Articles on: Learning & FAQ

What's the Difference Between Open Loop Stepper Motor and Closed Loop Stepper Motor

Open-loop stepper motors and closed-loop stepper motors are two types of stepper motors that differ in their control system and feedback mechanisms.

Open-loop stepper motors operate without any feedback or position sensing, and rely on an open-loop control system to move the motor to its desired position. The control system sends a series of pulses to the motor to advance it step by step, and assumes that each step moves the motor to its desired position. Open-loop stepper motors are typically less expensive and simpler to use, but they are inherently less precise and accurate than closed-loop motors, especially at high speeds or under heavy loads.


Closed-loop stepper motors, on the other hand, use a feedback mechanism to monitor the actual position of the motor and make corrections as needed. The feedback can come from an encoder or a resolver, which measures the actual position of the motor and sends signals to the control system to adjust the motor's position if necessary. Closed-loop stepper motors are typically more expensive and complex than open-loop motors, but they offer higher precision and accuracy, especially in high-speed or high-load applications.


The main difference between open-loop and closed-loop stepper motors is the presence or absence of a feedback mechanism to monitor and correct the motor's position. Open-loop motors rely on an open-loop control system and assume that each step moves the motor to its desired position, while closed-loop motors use a closed-loop control system with feedback to ensure that the motor is precisely positioned according to its intended movement.

Updated on: 04/05/2023

Was this article helpful?

Share your feedback

Cancel

Thank you!