Open Source Stepper Motor Controller
Introduction
Stepper motors are the simplest drive for moderate precision motion control applications (such as CNC plasma cutting). They provide the best price:performace for low to moderate mechanical power (<200W) at low to moderate RPM (<500 RPM). There is no open source stepper driver, AFAIK. This project will fill that need.
Concept
Adaptability is good. Software is usually easier than hardware. Microprocessors are cheap. Simple circuits are better than complicated ones (other things being equal).
The output of this project will be a family of general purpose electronic drivers for a variety of electromechanical actuators. The first of them will be a stepper motor driver. With the appropriate alternative firmware (embedded software) the same hardware might be used as a servo driver for a brush-DC servo. With a modified output stage we could drive brushless DC or AC servos, or linear motors.
Design Rationale
Block Diagram and Modules
References
Development Team
Leo.dearden - Ideas. I'm to busy to do very much at the moment, but I'll do what I can.