Oriental Motor's αSTEP closed loop stepper motor control systems perform accurate positioning operations with ease. The αSTEP features a unique control system combining the benefits of "open loop control" and "closed loop control".
With the αSTEP stepper motor control system, the position of the motor is always monitored and then the driver automatically switches between the two types of control depending on the situation. Under normal circumstances the operation of the motor is monitored and control is applied using open loop like a standard stepper motor. If an error occurs between the command and motor position due to a load or the like, the system immediately switches to closed loop control like a servo motor. This corrects the position and speed maintaining the desired operation. The combination of these two control methods ensures high reliability and performance.
To expand applications of stepper motors, Oriental Motor offers many different product series designed with different power specifications and various functions. A wide spectrum of variation are available within each series, as products come in many frame sizes and pre-assembled options, such as electromagnetic brake types, geared types or linear and rotary actuator products.
αSTEP products are stepper motor based hybrid motors with a unique hybrid control system combining the benefits of "open loop control" and "closed loop control".
The position of the motor is always monitored, and then the driver automatically switches between 2 types of control depending on the situation.
Normally Operates in Open Loop Control for the Same Ease of Use as a Stepper Motor
High Response
By utilizing the high responsiveness of the stepper motor, moving a short distance for a short time is possible. The motors can execute commands without lag.
Holding the Stop Position without Hunting
During positioning, the motor stops with its own holding force without hunting. Because of this, it is ideal for applications where the low rigidity of the mechanism requires absence of vibration upon stopping.
Tuning-Free
Because it is normally operated with open loop control, positioning is still possible without gain adjustment even when the load fluctuates due to the use of a belt mechanism, cam or chain drive, etc.
Switches to Closed Loop Control during Overload for More Reliable Operation like a Servo Motor
Continues Operation Even with Sudden Load Fluctuation and Sudden Acceleration
It operates synchronously with commands using open loop control during normal conditions. In an overload condition, it switches immediately to closed loop control to correct the position.
Alarm Signal Output in Case of Abnormality
If an overload is applied continuously, an alarm signal is output. When the positioning is complete, and END signal is output. This ensures the same level of reliability as a servo motor.
"Rated Output" is not listed because αSTEP has no "rated speed". Refer to the graph below to compare rate torque of the αSTEP to Watts of of servo motor's rated output torque.
The stopping accuracy of a typical αSTEP is ±0.05° (under no load), which is equivalent to that of servo motors. The graphs below show the actual measured stopping accuracies when an αSTEP and an AC servo motor were rotated once.
The hybrid control system constantly monitors the motors position allowing for the benefits of performance from "open loop" control while providing the assurance of "closed loop " performance.
The αSTEP AZ Series stepper motors offer high efficiency, low vibration and incorporates our newly developed Mechanical Absolute Encoder for absolute-type positioning without battery back-up or external sensors to buy.
Mechanical Multi-turn Absolute Sensor
Absolute position detection is possible within ±900 rotations (1800 rotations) of the motor shaft from the home reference.
No Battery Required
Because positioning information is managed mechanically by the absolute sensor, the positioning information can be preserved, even if the power turns off or if the cable between the motor and driver is disconnected.
The αSTEP AR Series stepper motors offer high efficiency, low vibration, continuous operation with the security of closed loop performance without hunting or gain tuning.
Slim Motor Sensor
Because the sensor is compact and slim, the overall length of the motor has been reduced.
High Performance Resolver
Performance such as heat resistance and vibration resistance is better than with regular optical encoders.
Reduced Wiring
Because an encoder cable is not necessary, the motor and driver can be connected with just 1 cable.
The αSTEP stepper motors are used in multiple product types to meet your specific application needs; stepper motors available with a wide range of gearing options and brake types, as well as a full line linear actuators and rotary actuators.
The αSTEP AZ Series stepper motors offer high efficiency, low vibration and incorporates our newly developed Mechanical Absolute Encoder for absolute-type positioning without battery back-up or external sensors to buy. Closed loop performance without hunting or gain tuning. Available with a built-in controller or pulse input driver which substantially reduces heat generation from the motor through the use of high-efficiency technology. Requires αSTEP AZ Series Driver.
Compact, high-rigidity electric linear slides featuring αSTEP AZ Series with absolute encoder stepper motor and driver combined with a simple, dust-resistant structure providing the high response, low vibration and hunting-free operation of a stepper motor in an electric linear slide. A wide variety of options to suit the equipment space and environment, including straight type and reversed motor type. Being compact and rigid, this series is effective in supporting large transportable mass.
The αSTEP EAC Series electric linear actuators featuring AZ Series with absolute encoder stepper motor and driver are quick and responsive and incorporate a ball screw design, offering high performance from low speed to high speed or with light loads or heavy loads, regardless of demanding operating conditions. Available in a straight type or reversed motor type and with a shaft guide and cover version also available, saves design time and parts. All EAC Series are available with an electromechanical brake ideal for vertical operations.
The DR/DRS2 Series compact linear cylinder uses the αSTEP AZ Series stepper motor and driver. The actuator is equipped with the Mechanical Absolute Encoder Stepper Motor. The Absolute Encoder is a mechanical multi-turn Absolute Sensor, so an external sensor is not required. This helps to save space and reduce wiring, as well as more compact and lightweight design of the equipment.
A rack-and-pinion mechanism equipped with an αSTEP AZ Series motor combined with an EH Series electric gripper. Its delicate grip, like that of a human hand, assists in automation and labor-saving.
The Rack and Pinion System L Series- αSTEP AZ Series Equipped is a linear actuator in which a rack and pinion mechanism with a motor have been combined. The motor is equipped with the AZ Series that utilizes a battery-free absolute sensor, which allows for high positioning accuracy and high load transportation.
When the LJ linear head with rack and pinion mechanism is attached to a parallel shaft gearhead and motor, linear motion such as pushing, pulling, raising and lowering is possible. Perfect for high load or long stroke applications. Use with the AZ Series that utilizes a battery-free absolute sensor, which allows for high positioning accuracy and high load transportation.
The DGII Series is a line of of products that combine a high rigidity hollow rotary table with an αSTEP absolute encoder AZ series closed loop stepper motor and driver package. It retains the ease of use of a stepper motor, while also allowing for highly accurate positioning of large inertia loads.
A wide range of stepper motor drivers are available for use with the αSTEP series products:
The αSTEP AZD (AC Input) Drivers offers superior high speed performance, high functionality and closed loop control. There are no external sensors to buy as the motor and driver complete the system. Advanced operation and function control is included through our MEXE02 software (free download). The αSTEP AZD (AC Input) Drivers can perform quick positioning operations over a short distance without the need for tuning, while providing smooth performance.
The αSTEP DC Input Drivers offer 24/48 VDC input voltage, high functionality and closed loop control. There are no external sensors to buy as the motor and driver complete the system. The αSTEP AZD-K (DC Input) can perform quick positioning operations over a short distance without the need for tuning, while providing smooth performance.
The αSTEP ARD (AC Input) Drivers offers superior high speed performance, low vibration and closed loop control. Available in a stored data (network) driver or pulse input driver. Advanced operation and function control is included through our MEXE02 software (free download). The ARD (AC Input) Drivers can perform quick positioning operations over a short distance without the need for tuning, while providing smooth performance.
The αSTEP ARD-K (DC Input) Drivers offer 24/48 VDC input voltage, low vibration and closed loop control. Available in a stored data (network) driver or pulse input driver. Advanced operation and function control is included through our MEXE02 software (free download). The ARD-K (DC Input) Driver can perform quick positioning operations over a short distance without the need for tuning, while providing smooth performance.
The AZ Series mini Driver works with a variety of αSTEP AZ Series, DC input products. This driver can be controlled using EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, RS-485 communication, or Pulse Input Type with RS-485 Communication and daisy chained to maximize design and space and improve installation time. The mini Driver is also designed to be close to the motor, making it ideal for Robotic type applications.
The elimination of switches and I/O connectors allows for a compact and lightweight design. Utilizes the MEXE02 Support Software, available for free download.
A multi-axis controller that supports EtherCAT communication.Compatible with the CiA402 drive profile. It can be connected to the AZ Series DC input motors and electric actuators.
2-axis, 3-axis and 4-axis driver connections are available.
The MRC01 robot controller supports easy programming and control of in-house designed custom built robots with 3 simple steps: "Initial Setup", "Operating Programming" and "Operational Checking".
The communication protocol of the master controller, Factory Automation (FA) network, is converted to Oriental Motor's own RS-485 communication protocol. Connection to Oriental Motor's network compatible products is completed with one RS-485 communication cable.
With the EtherNet/IP driver, the operating data can sent from the host system or can be set in the driver and selected and executed from a host system. Host system connection and control are performed with I/O Stored Data or EtherNet/IP communications.
Easily control the AZ Series by directly connecting to the EtherNet/IP master device using a single EtherNet/IP communications cable. This allows for quick and simple wiring.
An EDS file has been prepared to allow EtherNet/IP compatible products to be used more easily.
With this type of driver, the operating data is set in the driver and is then selected and executed from the host system. Host system connection and control are performed with any of the following: I/O, Modbus (RTU), RS-485 communication or FA network.
By using a network converter (sold separately), CC-link, MECHATROLINK or EtherCAT communication is possible.
FLEX is the collective name for products that support I/O control, Modbus (RTU) control and FA network control via network converters.
This type executes operations by inputting pulses into the driver. Control the motor using a positioning module (pulse generator) that you have obtained yourself. Rs-485 Communication can be used to monitor status information for the motor (position, speed, torque, alarms, temperature and more).
This type executes operations by inputting pulses into the driver. Control the motor using a positioning module (pulse generator) that you have obtained yourself. The support software (MEXE02) can be used to check alarm history and monitor status information.
This multi-axis driver is compatible with EtherCAT drive profiles.
AZ Series DC input motors (and linear and rotary actuators that contain them) can be connected.
Drivers that can connect 2, 3 or 4 axes are available.
To locate product CAD and Operator Manuals please search using the product Item Number.