Stepper Motor and Motion Profile
Drive a stepper using current-controlled driver settings and acceleration rather than abrupt step changes.
Learning objective
Drive a stepper using current-controlled driver settings and acceleration rather than abrupt step changes.
Components and tools
- Development board
- Current-limited low-voltage supply
- Digital multimeter
- Oscilloscope or logic analyser
- Emergency power disconnect
Safety before motion
- Never connect or disconnect motor coils while powered.nSet current limit before extended operation.nGuard pinch points and lead screws.
Pin and power connections
| Controller pin | Driver / device pin | Purpose | Voltage / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPIO STEP | Driver STEP | Step pulse | LogicnGPIO DIR |
Practical procedure
- Power off before connecting coils.nIdentify coil pairs and set driver current limit.nTest direction at low step rate.nAdd acceleration/deceleration ramp.nCompare full-step and microstep motion.
Measurement checkpoints
| Checkpoint | Expected | Instrument | Safety limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step pulse | Clean pulse above minimum width | Logic analyser | Driver timing specnCoil current |
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Check | Corrective action |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vibrates | Check coil pairs and step rate | Correct wiring and slow rampnDriver overheats |
Engineering sizing tools
Calculate before powering
Mandatory pre-start gate
Machine safety checklist
The simulated enable button remains locked until every item is confirmed.