Two-phase stepping motors typically have two windings and four lead wires on the stator. They generally offer a full-step angle of 1.8 degrees, with a half-step angle of 0.9 degrees. The driver only needs to control the current flow through these two windings, making them relatively simple and cost-effective. In contrast, four-phase stepper motors have four windings and eight lead wires, resulting in a full-step angle of 0.9 degrees and a half-step angle of 0.45 degrees. Since the driver must manage four separate windings, the circuit becomes more complex and expensive. In most cases, two-phase motors are paired with two-phase drivers. However, if a smaller step angle is needed, a subdivision driver can be used to improve precision. Some manufacturers refer to both two-phase 4-wire and four-phase 8-wire motors as "two-phase," which can cause confusion. This is because the four-phase windings can be connected in parallel or series to form two-phase operation. While this simplifies the driver design, it affects the motor's performance. When four-phase windings are connected in parallel, the motor achieves better acceleration and maintains higher torque at high speeds. However, the current doubles, leading to increased heat and higher power requirements from the driver. On the other hand, when the windings are connected in series, the motor offers better low-speed stability, less noise, and lower heat generation, but suffers from reduced high-speed torque. Many companies use two-phase drivers for four-phase motors by switching them into two-phase mode. As a result, they often ask customers whether they want the motor to be connected in parallel or series. Historically, 8-wire motors were clearly labeled as four-phase, leading customers to believe that a two-phase driver was incompatible. To avoid confusion, some manufacturers now label four-phase motors as two-phase, even though the underlying technology remains similar. In reality, the distinction between two-phase and four-phase motors is more about how the windings are connected than the fundamental design. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right motor and driver for specific applications.
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