Product Description:

The NEXTSTEP-120 is a microstepping drive produced by Kollmorgen within the NEXTSTEP Microstepping Drives series. It converts pulse-and-direction commands from a motion controller into finely metered phase currents so that a 1.8° full-step motor can execute fractional steps with smoother velocity and reduced audible noise. The product sits between low-level control electronics and the stepper windings, providing the regulated current waveform required for precise indexing tasks found in pick-and-place heads, small conveyors, and other positioning mechanisms. This arrangement lets the controller manage move sequencing while the drive handles current regulation at the motor.

The drive operates from a single-phase input of 120 VAC, which is rectified to a nominal bus of 160 VDC for energy storage and current chopping. Under maximum load, it can draw 500 VA @ 7.9 A, and the power stage delivers pulse-controlled phase current to reduce motor ripple and improve low-speed smoothness. Command bandwidth aligns with a maximum step pulse rate of 2 MHz, while reliable edge detection requires a minimum pulse width of 250 nsec. A brownout threshold at 90 VAC disables the power stage when mains sag threatens torque production. Opto-isolated NPN fault outputs report trips to the host controller, and a direction setup time of 0.4 µs supports rapid changes in rotation without violating timing margins.

Thermal and energy protection are built into the drive for stable operation in enclosed panels. An internal sensor initiates an over-temperature trip at 65 °C, and ambient operation is allowed up to 50 °C provided phase current is limited to 6 A. Excess regenerated energy is diverted when the DC rail reaches 220 VDC, preventing capacitor overvoltage during rapid deceleration. A switching carrier of 20 kHz helps reduce audible noise while the housing fits into enclosures measuring 5.4 x 5.4 x 2.5 in. Conformal-coated boards tolerate 90% non-condensing humidity, supporting use in general-purpose automation panels.