Instruction Manual
Thomson
Thomson Compact Linear Systems - Installation Manual - 2022-09 11
4.6 Stepper motor control
4.6.1 Driving the stepper motor
There are many possible ways to drive a stepper motor. The most common way is to use a constant
current or “chopper” drive. A chopper drive works by limiting the current into the stepper motor and
“chopping” the voltage, allowing for maximum torque output from the motor. When using this type of
drive, it is important to input the appropriate amount of current to maximize torque output and prevent
damage to the motor. Recommended drive currents are determined using the following equations, where
RMS current is the motor rated current found in the brochure:
When full stepping:
Drive current = RMS current
When micro stepping:
Drive current = peak current = 1.41 × RMS current
4.6.2 Power supply voltage
When using a current limiting “chopper” drive, power supply voltage selection is completely dependent
on your requirements and/or voltage availability. The voltage input into the motor impacts the
performance of the stepper in regards to speed. For example, a stepper motor will usually perform better
at higher speeds when a higher voltage is utilized. Typical voltage ranges are 12, 24 and 40 Vdc. All
performance diagrams in the Compact Linear Systems brochure are generated with either 24 or 40 Vdc
power supplies.
Drivecurrentofstandardcongurations
Conguration Rated RMS motor current [A] Drive current @ full stepping [A] Drive current @ micro stepping [A]
CLSx14A08 0.88 0.88 1.24
CLSx14A13 1.35 1.35 1.90
CLSx17A10 1.00 1.00 1.41
CLSx17A15 1.50 1.50 2.12
CLSx17B10 1.00 1.00 1.41
CLSx17B15 1.50 1.50 2.12
CLSx23A15 1.55 1.55 2.19
CLSx23A30 3.00 3.00 4.23
CLSx23B19 1.90 1.90 2.68
CLSx23B39 3.90 3.90 5.50