Three types of stepper motor drivers: spontaneous pulse type, pulse type + The core differences between directional type and potentiometer analog speed control type

1、 Comparison of Control Principles and Signal Input Methods

2、 Deep analysis of functional characteristics

1. Flexibility of speed control

• Spontaneous pulse type：

• The rotational speed is entirely determined by the internal pulse frequency (e.g 1000Hz Fixed frequency, unable to be externally adjusted, only capable of starting and stopping.

• pulse + Directional type：

• The rotational speed is directly proportional to the external pulse frequency (e.g 1000Hz Pulse correspondence one thousand step / In seconds, it needs to be controlled through a controller（PLC / The microcontroller outputs variable frequency pulses to achieve speed regulation with high accuracy.

• Analog variable speed control type：

• Rotate the potentiometer to directly change the input analog quantity (such as 0-5V correspond to 0-2000Hz Pulse frequency), achieving continuous smooth speed regulation without programming, suitable for manual adjustment scenarios.

2. Positioning accuracy and control mode

• Spontaneous pulse type：

• No position control capability, only able to “Turn it around”Unable to accurately locate (such as how many revolutions).

• pulse + Directional type：

• The number of pulses determines the position (e.g one thousand pulse = 1 Circle), supports absolute position control and interpolation motion, suitable for CNC equipment.

• Analog variable speed control type：

• essence “Speed control priority”The positioning needs to be coordinated with mechanical limit or external counting, and the accuracy is lower than that of pulses + Directional type, but more flexible than spontaneous pulse type.

3. Wiring complexity and compatibility

• Spontaneous pulse type：

• Minimalist wiring (power supply) + enable + Motor line), no controller required, suitable for zero foundation users.

• pulse + Directional type：

• Need to connect pulse, direction, and enable signals (usually requiring differential or optocoupler isolation), compatible PLCIndustrial grade equipment such as motion control cards.

• Analog variable speed control type：

• It is necessary to connect a potentiometer (or analog module) and enable the signal. Some models support directional analog input and have compatibility between the first two.

3、 Applicable scenarios and typical cases

4、 Comparison of Cost and Technical Limitations

• Spontaneous pulse type：

• costMinimum (no controller required), but with a single function, unable to adjust speed and position.

• limitationUnable to adapt to scenarios that require variable speed or precise control, the motor generates significant heat and noise.

• pulse + Directional type：

• costHighest (requires controller), but with the strongest flexibility and accuracy.

• limitationThe system has high complexity and requires high programming skills from engineers. Insufficient pulse frequency may lead to step loss.

• Analog variable speed control type：

• costMedium (requires potentiometer or analog module, but does not require complex controller).

• limitationPositioning accuracy relies on external counting, and analog signals are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (requiring shielded wires), making them unsuitable for high-speed and high-precision scenarios.

5、 Selection Decision Guide

1. Priority selection from pulse type：

• Requirement: Only needed “Let the motor start running”Fixed speed, no positioning requirements, cost sensitive (such as small household devices).

• Requirement: High precision positioning (such as ±0.1mm）Multi axis linkage, automated program control (such as CNC machine tools, robots).

• Requirement: Real time manual speed regulation (such as knob control), no programming required, low requirement for positioning accuracy (such as speed regulating fans, simple machinery).

• If needed “speed regulation + Coarse positioning”, optional analog speed control type + External counter;

• If needed “high speed and high precision”, pulse + Directional type + Segmented driving (such as sixteen Micro steps are the only option.

summary

The essential difference between the three types of drivers lies in “Autonomy of pulse control and degree of external intervention”：

• Spontaneous pulse type:“self-sufficient”Suitable for minimalist scenes;

• pulse + Directional type:“External dominance”Suitable for industrial automation core control;

• Analog speed regulation type:“Manual intervention”Suitable for human-machine interaction speed control scenarios.
  When selecting, it is necessary to consider “Control accuracy, cost budget, and operational complexity” Three elements, if necessary, can be upgraded to a closed-loop system with an encoder (pulse only) + Directional support).