Regarding Stepper Motor Drives: Can the DIP Switch Be Adjusted to Increase Speed Without Affecting Rotation Distance?

Theoretically, adjusting the microstepping DIP switch can achieve this, but it must be accompanied by corresponding adjustments in the controller.

By configuring microstepping, the drive divides one full "step" into multiple smaller "microsteps." For example, 16 microsteps divides one step into 16 microsteps, meaning the motor requires 3200 pulses per revolution (200 × 16).

Note: Never adjust the DIP switch while the stepper motor is in operation!

From the controller perspective, the following methods can be used as references:

1. Verification and Calculation

• Record the current microstepping setting of the drive.
• Calculate the number of pulses required to move a fixed distance (e.g., 180 degrees).
• Formula: Pulse Count Required = (Distance / 360°) × Microsteps per Revolution

For example: For 180 degrees, with 1600 pulses per revolution, the required pulse count is (180 / 360) × 1600 = 800 pulses.

2. Adjustments in the Controller (e.g., PLC)

• Keep the total number of pulses unchanged: Ensure the parameter for the total pulse count (calculated above, e.g., 800) remains unchanged when moving the motor the specified distance.
• Increase the pulse frequency parameter: This is the direct method to increase speed. Raise the frequency parameter of the pulse output to the new value.
• Adjust acceleration and deceleration times: Modify the acceleration and deceleration time parameters according to the new speed.

Important Notes:

• If microstepping must be reduced (e.g., from 32 to 16) to achieve higher speeds, the total pulse count in the controller must be proportionally reduced at the same time. Otherwise, the movement distance will be incorrect.
• Increasing the microstepping DIP switch alone will slow down the speed; decreasing it without adjusting the pulse count will lengthen the distance.
• Adjusting only the DIP switch without modifying the controller program will inevitably lead to distance errors.

Updated on: 30/01/2026