A stepper motor’s rotation is controlled by precisely timed electrical pulses sent from a driver. An EtherCAT driver utilizes the EtherCAT protocol for real-time communication, enabling high-speed and synchronized control of multiple motors. The number of these pulses required for one complete shaft rotation is a critical parameter. This figure directly relates to the motor’s resolution and its ability to achieve fine positioning.
Precise control over this pulse count allows for highly accurate positioning and velocity control. This level of precision is crucial in applications such as robotics, CNC machining, and 3D printing where precise and repeatable movements are essential. Historically, achieving such fine-grained control required complex and often proprietary communication protocols. EtherCAT’s open nature and real-time capabilities significantly streamline the process, enabling greater flexibility and interoperability.
