Micro-stepping translator controller

Abstract

A micro-stepping translator controller for supplying current to a stepping motor having a plurality of windings comprises a power supply for supplying current to all windings and electronic switches for gating current to all windings. Logic means receive inputs comprising a clock input having a frequency being indicative of the micro-stepping rate and a multiplexing pulse. The logic means having digital circuits for outputting over a data bus signals indicative of two quadrants of a stepped periodic function. The signals correspond to different phases of the stepped periodic function during different multiplexing intervals. The logic means has digital circuits for sequentially outputting signals indicative of one of the four quadrants. A digital-to-analog converter is connected to the output data bus for producing an analog signal. Multiplexing and inverting means select and during some multiplexing intervals invert the output of the digital-to-analog converter in response to the multiplexing pulse and a signal indicative of quadrant, to produce at least two interleaved stepped periodic signals. An output circuit including said electronic switches, in response to said at least two interleaved stepped periodic signals, gate the electronic switches on and off during one-half of the cycle of one of said stepped periodic functions.