Stepper motor control (full-step operation): In the full-step drive sequence for a typical permanent-magnet or hybrid stepper motor, two phase coils are energized in every state of the sequence. This standard drive mode usually produces how many degrees of mechanical shaft rotation per step?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 15°

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In digital systems, stepper motors are popular actuators because they move in precise angular increments that are easy to command from counters, timers, or HDL state machines. A common drive style is the full-step sequence in which two windings (or two phases) are energized at any given time. Understanding the typical step angle associated with this drive mode is essential for estimating position resolution and rotational speed from a given step frequency.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Full-step drive is used, with two coils energized for each step position.
  • We consider a common educational/entry-level stepper configuration.
  • Typical educational step angle choices include 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20° per step; we assume standard, broadly used values.


Concept / Approach:
The mechanical step angle is 360° / (number of steps per revolution). Entry-level steppers and textbook examples frequently cite motors with 24 steps per revolution in full-step mode, yielding 360° / 24 = 15° per step. Many industrial hybrid steppers use 200 steps per revolution at full-step (1.8°), but in foundational coursework and lower-resolution demonstration hardware, 15° is a classic, easy-to-visualize value.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify full-step operation → two phases ON, rotor aligns to stable detent for each state.Use a typical training motor example → 24 steps/rev.Compute step angle: 360° / 24 = 15° per step.


Verification / Alternative check:
A datasheet or lab kit documentation often lists the step angle directly. For a 24-step motor, full-step is 15°; for a 48-step motor, 7.5°; for a 200-step motor, 1.8°. The question’s answer options align with the 24-step case.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 5° or 10°: These are not standard full-step angles for the classic 24-step example.
  • 20°: Would imply 18 steps per revolution, which is less common in basic examples.
  • 30°: Would imply only 12 steps per revolution, too coarse for most demonstrations.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing microstepping or half-step angles with full-step values; assuming all steppers are 1.8° (industrial standard) when many educational kits use larger step angles for simplicity.


Final Answer:
15°

More Questions from Digital System Projects Using HDL

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion