In the world of electromechanical devices, stepper motors play a pivotal role. One fundamental characteristic of stepper motors is the "Step Angle," which is crucial for their operation. But what exactly is the Step Angle, and how is it calculated? Let's delve into this essential concept.

Defining Step Angle:

The Step Angle, often denoted in degrees (°) or radians (rad), is the measure of the angle through which the rotor of a stepper motor rotates with each step. It determines the motor's ability to move and position accurately, making it a critical parameter in stepper motor specifications.

Calculating the Step Angle:

The calculation of the Step Angle depends on the type of stepper motor, and there are primarily two common types: single-phase and two-phase stepper motors.

1. Single-Phase Stepper Motors:

Single-phase stepper motors typically come with predetermined Step Angles, such as 50°, 72°, or 90°. These values are inherent to the motor's design and don't require additional calculation.

2. Two-Phase Stepper Motors:

For two-phase stepper motors, the Step Angle is usually calculated as 360° divided by the number of steps the motor can take in one full revolution. For instance, if you have a two-phase stepper motor with 200 steps per revolution, the Step Angle would be:

Step Angle = 360° / 200 = 1.8° per step

This means that the rotor moves 1.8 degrees with each step, and it takes 200 steps to complete one full revolution.

In summary, the Step Angle is a fundamental parameter that defines the precision and control of stepper motors. Understanding it and how it's calculated is essential for selecting the right motor for your application and ensuring precise motion control in various industries, from robotics to CNC machines.