Microstepping: Myths and Realities

This white paper explains that while microstepping a two-phase stepper motor may sound enticing, and although resolution will increase, accuracy will actually suffer. Before you make design commitments, learn the myths and realities behind microstepping.

By MicroMo April 11, 2016

This white paper explains that while microstepping a two-phase stepper motor may sound enticing, and although resolution will increase, accuracy will actually suffer. The real compromise with microstepping is that as you increase the number of microsteps per full step, the incremental torque per microstep drops off drastically. Few stepper motors have a pure sinusoidal torque versus shaft position and all have higher order harmonics that distort the curve and affect accuracy. And although microstepping drives have come a long way, they still only approximate a true sine wave. Before you make design commitments, learn the myths and realities behind microstepping.

Register here to download the white paper.