Module Converts Servo Signals To Step Motor Signals

The Servo-To-Step conversion module, as its name implies, converts servo motor control signals to stepper motor control signals and can control up to four independent stepper motors. The device is an active termination panel that converts a ±10 V signal to the stepper CW/CCW and step clock signals. If the stepper motor used does not have an encoder for position feedback, the module can be configured to synthesize quadrature signals. The maximum stepping rate is selectable via a DIP switch from 7.6 Hz to 31.25 kHz. Motor direction and enable are also configurable. According to the company, this module can save a machine tool retrofit costing up to $20,000 by not having to replace up to four stepper motors. Single-unit prices start at $750.