This driver can be controlled using EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, RS-485 communication, or Pulse Input Type with RS-485 Communication and daisy chained to maximize design and space and improve installation time. The mini Driver is also designed to be close to the motor, making it ideal for Robotic type applications.

The elimination of switches and I/O connectors allows for a compact and lightweight design. Utilizes the MEXE02 Support Software, available for free download.

Built-in Protective Functions
Pulse Input, Pulse Input with RS-485 Communications, Built-in Controller (Network), EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP™ or PROFINET Types
24/48 VDC
For use with αSTEP AZ Series Motors (DC Input)

AZ Series Multi-Axis Controller / Driver (EtherCAT)

A multi-axis controller that supports EtherCAT communication.Compatible with the CiA402 drive profile. It can be connected to the AZ Series DC input motors and electric actuators.

2-axis, 3-axis and 4-axis driver connections are available.

24/48VDC
Multi-Axis Motor Connection Cables required*

SCX11 Universal Controller

The SCX11 is a highly-functional and sophisticated controller equipped with program editing and execution functions. Use the SCX11 as a stored program controller to connect to any of Oriental Motor's standard pulse input drivers. The SCX11 is also able to control the motor via serial communications such as USB, RS-232C and CANopen.

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MRC Robot Controller

The MRC01 robot controller supports easy programming and control of in-house designed custom built robots with 3 simple steps: "Initial Setup", "Operating Programming" and "Operational Checking".

Learn More

Network Gateways

The communication protocol of the master controller, Factory Automation (FA) network, is converted to Oriental Motor's own RS-485 communication protocol. Connection to Oriental Motor's network compatible products is completed with one RS-485 communication cable.

Compatible Networks:
CC-Link, MECHATROLINK-II, MECHATROLINK-III, EtherCat

EtherNet/IP™ Compatible Driver

With the EtherNet/IP driver, the operating data can sent from the host system or can be set in the driver and selected and executed from a host system. Host system connection and control are performed with I/O Stored Data or EtherNet/IP communications.

EtherNet/IP Drivers

AZ Series EtherNet/IP™ Drivers

Easily control the AZ Series by directly connecting to the EtherNet/IP master device using a single EtherNet/IP communications cable. This allows for quick and simple wiring.

EtherNet/IP Network

EtherNet/IP™ Support Software and EDS File

An EDS file has been prepared to allow EtherNet/IP compatible products to be used more easily.

Download EtherNet/IP Support Software and EDS File

Built-in Controller Type (Network Compatible)

With this type of driver, the operating data is set in the driver and is then selected and executed from the host system. Host system connection and control are performed with any of the following: I/O, Modbus (RTU), RS-485 communication or FA network.

By using a network converter (sold separately), CC-link, MECHATROLINK or EtherCAT communication is possible.

FLEX is the collective name for products that support I/O control, Modbus (RTU) control and FA network control via network converters.

Built-in Controller

Pulse Input Type with RS-485 Communication (AZ Series Only)

This type executes operations by inputting pulses into the driver. Control the motor using a positioning module (pulse generator) that you have obtained yourself. Rs-485 Communication can be used to monitor status information for the motor (position, speed, torque, alarms, temperature and more).

RS-485 Driver

Pulse Input Type

This type executes operations by inputting pulses into the driver. Control the motor using a positioning module (pulse generator) that you have obtained yourself. The support software (MEXE02) can be used to check alarm history and monitor status information.