Stepping motors—A review

Rarely have two independently conceived devices turned out to have so perfectly matching characteristics as the digital computer and the stepping motor. The nature of this basic compatibility, however, must be thoroughly understood if pitfalls are to be avoided in the selection and use of stepping motors in digital control systems. This paper attempts to consolidate in one place enough information to allow intelligent decisions to be made in this regard. Topics covered are the principle of operation of variable reluctance and permanent magnet motors, electrohydraulic stepping motors and the design of low and high performance stepping motor drives.