Welcome to our Motion FAQ section
Here, you'll find concise answers to common questions about our products and services.
Motion-enabled applications rely on accurate and dependable sensing. Choosing the right motion solution isn’t always straightforward. That’s where we come in.
Explore the FAQs below to quickly find the information you need.
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out anytime.
What is the difference between our 1-axis and 3-axis board?
The 1-axis board controls a single stepper motor and is intended to be mounted on the back of the motor, to allow for a compact solution.
How can Summit help with selecting and integrating motion controller and driver modules?
Summit provides hardware, firmware, and SDK support for fast integration. Custom multi-axis solutions and application-specific guidance are available.
Which applications are motion controllers and driver modules commonly used for?
Used in robotics, CNC systems, automation equipment, and positioning stages. Also common in packaging, medical devices, and industrial motion systems.
Can multiple motion controller modules be daisy-chained?
Yes, modules can be networked together via CAN or RS485 bus. This allows scalable multi-axis machine architectures.
What 4 features does our SDK have?
Motion example applications: Ready-to-use C example code for basic motion control and axis movement routines.
Communication interface support : Built-in support for CAN (and RS485 on 3-Axis) send/receive examples for fieldbus integration.
Sensor & feedback handling: Sample code for Hall sensor, encoder, StallGuard, StealthChop, and GPIO modules.
Peripheral & I/O examples: Demonstrates how to use digital I/O, USB/flash (3-Axis), and other board interfaces in your application.
How does CAN bus support benefit multi-axis or distributed systems?
CAN provides reliable real-time networking between multiple motion nodes. Ideal for synchronized multi-axis control in industrial environments.
Which communication interfaces are available on the motion controller modules?
The 1-axis board supports CAN bus communication. The 3-axis version adds RS485 bus and USB support for wider integration.
Are encoder feedback options supported by the controller modules?
Yes, encoder or external feedback can be interfaced through available I/O. This enables enhanced positioning and closed-loop options.
What role do Hall effect sensors play in motion control systems?
Hall sensors detect magnetic position or rotation changes. They are used to detect the position of the rotor, and function as a sensor to create a closed loop system.
Do the motion controller modules support closed-loop control?
Primarily they operate as advanced open-loop stepper controllers. Closed-loop is possible when combined with external feedback sensors like the hall sensor which is included on the 1-axis board, or through an encoder, which is supported on both the 1 and 3-axis boards.
What is StallGuard technology and how is it used in motion control?
StallGuard is Trinamic’s sensorless load and stall detection feature. It allows monitoring motor load without external sensors. Used for end-stop detection and fault protection.
How do integrated motor drivers improve system reliability and performance?
Integration reduces wiring, component count, and EMI issues. This improves robustness, simplifies design, and increases overall reliability.
What are the advantages of using 2-phase bipolar stepper motor drivers?
They provide higher torque and better efficiency than unipolar designs. They enable smoother microstepping and improved positioning accuracy.
Are the modules suitable for single-axis motion control applications?
Yes, the 1-axis board is designed specifically for compact single-axis systems. It provides integrated control, driver, and I/O for standalone motion.
What are motion controller and driver modules?
Motion controller and driver modules are electronics that generate motion commands and power a motor. They combine control logic, communication, and motor driving in one board. Summit’s modules are built around the TMC5160 for precise stepper control.
What is the difference between a motion controller and a motor driver?