Synchronous Motors FAQs

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You should be concerned about heat dissipation in your application if your motor will operate in a confined space or you plan on running your motor beyond its rated capabilities.  If your motor is in a confined space, you should consider how the heat given off from the motor might affect nearby components and raise the ambient temperature.  If you plan on running the motor above its rated specs, you should consider ways to cool the motor proportionally to keep it operating near its specified maximum temperature.

The rated current is what the motor is rated at. The peak current refers to the amount of current the driver outputs.

Non-microstepping drivers
Peak Current = Rated Current

When using a driver that only does full stepping, the rated current is the same as the peak current. (Rated current = Peak Current).

Microstepping Drivers
Peak Current = 1.4 x Rated Current

When using a driver that is capable of doing microstepping (microstepping = 1/2, 1/4 stepping or more), the definition of peak current becomes 1.4 times the rated current. Microstepping drivers are made differently in order to maximize their ability to drive the stepper motor. Therefore, step motors can handle up to their rated current multiplied by 1.4. (Peak Current = 1.4 x Rated Current). This will not damage the motor because the power output is more or less the same.

To determine a motor’s resonance, take the square root of (torque stiffness divided by total inertia). Although resonance frequency cannot be completed eliminated, it can be changed by altering the rotor or system inertia or by altering the torque stiffness.