Re: Stepper Motor Controllers

[Mark Clift <Mark.Clift@synchrotron.org.au>]

Hi Mark,

Another interesting feature of the Delta Tau is it can run a PID algorithm and close the loop around a stepper without an encoder.  Adding an encoder and closing the loop on that is also possible.

With the Galil, steppers are run in open loop mode.  A stepper position maintenance mode is available which is similar to the motor record retry facility.  When using a Galil if you want true closed loop control of a stepper you must have an encoder, and a motor amplifier such as the Technosoft that allows the stepper to be controlled as a servo (Galil configured for servo mtr).  I've got many stages running this way, and the performance is good.  Using a servo motor, the Galil runs true PID, like most controllers now days.

Best wishes,

Mark

Dr. Mark Clift

Senior Controls Engineer

Australian Synchrotron

800 Blackburn Road

Clayton 3168

Ph: +613 8540 4264

Fax: +613 8540 4200

Mail: Mark.Clift@Synchrotron.org.au