A step forward with stepper-gearmotors

A range of miniature stepper-gearmotors and simple dipswitch-configured single-axis stepper drive are the latest offerings from Mclennan’s Italian distribution partner Micro Motors.

The four stepper gearmotors each offer a wide choice of spur-gear reduction ratios for maximum application flexibility and combine with the user programmable drive to provide a competitively priced and compelling solution for basic motion control tasks, states Mclennan.

The MM003AT/21-22 stepper motor drive requires an external 12 to 30 V DC or 12 to 24 V AC power supply and has dipswitch selectable current output of 160 mA or 330 mA. The corresponding motor torque and speed varies according to supply voltage and current settings.

Power and control 

The PCB-mounted drive features screw terminal strip connections for power and control signal inputs that include a 5 to 30V square wave signal for step/direction control as well as a clockwise/anticlockwise direction input - used in conjunction with a choice of 5V, 10V or 4…20 mA input levels for proportional speed control.

“The easy-to-use drive features a choice step and direction input control or various emulated ‘brushless’ speed modes and will particularly suit OEMs and end-users that need uncomplicated and affordable position- or speed-based miniature power transmission control,” adds Mclennan.

An onboard trimmer is also available for acceleration/deceleration control in all modes. The dipswitch is used to select the various control modes as well as a select a fixed direction for the emulated ‘brushless’ speed modes. There is provision on the drive board for two sizes of motor connection. “With dimensions of 33 x 33 x 14 mm and weight of 10 grams, the tiny drive is easily installed on the customers equipment with a single hole mounting.”

Wide choice on offer

Through the four stepper-gearmotor models, that cover a wide choice of gear reduction ratios, typical maximum holding-torque and speed specifications are up to 1500 mNm at 2 RPM and 220 mNm at 150 rpm.

The four gearmotor models are said to be extremely durable, with the gear unit components already well proven in Micro Motors’ range of DC brushed and brushless gearmotors. All have metal housings and provision for simple face mounting and torque-matched output shafts. They are also compact – the maximum overall length of the 40 mm diameter gear unit is just 52 mm.

More details here