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Want to know why stepper motors don't need position sensors? What's the secret behind this?
A stepper motor, also known as a stepper motor or stepper motor, is a brushless DC motor whose rotation is stepped in a series of small, discrete angles, providing precise position control. This allows them to precisely control the desired position without the need for a position sensor. What is the secret of this technology? Next, we’ll take a closer look at how stepper motors work and why they can handle the challenges of position control.
How stepper motors work
The design of stepper motors is based on the principle of electromagnetism. It is usually equipped with multiple sets of "tooth-shaped" electromagnets surrounding the central rotor. When an external driver provides pulse signals, the motor rotates a fixed angle in response to these signals. Specifically, every time the stepper motor receives a pulse, the rotor rotates by a fixed angle, and each rotation is called a "step."
Stepper motors convert a series of pulses into precise rotation angles to achieve control purposes.
Such a design allows stepper motors to be positioned and controlled very accurately and maintain their position. They can quickly adjust their position without having to rely on a feedback system to understand their current position. Therefore, they are ideal for selective control even at high efficiency.
Why don’t you need a position sensor?
An important reason is that the stepper motor can use its internal parameters to maintain its positioning. The motor is driven in such a way that it can count the number of steps made so far. This "step counting" technology shows the precise position of the motor after each control command. This allows them to perform complex movements with almost no positional errors.
Through internal step calculation, stepper motors can feed themselves back in most applications, eliminating the need for sensors.
In addition, the "power-off retention" capability of stepper motors during operation also adds flexibility to their applications. When the power is cut off, they remain in the last position, further ensuring the reliability of their operation.
Different types of stepper motors
There are three main types of stepper motors on the market: permanent magnet stepper motors, variable reluctance stepper motors and hybrid synchronous stepper motors. Each motor has its own unique performance:
- Permanent magnet stepper motor: Use permanent magnets as the rotor to achieve precise rotation through the principles of attraction and repulsion.
- Variable reluctance stepper motor: The rotor is made of soft iron material and operates by minimizing the air gap.
- Hybrid synchronous stepper motor: Combines permanent magnet and variable reluctance technology to provide better performance, especially in terms of accuracy.
Stepper motor drive circuit
The performance of a stepper motor is closely related to its drive circuit. *The design of the drive circuit* affects the operating efficiency of the motor. For example, the frequency and voltage setting of the two-phase stepper motor when driving will affect their working performance. More advanced drive circuits can even automatically adjust the supplied current and voltage according to the needs of the motor, thus improving the efficiency and service life of the motor.
The drive design of the stepper motor enhances its efficiency while reducing the possibility of failure.
Application scope
Because of its high efficiency and precise positioning characteristics, stepper motors are widely used in printers, robots, and other equipment that require precise control of movement. In these applications, the motor's step calculation is sufficient to handle the actual position requirements.
Summary
The reason why stepper motors do not need to rely on position sensors to realize their functions is based on their unique design and operation mechanism. The ability to accurately calculate steps and maintain position makes stepper motors widely applicable in industrial and technological applications. In the future, with the advancement of technology, the design and operation of these motors will be more mature and efficient. How will the infinite potential of stepper motors reshape future automation and robotics?
