ZK-SMC01 stepper motor controller - 2 channels, 1 A each, 5 V

Product overview

• Control board for stepper motors with dual-channel outputs
• 5 V power supply via USB or an external power source
• Compatible with common microcontroller boards via digital inputs
• Maximum motor current of 1 A per channel
• Compact design with simple wiring

Product description

A stepper motor controller controls two independent motors and moves their steps into the desired sequence. Control is carried out via digital signals from a microcontroller board; the device converts these commands into motor current paths, thereby determining the direction of rotation and step speed. External logic levels of 5 V or 3.3 V are processed without additional components.

The two outputs provide up to 1 A per channel, which is sufficient for standard NEMA-17 and smaller NEMA-23 motors. Higher current or greater motor power requires an additional power amplifier. The controller operates with supply voltages from 5 V to 12 V, allowing the power supply to be provided flexibly via USB, a battery bank, or a plug-in power adapter.

Applications include building XY plotters, engraving machines, and automated motion axes in laboratory setups. Calibration devices and dispensing machines with multiple motor axes also use such controllers. Unlike integrated drivers on the microcontroller board, the separate controller provides isolation and protection for the logic board.

Operation requires a microcontroller board with at least four available digital outputs: two for the direction and two for the step pulses for each motor. The ground line between the controller and the control board must be connected. The maximum current consumption of 2 A when both motors are operated in parallel must be taken into account when sizing the power supply.

Safety information

The device is not intended for connection to the mains supply. It is intended exclusively for building prototypes and for testing and development purposes. Work on or near electrical installations must be carried out by qualified electricians; consult a qualified electrician if you have questions about safe commissioning.

Scope of delivery

• 1x Stepper motor controller ZK-SMC01 - compatible with (Nema17 / Nema23)
• 1x Cable