A digital stepper motor controller

Abstract

Computer controlled experiments requiring mechanical movement such as spectrometers usually use stepper motors which are digital-controlled. In most cases, special outputs from the computer are used to control the stepper motor. Using stepper motors in applications where microcomputers are not necessary would however, require special controller chips which are not available. A simple controller circuit using two common logic chips is presented together with a complete stand alone controllei with an internal oscillator and pulse number display.