Single-Axis Bipolar Stepper Motor Drive, Advanced Connectivity
Stepper motor drive optimised for use with AML UHV-compatible motors. Features advanced connectivity with USB, Ethernet and RS232/485 interfaces. Optional encoder module for incremental and absolute encoders
- Optimised for vacuum: Single-channel UHV stepper motor driver, ideally suited for use with our range of UHV stepper motors
- Optional encoder module for incremental and absolute encoders - see "encoder module details" for further information.
- USB, Ethernet and RS232/485: Multiple interfaces for easy control from a host PC or PLC
- Maximises motor operating time: Minimise temperature rise and outgassing with advanced drive current profiles
- Motor thermal protection: Monitor motor temperature using the thermocouple or RTD inputs. Drive current is removed if temperature exceeds safe levels
- Voltage boost feature: Power using a standard 48 Vdc power supply, and the drive voltage is boosted to 67 Vdc to maximise speed and torque
- Smooth motor operation: Up to 256x micro-step resolution minimises resonances, providing smooth motion
- Performance: Current adjustable from 0 A to 1 A RMS in 30 mA steps, with dynamic set-points for acceleration, running and hold currents
48 Vdc power supply included.
| Order code | Description | Price excl. VAT and transportation cost |
|---|---|---|
| smd4 | Stepper motor drive, single-axis, advanced connectivity | £1,041.00 |
| SMD4-E | Stepper motor drive, single-axis, advanced connectivity, with encoder module | £1,248.00 |
| SMD3JOY | Joystick (compatible with SMD4) | £78.00 |
Features:
The encoder module makes it easy to use both quadrature incremental and BiSS absolute encoders with your mechanism. Highlights include:
- Minimise positioning error by using closed loop control.
- Define virtual limits; prevent accidental movement outside prescribed limits.
- Command moves and input motion parameters in real world units such as millimeters, microns or degrees*.
Typical application:
The illustration below shows a typical setup for a mechanism with an absolute encoder: 
Control and configuration in AML Device Control Software is quick and easy. Connect the SMD4 by USB, Serial or ethernet, add it to your project, and use the new presets feature to select your mechanism from the drop-down list. The SMD4 will be configured with basic initial settings to get the mechanism up and running: 
Then use the control window to manipulate the mechanism. When using an encoder, readouts turn green indicating that they are live and from the encoder. Values can be displayed and input in real world units. 
Specifications:
|
Supported types |
Digital incremental and BiSS absolute |
|
Power |
5V at 250 mA max. is available to power the encoder, protected by self-resetting fuse. |
|
Connection |
Female 26 way high density D-Sub. Encoder connects via adapter cable according to encoder type. Adapter cables for supported encoders are available from AML. |
|
Incremental encoder support |
Digital (RS422) incremental encoders having differential A, B and Z signals. Single ended P and Q limits signals are supported. Maximum clock rate 1 MHz. |
|
Absolute incremental support |
26 bit BiSS-C (support for other bit depths may be added via firmware update) |
* This feature is enabled for all SMD4 devices with firmware version 24351.19 and onwards, regardless of presence of an encoder, but is greatly enhanced with one.
