September 2012
L010194
12
Step Motor Configurations
Step motors can be configured as 4, 6, or 8 leads. Each configuration requires different currents. Refer
to the lead configurations and the procedures to determine their output current.
WARNING:
Step Motors will run hot even when configured correctly. Damage may occur to the motor
is a higher than specified current is used. Most specified motor currents are maximum values. Care
should be taken to not exceed these ratings.
6 Lead Motors
When configuring a 6 lead motor in a
half-coil configuration
(connected from one end of the
coil to the center tap), multiply the specified per Phase (or unipolar) current rating by 1.4 to de
-
termine the current setting potentiometer value. This configuration will provide more torque at
higher speeds when compared to the series configuration.
When configuring the motor in a
series configuration
(connected from end to end with the cen-
ter tap floating) use the specified per phase (or unipolar) current rating to determine the current
setting potentiometer value.
4 Lead Motors
Multiply the specified
series
motor current by 1.4 to determine the current adjustment potenti-
ometer value. 4 lead motors are usually rated with their appropriate series current, as opposed
to the
Phase Current
, which is the rating for 6 and 8 lead motors.
8 Lead Motors
Series Connection:
When configuring the motor windings in series, use the per phase (or uni
-
polar) current rating to determine the current setting potentiometer value.
July 2018