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IM483 Operating Instructions Revision R032306
25
IM483 Operating Instructions Revision R032306
Hybrid stepping motors combine the features of the PM stepping motors
with the features of another type of stepping motor called a variable re-
luctance motor (VR). VR motors are low torque and load capacity motors
which are typically used in instrumentation. The IM483 cannot be used
with VR motors as they have no permanent magnet.
On hybrid motors, the phases are wound on toothed segments of the
stator assembly. The rotor consists of a permanent magnet with a
toothed outer surface which allows precision motion accurate to within ±
3 percent. Hybrid stepping motors are available with step angles vary-
ing from 0.45° to 15° with 1.8° being the most commonly used. Torque
capacity in hybrid steppers ranges from 5 - 8000 ounce-inches. Because
of their smaller step angles, hybrid motors have a higher degree of suit-
ability in applications where precise load positioning and smooth motion
is required.
S i z i n g a M o t o r f o r Yo u r S y s t e m
The IM483 is a bipolar driver which works equally well with both bipolar
and unipolar motors (i.e. 8 and 4 lead motors, and 6 lead center tapped
motors).
To maintain a given set motor current, the IM483 chops the voltage using
a constant 20kHz chopping frequency and a varying duty cycle. Duty
cycles that exceed 50% can cause unstable chopping. This character-
istic is directly related to the motor’s winding inductance. In order to
avoid this situation, it is necessary to choose a motor with a low winding
inductance. The lower the winding inductance, the higher the step rate
possible.
W i n d i n g I n d u c t a n c e
Since the IM483 is a constant current source, it is not necessary to use
a motor that is rated at the same voltage as the supply voltage. What is
important is that the IM483 is set to the motor’s rated current. See
Section
7: Interfacing and
Controlling the IM483
for more details.
As was discussed in the previous section,
Power Supply Requirements,
the
higher the voltage used the faster the current can flow through the motor
windings. This in turn means a higher step rate, or motor speed. Care
should be taken not to exceed the maximum voltage of the driver. There-
fore, in choosing a motor for a system design, the best performance for a
specified torque is a motor with the lowest possible winding inductance
used in conjunction with highest possible driver voltage.
The winding inductance will determine the motor type and wiring configu-
ration best suited for your system. While the equation used to size a motor
for your system is quite simple, several factors fall into play at this point.
The winding inductance of a motor is rated in milliHenrys (mH) per Phase.
The amount of inductance will depend on the wiring configuration of the
motor.