New stepper motor driver from Astrosyn offers three modes of control

(06/11/2008)

The new MSST5-S stepper motor driver from Astrosyn International Technology is similar in price to traditional 5A step-and-direction microstepping drives, but offers three modes of control: step-and-direction; internal oscillator speed control; and full-blown PC or PLC software control.

Software control allows it to be set up for running pre-coded routines repeatably, but it can also be useful to use this PC control to carry out on-line optimisation of parameters such as acceleration / deceleration rates, speeds, wait times etc.

Even used in 'dumb' mode as a straight replacement for a traditional drive it has the advantages of high current capacity in a compact size without requiring additional cooling, and very comprehensive protections such as over/under-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, open/short circuit etc.

The 256 microstep MSST5-S also incorporates features such as automatic system status monitoring and display, anti-resonance, torque ripple smoothing and command signal smoothing. At start up, the driver measures motor parameters, including resistance and inductance, and uses this information to optimise system performance.

Output current is 0.2-5 A (peak) from a supply voltage of 24-48 Vdc. Host connection is via RS232 or RS485 interfaces. For such a high performance unit, its size of only 92 x 76 x 29 mm is exceptional.

Related categories:  Industrial   Speed drives