Selecting a compatible stepper motor driver is one of the most common customer inquiries. The following guidelines cover our current best-selling stepper motor drivers to help you make the right choice.
For Open-Loop Stepper Drivers:
| Model | Voltage Range | Current Range (PEAK) | Current Range (RMS) | Applicable Motor (NEMA) | Control Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DM320T | 10 - 30VDC | 0.3 - 2.2A | 0.21 - 1.56A | 8, 11, 14, 16, 17 | Pulse |
| DM332T | 10 - 30VDC | 1.0 - 3.2A | 0.71 - 2.29A | 11, 14, 16, 17, 23 | Pulse |
| DM422T | 12 - 50VDC | 0.3 - 2.2A | 0.21 - 1.56A | 11, 14, 17 | Pulse |
| DM420Y | 18 - 36VDC | 0.3 - 2.2A | 0.21 - 1.56A | 8, 11, 14, 16, 17 | Pulse |
| DM542T | 18 - 50VDC | 1.0 - 4.5A | 0.71 - 3.2A | 17, 23, 24 | Pulse |
| DM542Y | 20 - 50VDC | 1.0 - 4.2A | 0.71 - 3.0A | 17, 23, 24 | Pulse |
| DM556T | 20 - 50VDC | 1.8 - 5.6A | 1.3 - 4.0A | 23, 24, 34 | Pulse |
| DM556Y | 20 - 50VDC | 1.7 - 5.6A | 1.2 - 4.0A | 23, 24, 34 | Pulse |
| DM556EC | 24 - 50VDC | 0 - 5.6A | 0 - 4.0A | 23, 24, 34 | EtherCAT |
| DM556RS | 24 - 48VDC | —— | 0.1 - 5.6A | 17, 23, 24 | Modbus RS485 |
| DM860T | 18 - 80VAC/36 - 110VDC | 2.4 - 7.2A | 2.0 - 6.0A | 34 | Pulse |
| DM860I | 20 - 80VDC | 2.4 - 7.2A | 2.0 - 6.0A | 34 | Pulse |
| DM860Y | 18 - 80VAC/36 - 110VDC | 2.4 - 7.2A | 2.0 - 6.0A | 34 | Pulse |
| DM860EC | 20 - 80VAC/30 - 110VDC | 0 - 8.5A | 0 - 6.0A | 34 | EtherCAT |
| DM882RS | 18 - 80VAC/30 - 110VDC | 2.1 - 8.2A | —— | 34 | Modbus RS485 |
| DM2282T | 150 - 230VAC | 2.2 - 8.2A | 1.6 - 5.9A | 42 | Pulse |
| 3DM2283T | 176 - 253VAC | 3.1 - 11.7A | 2.1 - 8.3A | 34, 42, 52 (For 3-Phase Motors) | Pulse |
| ISC02 | 12 - 28VDC | 0 - 2A | —— | 8, 11, 14, 16, 17 | Analog |
| ISC04 | 12 - 38VDC | 1.5 - 4A | —— | 17, 23, 24 | Analog |
| ISC08 | 12 - 38VDC | 3 - 8A | —— | 24, 34 | Analog |
| ISD02 | 12 - 28VDC | 0 - 2A | —— | 8, 11, 14, 16, 17 | Pulse |
| ISD04 | 12 - 38VDC | 1.5 - 4A | —— | 17, 23, 24 | Pulse |
| ISD08 | 12 - 38VDC | 3 - 8A | —— | 24, 34 | Pulse |
| ISDT17-20 | 11 - 28VDC | 0.6 - 2.0A | —— | 17 | Pulse |
| ISDT23-45 | 11 - 36VDC | 1.0 - 4.5A | —— | 23 | Pulse |
* RMS current values are not specified for certain models. For these drivers, please refer to the peak current rating and consult the product datasheet for detailed specifications.
For Closed-Loop Stepper Drivers:
| Model | Voltage Range | Current Range (PEAK) | Current Range (RMS) | Applicable Motor (NEMA) | Control Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL42T-V41 | 24 - 48VDC | 0 - 3.0A | 0.6 - 2A | 11, 14, 17 | Pulse |
| CL57Y | 24 - 50VDC | 0 - 7.0A | 0 - 5A | 17, 23, 24 | Pulse |
| CL57EC | 24 - 50VDC | 0 - 7.2A | 0 - 5.0A | 17, 23, 24 | EtherCAT |
| CL57T-V41 | 24 - 48VDC | 1.0 - 8.0A | 0 - 5.0A | 17, 23, 24 | Pulse |
| CL57RS | 24 - 48VDC | 0.1 - 7.0A | —— | 17, 23, 24 | Modbus RS485 |
| CL86Y-V20 | 20 - 80VAC/30 - 110VDC | 0 - 8.5A | 0 - 6A | 34 | Pulse |
| CL86Y | 20 - 80VAC/30 - 110VDC | 0 - 8.5A | 0 - 6A | 34 | Pulse |
| CL86EC | 20 - 80VAC/30 - 110VDC | 0 - 8.5A | 0 - 6A | 34 | EtherCAT |
| CL86T-V41 | 18 - 80VAC/24 - 110VDC | 0 - 8.0A | 0 - 5.7A | 34 | Pulse |
| CL86RS | 18 - 80VAC/30 - 110VDC | 2.1 - 8.0A | —— | 34 | Modbus RS485 |
* RMS current values are not specified for certain models. For these drivers, please refer to the peak current rating and consult the product datasheet for detailed specifications.
We recommend selecting a stepper motor driver based on the motor's frame size (NEMA) and current rating. When matching current specifications, should you use the driver's PEAK or RMS value?
Based on our engineering experience:
- Standard Operation: Match the stepper motor driver's RMS current to the motor's rated current for optimal performance.
- Overheating Conditions: If the motor overheats, reduce the driver's current setting below the motor's rated value to lower heat generation.
- Duty Cycle Guidance:
- Short-term (intermittent) operation: You may match the driver's PEAK current to the motor's rated current, as the motor has time to cool between duty cycles.
- Continuous operation: Use RMS current matching to prevent overheating during sustained use.
For detailed configuration instructions, please refer to: How to Set the Current on Stepper Driver, RMS or Peak?