Stepper Motors > Stepper Motor Drivers

Stepper Motor Drivers

AC Input Stepper Motor Drivers

AC Input stepper motor drivers offer superior torque characteristics over a wide speed range, from low to high speeds, providing a large speed ratio. Supports Closed Loop control without gain tuning or hunting problems when used with the αSTEP AZ Series (absolute mechanical encoder) motor or the αSTEP AR Series (built-in resolver) motor for superior control. The RKII Series (open loop) is ideal for demanding applications where feedback is not required.

All AC Input stepper motor drivers feature Oriental Motor's advance microstepping (Smooth Drive) control. These drivers are available in pulse input or stored data (Network) types through our FLEX product group and offer electromagnetic brake control for vertical operations.

Utilize the αSTEP Closed Loop drivers on all our Actuator based products as a common platform to simplify wiring, improve machine performance and Networking.

Pulse Input, Pulse Input with RS-485 Communications, Stored Data (Network), EtherNet/IP™, EtherCAT or PROFINET Compatible Types
Single-Phase or Three-Phase Input
Closed Loop or Open Loop

DC Input Stepper Motor Drivers

Available in a wide range of DC voltages, our DC stepper motor drivers are available with the same features found in our popular AC Input drivers.

In addition, we offer DC Input drivers specifically designed for OEM applications. The CVD board level is a superior microstepping driver providing an industry leading speed torque characteristic, high accuracy even when microstepping and ultra low vibration characteristics with its advanced microstepping (smooth drive) feature. Available in 2-phase or 5-phase.

Utilize the Closed Loop drivers on all our Actuator based products as a common platform to simplify wiring, improve machine performance and Networking.

OEM (Board / card type) or Box type
Pulse Input, Pulse Input with RS-485 Communications, Stored Data with RS-485 Communications, Fully Closed-Loop, EtherNet/IP™, EtherCAT, PROFINET Compatible Types or Multi-Axis* types
αSTEP Closed Loop, 2-Phase and 5-Phase Stepper Motors
24 VDC or 48 VDC Input

Types of Stepper Motor Drivers

Drivers that operate in the pulse input mode and built-in controller mode are available. You can select a desired combination according to the required operation system.

Pulse Input Drivers

The stepper motor can be controlled using a pulse generator provided by the user. Operation data is input to the pulse generator beforehand. The user then selects the operation data on the host programmable controller, then inputs the operation command.

Pulse Input Type Drivers

Built-in Controller (Stored Data or Stored Program) Type Drivers

The built-in pulse generation function allows the motor to be driven via a directly connected personal computer or programmable controller. Since no separate pulse generator is required, drivers of this type save space and simplify wiring.

Built-in Controller Type Driver

Difference Between AC Input and DC Input Characteristics

A stepper motor is driven by a DC voltage applied through a driver. In Oriental Motor's 24 VDC input motor and driver systems, 24 VDC is applied to the motor. In the 100-115 VAC motor and driver systems, the input is rectified to DC and then approximately 140 VDC is applied to the motor (certain products are exceptions to this.)

This difference in voltage applied to the motors appears as a difference in torque characteristics at high speeds. This is due to the fact that the higher the applied voltage is, the faster the current rise through the motor windings will be, facilitating the application of rated current at higher speeds. Thus, the AC input motor and driver system has superior torque characteristics over a wide speed range, from low to high speeds, offering a large speed ratio.

It is recommended that AC input motor and driver systems, which are compatible over a wider range of operating conditions than DC input systems, be considered for your application.

AC Input vs. DC Input Drivers

Stepper Motor Product Comparison

Product Series	AZ Series Closed Loop, Absolute Stepper Motors	AR Series Closed Loop Stepper Motors	PKP Series 2-Phase Stepper Motors	RKII Series 5-Phase Stepper Motors	PKP Series 5-Phase Stepper Motors
Product Series	Quick View	Quick View	Quick View	Quick View	Quick View
Features	Closed Loop, Mechanical Absolute Encoder	Closed Loop, High-Efficiency	High Torque, Wide Current Range	High-Efficiency 5-Phase	High Torque, Low Vibration, Low Noise
Basic Step Angle	0.36°	0.36°	1.8°, 0.9°	0.72°	0.72°, 0.36°
Driver Power Input	AC or DC	AC or DC	DC	AC	DC
Frame Sizes	0.79 in. (20 mm) 1.10 in. (28 mm) 1.65 in. (42 mm) 2.36 in. (60 mm) 3.35/3.54 in. (85/90 mm)	1.10 in. (28 mm) 1.65 in. (42 mm) 2.36 in. (60 mm) 3.35/3.54 in. (85/90 mm)	0.79 in. (20 mm) 1.10 in. (28 mm) 1.38 in.(35 mm) 1.65 in. (42 mm) 2.22/2.36 in. (56.4/60 mm) 3.35/3.54 in. (85/90 mm)	1.65 in. (42 mm) 2.36 in. (60 mm) 3.35/3.54 in. (85/90 mm)	0.79 in. (20 mm) 1.10 in. (28 mm) 1.65 in. (42 mm) 2.36 in. (60 mm)
Available Options	Geared Type Electromagnetic Brake	Geared Type Electromagnetic Brake	Geared Type Encoder Electromagnetic Brake	Geared Type Encoder Electromagnetic Brake	Geared Type Encoder Electromagnetic Brake
Max. Holding Torque	2.8 oz-in up to 752 lb-in	42 oz-in up to 320 lb-in	2.8 oz-in up to 84 lb-in	19.8 oz-in up to 460 lb-in	3.2 oz-in up to 70 lb-in
Max. Holding Torque	0.02 N·m up to 85 N·m	0.3 N·m up to 37 N·m	0.02 N·m up to 9.5 N·m	0.14 N·m up to 52 N·m	0.0231 N·m up to 8 N·m
Learn More	AZ Series Closed Loop, Absolute Stepper Motors	AR Series Closed Loop Stepper Motors	PKP Series 2-Phase Stepper Motors	RKII Series 5-Phase Stepper Motors	PKP Series 5-Phase Stepper Motors