The differences between Stepper Motor and Direct Current (DC) Motor are explained considering factors like nature of loop of operation of the motor, controlling, the presence of brushes, its motion and displacement. The response time of the motor and the effect of overloading.
Difference Between Stepper Motor and DC Motor are given below in the tabulated form.
| BASIS | STEPPER MOTOR | DC MOTOR |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of loop | Stepper motor operates in Open loop. | DC Motor operates in Closed loop. |
| Controlling | Easily controlled with microprocessors | DC motor control is not easy |
| Brushes | They are brushless motor | DC motor contains brushes. |
| Motion and displacement | Its motion is incremental and resolution is limited to the size of the step. | They have continuous displacement and can be controlled accurately. |
| Response time | Response time is slow | Feedback control with DC motor gives a much faster response time as compared to a stepper motor. |
| Effect of Overloading | Stepper motor can be slipped if overloaded and the error cannot be detected. | If an overload occurs, it can be detected. |
In the Stepper Motor the input is in the form of electric pulses and the output is in the form of mechanical motion which is unobtrusive in nature. The speed of the motion of the shaft is directly proportional to the input pulse frequency.
DC motor converts Electric energy into mechanical energy or power. The speed of the motor can be controlled by using a variable supply voltage or by changing the current strength. It follows the Fleming’s left hand rule.
Difference Between Stepper Motor and DC Motor
- The stepper motor operates in open loop whereas Direct current motor operates in closed loop.
- Stepper are are easy to control with the help of microprocessors and other controlling devices. Control of DC motor is not easy.
- The Stepper motor is a brushless Motor, but the direct current motor contains brushes which cause problems such as wear and tear and sparks.
- The motion of the stepper motor is incremental, and resolution is limited to the size of the step. DC motor has a continuous displacement and can be controlled accurately and positioned exactly.
- Feedback control with DC motor gives a much faster response time as compared to that of the stepper motor.
- The stepper motor can be slipped and gets out of control if overloaded and the error cannot be detected easily, whereas in DC motor the relays and overload protecting devices come into at the time of overloading and protect the motor from any damage.
Thus, the stepper motor is different from DC motor.
short but 2 the point thanks
this article is so good, I want to use some of the information in one of my project and I want to add this as a source in my references, can you please give me the author’s name and the year this was written.. thank you
Thank you so much for your appreciation.
The author’s name is Richa S. and this content was published on 29th Feb 2016
Nice information, better to mention applications .