Fred Phillips, project engineer, EADmotors (Dover, N.H.)

How step-motor performance varies with type of control

Stepping motor-based systems offer an economical method of motion control. Different types of drives (or controls) expand step-motor performance for added versatility. Relative performance of a typical standard hybrid step motor under various drive conditions is shown in the diagram. (Popular in industry, hybrid step motors combine characteristics of permanent magnet and variable-reluctance s...