Product Description:

The NEXTSTEP LRES is a microstepping drive manufactured by Kollmorgen within the NEXTSTEP Microstepping Drives series. It interfaces with step-and-direction controllers to run 1.8° hybrid stepper motors, translating incoming pulse trains into controlled phase currents that produce smooth fractional steps. Used in pick-and-place stages, small gantries, and indexing tables, the unit provides high positioning resolution without closed-loop feedback. This makes it a practical choice for compact motion systems that need repeatable indexing and straightforward control integration. Its open-loop operating method also suits applications where simple command structure is preferred over added feedback hardware.

The drive accepts a line supply of 120 VAC and derives an internal bus of 160 VDC nominal for energy storage. It can source up to 7.9 A of motor current, allowing compatible windings to deliver stronger low-speed torque. Pulse commands are processed at rates up to 2 MHz, and the minimum legal step pulse width is 250 ns, so fast controllers can use the available microstepping modes effectively. The inverter section chops current at 20 kHz, which keeps audible noise low and helps smooth phase-current control. Direction changes require only 0.4 µs of setup, and selectable resolutions of 200, 400, 1000, or 2000 steps per revolution allow finer positioning when the application calls for it. This combination supports both rapid command handling and stable motor operation across a wide range of indexing tasks.

Input power is limited to 500 VA, allowing connection to standard branch circuits. A brownout circuit disables operation below 90 VAC, helping prevent unstable motor behavior during line dips, and thermal shutdown activates at 65 °C to protect the power stage. Continuous operation is permitted up to 50 °C ambient and 90% relative humidity, so enclosure ventilation must remove heat effectively. The housing measures 5.4 × 5.4 × 2.5 in for compact mounting, and an optically isolated NPN fault output supplies a logic-level alarm for external monitoring. That alarm output can be tied into a host control system so supply or temperature-related shutdown conditions are easier to detect during operation.