Technical Articles / White Papers

In order for Oriental Motor to be a world leader in motion systems for the last century, we have concentrated on technological advancement and product design improvement. The technical articles available here describe the ideas, concepts, methods and results of some of the research activities undertaken by the Engineers in our factories and R&D Center.

Let us know what you think! We appreciate the opportunity to receive feedback and/or answer any questions regarding these technical articles.

Stepper Motors
Servo Motors
AC Motors
Brushless DC Motors
Actuators
Network
Fans
General

Stepper Motor Articles

Stepper motors are used to achieve precise positioning via digital control. The motor operates by accurately synchronizing with the pulse signal output from the controller to the driver. Stepper motors, with their ability to produce high torque at low speed while minimizing vibration, are ideal for applications requiring quick positioning over a short distance.

Everything You Need to Know About Stepper Motors - Stepper motors are often misconceived as the lesser of servo motors, but as a matter of fact, they are highly reliable just like servo motors. The motor operates by accurately synchronizing with the pulse signal output from the controller to the driver, achieving highly accurate positioning and speed control. Stepper motors feature high torque and low vibration at low-speeds, ideal for applications requiring quick positioning in short distance.

Open Loop
Closed Loop
Fundamentals

Open Loop Stepper Motor Articles

Development for Concentric Shaft Gearbox of Parallel Gear Reduction Mechanism- The newly developed CS gearbox makes it easier to design equipment and the allowable torque and the permissible radial load have been significantly improved compared to conventional models.
Development of the PKP Series Compact and Flat Connector Equipped Stepper Motor- Oriental Motor developed the PKP Series compact and flat connector equipped stepper motor without changing the motor size in response to greater demand for easier routing of the lead wire and a lower height of the connector unit in the PKP Series.
Development of the CVD S-Type Driver - Learn the changes from the original CVK series of drivers and the background of the development.
Improving Stepper Motor Design for Torque and Vibration - Learn the advantages offered by high torque motors to machine builders.
Overcoming Rotation Vibration, CVD Series 2-Phase Bipolar Driver - Ideally, stepper motors should operate smoothly without vibration throughout all speed ranges. In reality, they run with some vibration at low, mid, or high speeds, causing unwanted noise. This type of vibration is called "rotation vibration" and developing the suppression system for the rotation vibration is a major challenge. To overcome this, it is common to microstep a stepper motor, into many smaller steps. However, with today’s technology, microstepping alone is not enough. Not all stepper motor drivers or chips manage rotation vibration the same way. This technical paper will explain the advantages of the CVD Series 2-Phase Bipolar stepper motor driver technology.
Features of the CVK Series Stepper Motor and Driver Package - Stepper motors are used in a wide variety of applications because of their ease of use and accurate positioning. In recent years, though, most users demand high torque, low vibration, and higher accuracy. The CVK series is a stepper motor and DC input driver package with higher torque, lower vibration, and higher accuracy than conventional stepper products. We have developed a 1.8° product with an emphasis on torque, and a 0.72°/0.36° product that stresses low vibration and high accuracy. The CVK series is also highly compatible between the versions, allowing for easy standardization.
2-phase (0.9°/1.8°) and 5-phase (0.36°/0.72°) Stepper Motor Comparison - Learn the similarities and differences of two core stepper motor technologies.
The New Pentagon Bipolar Driver for 5-Phase (0.36°/0.72°) Stepper Motors - Oriental Motor stepper motors with a step angles of 0.36° or 0.72° are wound in the bipolar New Pentagon configuration and, therefore, require a bipolar type driver. The New Pentagon bipolar driver allows the stepper motor to be driven at full step, half step and even microstep resolutions while ensuring that maximum torque is being generated by the motor on every step. This is a unique advantage for 0.36° or 0.72° stepper motors. The New Pentagon bipolar drive method also provides extremely smooth motion as well as maintaining torque and step accuracy regardless of the step resolution.
How to Address Increased Loads in Both Size and Weight - Increasing the size and weight will increase the inertia of the load and the torque required to move the load. Gearing is a great option for overcoming large inertia loads as it will decrease the reflected inertia on the motor by the gear ratio squared. Adding a gear ratio will also increase the amount of torque generated. Typically, the torque produced is equal to the motor torque multiplied by the gear ratio and the efficiency of the gear. However, there are instances when the output torque is limited based on other mechanical reasons, such as gear teeth strength, gear case strength, or gear carrier strength. This paper discusses various gear options that are available for use.

Closed Loop Stepper Motor Articles - AlphaStep

Hybrid Stepper Motors and AlphaStep Hybrid Control Systems - There are three types of stepper motors; variable reluctance, permanent magnet and hybrid stepper motors. This article will focus on hybrid stepper motors as well as Oriental Motor's AlphaStep Hybrid Control System for stepper motors.
AZD-KRD Compact Driver Development - The AZD-KRD compact driver has a smaller volume than the conventional product due to its radical design.
Eliminating External Sensors with the AlphaStep AZ Series Stepper Motors - Sensing technology is everywhere today. Sensors are used to detect human touch on a smart phone, ambient temperature in a room, and even in non-invasive blood glucose measurement for diabetes detection. In this paper, we will focus on the most commonly adopted external sensors used speciﬁcally for homing and limiting motor operations.
Development of the AlphaStep Battery-Free Multi-Rotation Absolute Encoder - In recent years, greater accuracy and better reliability are demanded of motors, especially motors used in critical positioning applications. Such systems typically utilize encoder feedback with battery backup mounted on the motor, allowing it to perform closed loop control. However, since the battery frequently needs to be replaced, a maintenance-free absolute encoder is in high demand. From these requirements, a battery-free, multi-turn absolute encoder was developed. The AZ Series, a closed loop system, adopted this type of sensor and is currently on the market today.
Stepper Motor Lower Loss Technology Development - The stepper motor can control the speed and the position accurately in an open loop control mode. The stepper motor had a disadvantage of large heat generation when rotating at high speed. It has had an advantage in which it can be used easily. The stepper motor has been used mainly to utilize the standstill holding brake force and the torque at low speed. However, recently, another customer demand for being able to operate continuously at high speed has risen thereby shortening the cycle equipment time. The motor loss is greatly reduced compared with the conventional stepper motor by use of suitable lamination sheet and fastening method of the laminated iron core. This paper focuses on lowering the losses of the stepper motor. The motor shown in Table.1 is selected for the conventional stepping motor described in this paper.
Industrial Network Communications - FLEX products In order to meet various requirements, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and motors/drivers in equipment have been connected in numerous ways, such as pulse train, digital I/O, and fieldbus networks. We have developed products that can be connected to multiple industrial networks. They can be connected to an I/O device and Modbus RTU network. They can also be connected to other field bus networks through a Network Converter (our gateway product). The products can be flexibly connected to a host PLC and it allow customers to select a system depending on their needs. We call this concept FLEX. Since some of the FLEX products have a positioning function, positioning units of host PLCs can be omitted and costs of equipment can be reduced. The FLEX products allow customers to reduce costs and time of developing equipment by using each merit of industrial networks.
How to Use Sensor Less Homing to Create a Hard Stop and Change Direction - The AR series features extended functions not normally offered on conventional stepper motors. Using the TLC output on the AR, we can sense a preset torque setting range or perform a torque control function. This range is based on the motor current setting using either the MEXE02 software or OPX-2A data setter. During the application, the user can turn on the T-mode input which will activate the torque control mode or push motion. The user can manipulate the M0, M1, and M2 inputs to correspond to the motor current setting or torque setting desired.

Stepper Motor Fundamentals

Stepper Motor Overview - an introduction to stepper motor technology.
Unipolar / Bipolar Motor Connections - Unipolar and bipolar connections for 2-phase stepper motors.
The Basics of Stepper Motors - Learn about the types of stepper motors, how they work and the key features and benefits of stepper motor technology.
Stepper Motor Gearheads - Learn about the various gearhead options available for stepper motors.
Stepper Motor Glossary of Terms
Speed-Torque Curves for Stepper Motors - When selecting a stepper motor, the speed—torque characteristic curves provided by manufacturers presents an idea of what performance can be expected from a motor. These curves show what performance different motor and driver combinations can provide to your application. This article will describe how a speed - torque curve for a stepper motor is generated and what are the important points to look for on a curve.
IP Ratings - Degree of Protection - The dust-resistance and waterproofing degrees of protection for the equipment are classified according to EN 60529 (Specification Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)) (=IEC 60529), EN 60034-5 (Rotating Electrical Machines - Part 5: Degrees of Protection Provided by The Integral Design of Rotating Electrical Machines (IP Code) – Classification) (=IEC 60034-5).

Servo Motor Articles

The servo motor is specialized for high-response, high-precision positioning. The servo motor is composed of three elements: the motor, the encoder and the driver. As a motor capable of accurate rotation angle and speed control, it can be used for a variety of equipment. The tuning-free servo motor and driver package in the NX Series are easy to operate and allows for smooth operation with large inertial loads and belt mechanism.

Features of a Servo Motor
Servo Motor Overview - an introduction to Servo motor technology
Servo Motor Glossary of Terms

AC Motor Articles

Standard AC Motors & Gear Motors operate by simply connecting a capacitor and supplying power from a commercial power supply. Standard AC Motors & Gear Motors include the basic induction motor and reversible motor. In addition, Oriental Motor offers electromagnetic brake motors, synchronous motors, torque motors and watertight, dust-resistant motors to meet specific application requirements.

Fundamentals
Application

AC Motor Fundamentals

Temperature Rise and Life of an AC Motor - Motor temperature rise affects the operating time limit and motor life.
Standard AC Motor & Gear Motor Overview - an introduction to AC motor technology
AC Motor Glossary of Terms
AC Motor Fundamentals - AC motors are electric motors that rotate by using power from a commercial AC power supply. They are easy to handle and have features that can be conﬁgured at a low cost.
AC Motor Utilization - By combining mechanisms and circuits, AC motors can obtain various additional functions.
Hypoid vs. Worm Gear - There is an alternative to worm gear sets: the hypoid gear. Typically used in automotive applications, gearmotor companies have begun integrating hypoid gearing into right-angle gearmotors to solve the problems that arise with worm reducers.
IP Ratings - Degree of Protection - The dust-resistance and waterproofing degrees of protection for the equipment are classified according to EN 60529 (Specification Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)) (=IEC 60529), EN 60034-5 (Rotating Electrical Machines - Part 5: Degrees of Protection Provided by The Integral Design of Rotating Electrical Machines (IP Code) – Classification) (=IEC 60034-5).

AC Motor Application

Using a Torque Motor for Winding and Unwinding Type Applications - A torque motor is an excellent product for winding and unwinding type applications. Due to the design of the motor, it reaches full torque at 0 output speed, or locked rotor condition. A torque motor can act as a brake when back driven, or a simple device to provide tension. Depending on the torque setting, the motor will provide tension to the material while taking up slack in the line automatically, essentially matching the line speed.
Features and Control Technologies of the DSC Series Motor and Speed Controller Package - An "AC motor and speed controller package" is a unit product composed of a robust, single-phase induction motor, and a low noise, long life speed controller. The DSC Series is a new AC Speed Control product. In order to improve ease of use, this product is equipped with an operation panel for monitoring various functions, as well as for digital settings. The new DSC control technology also accomplishes two functions that conventional products cannot; instant reversal of single phase induction motors, and vertical drive by deceleration control (electromagnetic brake type only).

Brushless DC Gear Motor Articles

Brushless DC gear motors from Oriental Motor can achieve up to 970 lb-in of torque when combined with a standard geared option and with their space savings design contribute to a compact and powerful solution ranging from 15 W up to 400 W. With their flat torque, can produce rated torque from low to high speeds easily. Brushless DC gear motors also feature a wide variety of pre-assembled geared and electromechanical break options and are available with our industry leading stable lead times.

Application
Fundamentals

Brushless DC Motor Application

Development for Concentric Shaft Gearbox of Parallel Gear Reduction Mechanism- The newly developed CS gearbox makes it easier to design equipment and the allowable torque and the permissible radial load have been significantly improved compared to conventional models.
Performance Improvement of BLH Series Driver- The BLH driver has been improved to have a focus on “speed performance tracking improvement” and “noise reduction”.
Design and Basic Technology for Watertight, Dust-Resistant Brushless Motors - Oriental Motor has expanded the product lineup of the BMU and BLE2 brushless motor series to now include dust and water resistant specifications.
AGV/AMR Designs: Understanding Brushless Motor Benefits - With an evolving competitive market over the years leading to IOT (Internet of Things) or Industry 4.0., manufacturers are looking for smarter ways to get ahead of their competition. An example of this is the growing trend of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), as well as an increase in automated storage and retrieval systems in both warehouses and manufacturing facilities. In this paper, we will provide an introduction to AGV/AMR and discuss why features and characteristics of geared brushless DC motors make them attractive for AGV/AMR’s drivetrain designs.
10 Standard Features for AGV/AMR Powertrain Applications - Oriental Motor offers the BLV Series brushless DC motors and dedicated drivers with features designed for battery powered material handling applications such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) or Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMRs). In this white paper, we will discuss how each of the BLV Series standard features can help make product development easier.
Features of the BMU Series Brushless DC Motor and Driver Speed Control Package - Brushless DC gear motors have been used as the driving source in a variety of equipment and devices. In recent years, the demand for smaller machines and lower energy costs has increased. Naturally, these demands have passed down to the motor as well. The BMU series motor and driver package combines a brushless DC gear motor with a new driver for easy use. Compared with conventional motors, brushless DC gear motors are more compact, lighter in weight, and more energy efficient. In this paper, we describe the technology used to achieve the brushless DC gear motor's high efficiency and the features of the new BMU driver.
How to select between AC, Brushless DC and Brushed DC Motors - Comparison of speed control motor technology
Hypoid vs. Worm Gear - There is an alternative to worm gear sets: the hypoid gear. Typically used in automotive applications, gearmotor companies have begun integrating hypoid gearing into right-angle gearmotors to solve the problems that arise with worm reducers.
Calculating Stopping Accuracy of Brushless DC Gear Motors - Stepper motors and servo motors with excellent stopping accuracy are commonly used when performing high-precision positioning operation. However, depending on usage conditions, brushless DC gear motors can stop with an overrun of several mm, with simple hall effect sensors used for speed control feedback. This paper explains this overrun, how to calculate stopping accuracy using overrun characteristics (typical value) of brushless DC gear motors, and two methods to improve stopping accuracy.
Industrial Network Communications - FLEX products - In order to meet various requirements, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and motors/drivers in equipment have been connected in numerous ways, such as pulse train, digital I/O, and fieldbus networks. We have developed products that can be connected to multiple industrial networks. They can be connected to an I/O device and Modbus RTU network. They can also be connected to other field bus networks through a Network Converter (our gateway product). The products can be flexibly connected to a host PLC and it allow customers to select a system depending on their needs. We call this concept FLEX. Since some of the FLEX products have a positioning function, positioning units of host PLCs can be omitted and costs of equipment can be reduced. The FLEX products allow customers to reduce costs and time of developing equipment by using each merit of industrial networks.

Brushless DC Motor Fundamentals

Speed Control Methods of Various Types of Speed Control Motors - A large number of motors are being used for general purposes in our surroundings from house-hold equipment to machine tools in industrial facilities. The electric motor is now a necessary and indispensable source of power in many industries. The function and the performance required for these motors are wide-ranging. When focusing attention on the speed control segment of the motor market, servo and stepper motors control their speed with a pulse train, while the induction motor and the brushless DC gear motor control speed with an external resistor and/or DC voltage.
Brushless Motor Contribution to Carbon Neutrality- This report compares induction motors and brushless motors (synchronous motors) sold by Oriental Motor, and explains how to contribute to carbon neutrality in addition to the reduction effect of energy consumption by using brushless motors.
Brushless DC Motor Overview - an introduction to Brushless DC motor technology.
Brushless DC Gear Motors vs Servo Motors vs Inverters - When it comes to speed control, you may think the choice is between an inverter driven three-phase motor or servo motor, but did you know that brushless DC motors specialize in speed control? The brushless DC gear motor is growing in popularity in the world of speed control. However, not everyone is familiar with the power and performance to cost aspects of the brushless DC gear motor. Even in usage situations where it has demonstrated its capabilities, it tends to lag behind the two leading players, the inverter driven three-phase motor and the servo motor. This article introduces the capability of brushless DC gear motors, as well as points to consider when choosing a compact speed control motor.
IP Ratings - Degree of Protection - The dust-resistance and waterproofing degrees of protection for the equipment are classified according to EN 60529 (Specification Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)) (=IEC 60529), EN 60034-5 (Rotating Electrical Machines - Part 5: Degrees of Protection Provided by The Integral Design of Rotating Electrical Machines (IP Code) – Classification) (=IEC 60034-5).

Actuator Articles

A linear motion product incorporating a motor and linear-motion mechanism. Drawing on our expertise as a motor manufacturer, Oriental Motor offers a wide range of linear motion products in various shapes and sizes, featuring different motor types, drive methods and power inputs.

Motorized Linear Slide Glossary of Terms
Motorized Cylinder Glossary of Terms
Method for Calculating Moment Loads on Linear Actuators - An electric linear actuator is a combination product consisting of a linear mechanism and an electric motor, and when pre-assembled offers an easier design, shorter installation time, and high quality. While the actuator is operating, moment loads occur due to not only gravity, but also because of acceleration and deceleration of the load. Because moment loads can damage actuators, confirming that they are within specification is critical. However, calculating moment loads on linear actuators can be complicated and time consuming. This paper describes a method for calculating moment loads in a simple way and makes actuator selection easier.
Features and Functions of the EH Series Electric Gripper - The EH Series electric grippers use a rack and pinion on the gripping mechanism and an AZ motor as the drive motor, giving this product the advantage of having gripping force that is easy to adjust.
Structure and Positioning of the DR Series - Oriental Motor’s DR Series electric cylinders combine a motor and ball screw into an integrated assembly to create a compact and highly accurate positioning device
Features of the “High Rigidity Type” DGII Series Hollow Rotary Actuator The DGII Series hollow rotary actuator was developed for positioning applications such as rotating a table and swiveling an arm. The DGII actuator has been installed in equipment for the manufacture of semiconductors, electronic parts, and inspection equipment because of its ability to simplify wiring and piping requirements by utilizing the compact, hollow output table.
Industrial Network Communications - FLEX products In order to meet various requirements, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and motors/drivers in equipment have been connected in numerous ways, such as pulse train, digital I/O, and fieldbus networks. We have developed products that can be connected to multiple industrial networks. They can be connected to an I/O device and Modbus RTU network. They can also be connected to other field bus networks through a Network Converter (our gateway product). The products can be flexibly connected to a host PLC and it allow customers to select a system depending on their needs. We call this concept FLEX. Since some of the FLEX products have a positioning function, positioning units of host PLCs can be omitted and costs of equipment can be reduced. The FLEX products allow customers to reduce costs and time of developing equipment by using each merit of industrial networks.

Network Product Articles

Development of Robot Controller MRC01 and Example for Introducing Robot to Equipment - Introduction of robots has been increasing for the purpose of labor savings through automation in equipment. However, since commercially available industrial robots have a restriction on size and also many of them are oversized, there is a growing demand for "in-house development of robots" in accordance with the size of equipment. Knowledge about robot control is required to control in-house developed robots, but difficulty in controlling a robot has been a large obstacle for introducing in-house developed robots. The robot controller MRC01 and the dedicated programming software MRC Studio were developed with the goal of making designing, testing and implementing in-house developed robots easy, even for first time equipment designers. This report introduces the technology and functions of the MRC01 controller and the MRC Studio software. It offers examples to reduce the start-up time of equipment and the create programs by introducing in-house developed robots to in-house equipment.
Industrial Network Communications - FLEX products In order to meet various requirements, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and motors/drivers in equipment have been connected in numerous ways, such as pulse train, digital I/O, and fieldbus networks. We have developed products that can be connected to multiple industrial networks. They can be connected to an I/O device and Modbus RTU network. They can also be connected to other field bus networks through a Network Converter (our gateway product). The products can be flexibly connected to a host PLC and it allow customers to select a system depending on their needs. We call this concept FLEX. Since some of the FLEX products have a positioning function, positioning units of host PLCs can be omitted and costs of equipment can be reduced. The FLEX products allow customers to reduce costs and time of developing equipment by using each merit of industrial networks.

Cooling Fan Articles

Oriental Motor offers a wide range of cooling fans, including a cooling module suitable for enclosure cooling, axial flow fans for local cooling, as well as fans with low-speed or stall alarms or variable flow type.

Cooling Fans Structure, Air Flow Static Pressure Characteristics, and Heat Protection - Overheated equipment can lead to many problems, including failure, shorter product life, early deterioration of parts, malfunction, and other safety risks. Cooling fans and blowers are essential to applications in the presence of heat. In order to avoid these problems, the appropriate cooling unit for these systems must be selected. The features of cooling fans differ according to their air-blowing system. The following explains the structure of axial fans, centrifugal blowers and cross flow fans, as well as air flow-static pressure characteristics. Overheat protection is also discussed through the use of low-speed alarms, stall alarms, and thermal protectors.
How to Select a Cooling Fan - To properly select a particular fan for an application, the detailed requirements must be known. This article goes through the steps of selecting a cooling fan. Cooling fans and blowers are essential to applications where temperatures must be maintained or withstand the presence of heat. In order to avoid problems, the appropriate cooling unit for these systems must be selected.
How to Measure the Air Flow - Static Pressure Characteristics & the Characteristics of Noise - Two methods are available for measuring the air flow – static pressure characteristics: the air-duct measurement method via the pitot tube, and the double chamber measurement method. Oriental Motor employs the double chamber method, which offers higher accuracy than the air-duct method and is used worldwide. Moreover, Oriental Motor uses measuring equipment conforming to AMCA(Air Moving and Conditioning Association) standard 210, a fan measurement standard that is recognized worldwide.
Thermal Management - In recent years, the demand for equipment powered by natural energy sources such as solar and wind power, as well as the electric chargers for electric vehicles, has been rapidly increasing. Since this type of equipment is used in severe temperature and humidity environments, we should anticipate the need for temperature control in low temperature environment and potential problems, such as dew condensation due to the extreme temperature change.
IP Ratings - Degree of Protection - The dust-resistance and waterproofing degrees of protection for the equipment are classified according to EN 60529 (Specification Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)) (=IEC 60529), EN 60034-5 (Rotating Electrical Machines - Part 5: Degrees of Protection Provided by The Integral Design of Rotating Electrical Machines (IP Code) – Classification) (=IEC 60034-5).

General Reference

Motor Sizing Calculations - Proper sizing and selection of a motor for your equipment is key to ensuring performance, reliability and cost of the equipment. Learn about the procedure and calculations for properly sizing a motor for your application.
IP Ratings - Degree of Protection - The dust-resistance and waterproofing degrees of protection for the equipment are classified according to EN 60529 (Specification Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)) (=IEC 60529), EN 60034-5 (Rotating Electrical Machines - Part 5: Degrees of Protection Provided by The Integral Design of Rotating Electrical Machines (IP Code) – Classification) (=IEC 60034-5).

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