What is the Output of αSTEP?

"Rated Output" is not listed because αSTEP has no "rated speed". Refer to the graph below to compare rate torque of the αSTEP to Watts of of servo motor's rated output torque.

What is the Stopping Accuracy of αSTEP?

The stopping accuracy of a typical αSTEP is ±0.05° (under no load), which is equivalent to that of servo motors. The graphs below show the actual measured stopping accuracies when an αSTEP and an AC servo motor were rotated once.

Advanced Technology at Affordable Prices

Oriental Motor has developed and patented a compact, low-cost, battery-free mechanical type absolute sensor. The αSTEP AZ Series is available at affordable prices and can contribute to improved productivity and cost reductions.

Mechanical-Type Encoder (No Battery Required)

A mechanical sensor composed of multiple gears is employed. Positioning information is detected by recognizing the angle of the individual gears. As a result, it does not require a battery.

Multiple-Rotation Absolute System*

Absolute position detection is possible with ±900 rotations (1800 rotations) of the motor shaft from the home position.

No External Sensors Required

Positional information is managed mechanically. External sensors such as home sensor and the limit sensor are not needed.

Reduced Cost

Sensor costs and wiring costs can be reduced, allowing for lower system costs.

Simple Wiring

Wiring is simplified and the degree of freedom for equipment design is increased.

Not Affected by Sensor Malfunctions

There is no concern about sensor malfunctions (when operating in environments filled with oil mist or filled with metal pieces due to metal processing), sensor failures or sensor wire disconnections.

Improved Return-to-Home Accuracy

Home position accuracy is increase because the return-to-home operation is performed regardless of any variations in home sensor sensitivity.

Shortened Reset Time - High Speed Return-to-Home

Because return-to-home is possible without an external sensor, return-to-home can be performed at high speed without taking the sensor sensitivity into account, allowing for a shortened machine cycle.

Home Setting Method

The home position can be easily set by pressing a switch on the drivers surface, which is saved by the Mechanical Absolute Encoder. In addition, home setting is possible with the MEXE02 data setting software or external input signal.

Home position is easy to adjust by moving the motor to a desired position manually.

No Battery Required

No battery is required thanks to a mechanical-type sensor. Because positioning information is managed mechanically by the Mechanical Absolute Encoder, the positioning information can be preserved, even if the power turns off, or the cable between the motor and the driver is disconnected.

Reduced Maintenance

Because there is no battery that needs replacement, maintenance time and costs can be reduced.

Unlimited Driver Installation Possibilities

Because there is no need to secure space for battery replacement, there are no restrictions on the installation location of the driver, improving the flexibility and freedom of the layout design of the control box.

Safe for Overseas Shipping

Normal batteries will self-discharge, so care must be taken when the equipment requires a long shipping time, such as when being sent overseas. The Mechanical Absolute Encoder does not require a battery, so there is no limit to how long the positioning information is maintained. In addition, there is no need to worry about various safety regulations, which must be taken into consideration when shipping a battery overseas.

Position Holding Even when the Cable between the Motor and Driver is Detached

Positioning information is stored within the Mechanical Absolute Encoder.

*Because the positioning information is stored in the Mechanical Absolute Encoder, the home position must be reset if the motor is replaced.

EtherNet/IP™ Compatible Driver

With the EtherNet/IP driver, the operating data can sent from the host system or can be set in the driver and selected and executed from a host system. Host system connection and control are performed with I/O Stored Data or EtherNet/IP communications.

AZ Series EtherNet/IP™ Drivers

Easily control the AZ Series by directly connecting to the EtherNet/IP master device using a single EtherNet/IP communications cable. This allows for quick and simple wiring.

Support Software, EDS File & Add-On Instructions

An EDS file has been prepared to allow EtherNet/IP compatible products to be used more easily.

Add-On Instructions (AOI) for AZ Series EtherNet/IP drivers, v1.0 Use the AOI to save programming time or make it easier to read or write your data parameters in the AZ Series drivers.

• Move Command
• Operation Position / Speed
• Current Settings or Accel/Decel Settings
• Monitoring
• Direct Data Operation (changing data on the fly)

Easily control the AZ Series by directly connecting to the EtherCAT master device using a single EtherCAT communications cable. This allows for quick and simple wiring.

ESI File

An ESI file has been prepared to allow EtherCAT compatible products to be used more easily.

AZ Series PROFINET Drivers

Easily control the AZ Series by directly connecting to the PROFINET master device using a single PROFINET communications cable. This allows for quick and simple wiring.

Support Software & GSD File

An GSD file has been prepared to allow PROFINET compatible products to be used more easily.

• Move Command
• Operation Position / Speed
• Current Settings or Accel/Decel Settings
• Monitoring
• Direct Data Operation (changing data on the fly)

Built-in Controller (Stored Data Type) Driver

With the built-in controller type, the operating data is set in the driver and is selected and executed from a host system. Host system connection and control are performed with ; I/O, Modbus (RTU) / RS-485 or FA network.

Equipped with an Interface that Connects to Various Master Control Systems

FLEX is the generic name for products that are used for Factory Automation (FA) network control via I/O control, Modbus (RTU) control, or a network converter.

FLEX products enable easy connection, easy control, and reduce the complexity of system configuration.

By using a network converter (sold separately), CC-link, MECHATROLINK or EtherCAT communication are possible. Operating data, parameter settings and operation commands can be input via various communication types. Its ability to accommodate the network being used results in shortened design time.

Program Simplification with Easy Sequence Function

Extended Functions

Available in Pulse Input Type or Pulse Input Type with RS-485 Communication

Pulse Input Type

This type executes operations by inputting pulse into the driver. It controls the motor using a positioning module (pulse generator).

Pulse Input Type with RS-485 Communication

This type executes operations by inputting pulses into the driver. Control the motor using a positioning module (pulse generator) that you have obtained yourself. Motor status information (position, speed, torque, alarm, temperature, etc. ) can be checked by using RS-485 communication.

Extended Functions

SIL3, PL-e Functional Safety* Certification

*Incorporates the STO (Safe Torque Off) function

Applicable Products

Power Supply Input	Type
AC Input	Built-in Controller
	Pulse Input with RS-485 Communications
	Pulse Input

Drivers with Built-in Safety Functions Simplify Components

A driver with built-in safety function can prevent unintended operation, which eliminates the need for contractors.
This allows for reduced equipment wiring and saved space.

The STO Function Prevents Unintended Start of the Motor While it is Stopped

Certified products have an STO (Safe Torque Off) function, which disconnects the supply of power to the motors.*

By disconnecting the power supply to the motor, the risk posed by dangerous movement of the equipment's moving parts is reduced.

*Do not use during operation.