Stepper Motors > Stepper Motor Drivers > AC Input Stepper Motor Drivers > αSTEP Closed Loop Stepper Motor Driver - AR Series (AC Input)

AR Series Closed Loop Stepper Motor Drivers (AC Input)

αSTEP Hybrid Step-Servo

AR Series Closed Loop Stepper Motor Drivers (AC Input)

The αSTEP ARD (AC Input) Stepper Motor 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 αSTEP 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 Stepper Motors (AC Input)

Product Lineup
Product Features
Motors & Accessories
System
Product Combinations
Downloads & Reference

Stepper Motor Driver Lineup

Stepper Motor Drivers	Driver	Motor Types	Power Supply
Stored Data (Network)	ARD-AD2	Closed Loop AR Series Stepper Motors	Single-Phase 100-120 VAC
Stored Data (Network)	ARD-CD2	Closed Loop AR Series Stepper Motors	Single-Phase 200-240 VAC
Pulse Input	ARD-A	Closed Loop AR Series Stepper Motors	Single-Phase 100-115 VAC
	ARD-C		Single-Phase 200-230 VAC
	ARD-S		Three-Phase 200-230 VAC

Search by Specification

αSTEP Performance
Pulse Input Type
Stored Data (Network) Type

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.

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

Pulse Input Type

High Reliability with Closed Loop Control

The αSTEP AR Series stepper motor uses Oriental Motor's closed loop control to maintain positioning operation even during abrupt load fluctuations and accelerations. The rotor position detection sensor monitors the rotation. When an overload condition is detected, the αSTEP AR Series will instantaneously regain control using the closed loop mode. When an overload condition continues, the αSTEP AR Series will output an alarm signal, thereby providing reliability equal to that of a servo motor.

A Single Driver to Support a Variety of Motors

The driver is equipped with an automatic recognition function, which recognizes the attached motor. Various types of motors, such as the standard type and the geared type, can be attached to a single driver. Therefore, there is no need to change the driver to match the motor to be attached. Maintenance is easier.

Wide Variety of Motors

Actuators Equipped with AR Series

All of the products equipped with the αSTEP AR series feature standardized controllability.

αSTEP Actuators

Low Vibration

In addition to the microstep drive system, the αSTEP AR Series also uses the smooth drive function to allow for smoother motion. The smooth drive function automatically implements microstep drive based on the same travel amount and speed used in the full-step mode, without changing the pulse input settings.

low vibration stepper motors

Improved Angle Accuracy

The αSTEP AR Series uses improved current control technology to improve the stop position accuracy of the stepper motor. The result is greater position accuracy.
AR66AC-3: ±3 arc minutes
Conventional Model: ±5 arc minutes

stepper motor angle accuracy

Performance of a Stepper Motor

The αSTEP AR Series maintains all of the benefits of a stepper motor.

High Response

The stepper motor operates synchronously with pulse commands to achieve high response. There's no delay in operation following a pulse command.

stepper motor high response

Capable of Driving Large Inertia Loads

Compared to a servo motor of the same frame size, a larger inertial load can be driven regardless of speed conditions.

inertia loads

No Hunting / No Tuning

Because it uses a stepper motor, the αSTEP AR Series does not hunt when stopped. Accordingly, the αSTEP AR Series is ideal for applications where the equipment uses a belt-drive mechanism or otherwise has low rigidity and you don't want it to vibrate when stopping.

With the αSTEP AR Series, you can perform positioning quickly after a load change, etc., without adjusting any gains.

no hunting / no tuning

Automatically Controlled Electromagnetic Brake

A separate circuit is not needed to control the electromagnetic brake. The electromagnetic brake is released when the motor is excited (=current ON input is turned ON), and activated to hold the load in position when the excitation is cut off (=the current ON input is turned OFF).

Automatically Controlled Emag Brake

Major Safety Standards

The αSTEP AR Series is recognized by the UL/CSA Standards and bears the CE Mark as proof of conformance to the Low Voltage and EMC Directives.

Complying with the Semiconductor Manufacturing Facility Standard "SEMI F47"

The αSTEP AR Series complies with the SEMI Standard on power supply voltage drop, and accordingly this motor can be used effectively in semiconductor manufacturing apparatuses. The customer is advised to always evaluate the stepper motor on the actual equipment.

Separation of Main Power and Control Power

The control power-input terminals are provided separately from the main power terminals. This means that even when the main power is cut off due to an emergency stop, etc., you can still detect current position and check information on each alarm, etc., as long as the power (24 VDC) is supplied to the control power-input terminals.

AC Power Connection

Extended Functions

You can combine a control module (OPX-2A) (sold separately) or data setting software* (MEXE02) both to change parameters, add functions and perform various monitoring operations according to the needs of your system.

Parameter Setting Adjustments
Monitoring
Return Operation
Push-Motion Operation

*Cable for connection to PC required for MEXE02 data setting software (sold separately**- see Accessories).

**One FREE CC05IF-USB communications cable is available per customer, contact Technical Support for more information.

Return Operation

Two return operation functions are available: return to electrical home operation and automatic return operation. With these options, you can easily set up your system to return home when the main power has been cut off due to an emergency stop, etc., or the motor excitation has been turned off.
While the main power is cut off, the control power (24 VDC) must be supplied in order to maintain positioning.

Return to Electrical Home Operation

An operation in which the motor returns to the "position it had assumed when the power was turned on (=electrical home)" or "location set as the electrical home".

Return Operation 1

Automatic Return Operation

An operation in which the motor returns to the "position at which motor excitation was turned off (= the C-ON input turned OFF or FREE input turned ON)."

Return Operation 2

Push-Motion Operation

You can input pulses to perform push-motion operation where the load continuously has force applied to it. The amount of force (motor output torque) is set by the push-motion operating current value. Using a control module (OPX-2A) or data setting software (MEXE02) (both sold separately), change the applicable parameter to "Push-motion operation" turn the T-MODE input ON, and input pulses. The motor will start the push-motion operation.

Push-Motion Operation

Stored Data (Network) Type Driver with Built-in Controller

Built-in Controller (Stored Data Type) Driver

A built-in pulse generator allows the motor to be driven by connection to a PLC or other devices with connection through a Factory Automation (FA) network via I/O control. Modbus (RTU) control, or a network converter.

The burden on the programmable PLC is reduced because the information necessary for motor operations is built into the driver. This simplifies the system configuration for multi-axis control. Set with control module (sold separately), data setting software or RS-485 communication.

Built-in Controller

Equipped with an Interface that Connects to Various Master Control Systems

FLEX is the generic name for products that are used for Factory Automation (FA) network control via I/O control, Modbus (RTU) control, or a network converter.

FLEX products enable easy connection, easy control, and reduce the complexity of system configuration.

Operation Type

With built-in controller packages, the motor's operating speed and traveling amount are set with operating data and operations performed based on the selected operating data. The operation type is 4-pattern.

Item		Content
Common	Control Method	Up to 31 drivers can be connected to the master controller
		I/O Control
		RS-485 communication	Network Converter Connection
			Modbus RTU Protocol Connection
	Position Command Input	Set with operating data number Command range per point: -8388608~8388607 [steps] (setting unit: 1 [step])
	Speed Command Input	Set with operating data number Command range: 0 ~ 1000000 [Hz] (setting unit: 1 [Hz])
	Acceleration / Deceleration Command Input	Set with operating data number or parameters. Acceleration/deceleration rate [ms/kHz] or acceleration/deceleration time [s] can be selected. Command range: 0.001 ~ 1000.000 [ms/kHz] (setting unit: 0.01 [ms/kHz]) 0.001 ~ 1000.000 [s] (setting unit: 0.001 [s])
	Acceleration / Deceleration Control	Velocity filter, moving average filter
Return-To-Home Operation	Return-To-Home Method	2-sensor mode	This is the return-to-home operation using limit sensors (+LS, -LS).
		3-sensor mode	This is the return-to-home operation using limit sensors and HOME sensor.
		Pushing mode*1	This is the return-to-home operation for pushing to the mechanical end of a linear slide, etc.
		Position preset	This function allows a home position to be confirmed by inputting P-PRESET using an arbitrary position.
			An arbitrary value can be set for the home position.
Positioning Operation	Number of Positioning Points	64 points (No. 0 ~ 63)
	Operation Mode	Incremental mode (Relative positioning)
		Absolute mode (Absolute positioning)
	Operation Functions	One-shot operation	This is a PTP (Point to Point) positioning operation.
		Linked operation	This is a multistep speed-change positioning operation linked to operating data.
		Linked operation 2	This is a positioning operation with timer linked to operating data. The timer (dwell time) can be set in the range of 0 ~ 50.000 [s]. (Setting unit: 0.001 [s])
		Push-motion operation*1	Continuous pressurizing position operations are performed with respect to load. The operating speed is maximum 30 r/min] with the motor shaft.
	Starting Methods	Operating data selection mode	The positioning operation starts when START is input after M0 ~ M5 has been selected.
		Direct mode (direct positioning)	The positioning operation starts with the operating data number that was set with the parameters when MS0 ~ MS5 has been input.
		Sequential mode (sequential positioning)	The positioning operation starts in order from operating data No. 0 every time SSTART is input.
Continuous Operation	Number of Speed Points	64 points (No. 0 ~ 63)
	Speed-Change Method	This switches the operating data number.
Other Operations	JOG Operation	+JOG or -JOG is input, and regular feeding is performed.
	Automatic Return Operation	This automatically returns to the original stopped position when the motor has become misaligned due to an external force during non-excitation.
	*Control Mode2**	The normal mode or the current control mode can be selected.

*1 Do not perform push-motion operations with geared types. Doing so will damage the motor and gearhead.
*2 Use of the normal mode is recommended unless less heat generation and less noise is required.

Group Sending Function (via RS-485 communication or Network Converter)

Groups can be configured with multiple axes connected via RS-485 communication, and commands sent to each group. Multi-axis simultaneous starting and identical operations are also possible.

Teaching Function

Teaching can be done using the control module OPX-2A (sold separately) or data setting software MEXE02. The table is moved to the desired position, and the position data at that time stored as the positioning data.

Teaching Function

High Reliability with Closed Loop Control

The αSTEP AR Series uses Oriental Motor's closed loop control to maintain positioning operation even during abrupt load fluctuations and accelerations. The rotor position detection sensor monitors the rotation. When an overload condition is detected, the αSTEP AR Series will instantaneously regain control using the closed loop mode. When an overload condition continues, the αSTEP AR Series will output an alarm signal, thereby providing reliability equal to that of a servo motor.