Step Motor Configurations, Lead Motors

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 if 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 determine 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 center 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 potentiometer value. Four 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.

User’s Guide # L010167