AP42 Stepper Motor Controller, Spontaneous pulse driver
Spontaneous pulse driverAP42 Stepper Motor Controller (Spontaneous Pulse)
Pulse & direction stepper motor driver supporting Spontaneous pulses mode — a compact integrated driver with built-in pulse generator for standalone operation without external PLC or motion controller.
● Miniature size 42.3mm × 42.3mm × 17mm
Product Introduction
The AP42 is a compact spontaneous pulse stepper motor driver designed for NEMA17/NEMA23 motors. With a built-in pulse generator, it can operate independently without requiring an external PLC or motion controller. It supports both pulse & direction and spontaneous pulse working modes via DIP switch selection, making it ideal for simple motion control applications that require fixed-speed continuous rotation.
Product Advantages
- Pulse & direction stepper driver also supports standard RS232 serial command, with built-in 32-bit digital chip
- Uses advanced control algorithms for vibration suppression and low heat generation
- DC input voltage 12~40 VDC, recommended working voltage 24 VDC
- Continuous output current 1.4 A max, max peak current 2.2 A
- Integrated design, mountable with NEMA17/NEMA16 stepper motors
- Low vibration, low noise, stable operation, low motor heating
- Any micro-step can be set
- Protection functions: overvoltage, undervoltage and overcurrent
- Built-in automatic matching function of motor parameters
- AP42 stepper driver can be assembled for NEMA17 Integrated Stepper Motors
Electrical Characteristics
- Supply Voltage: 12~40 VDC (recommended 24 VDC)
- Output Current (continuous): 1.4 A max
- Peak Current: 2.2 A max
- Control Modes: Spontaneous pulses, Pulse & Direction, Self-test, Double pulse
- Communication: RS232 serial (parameter setting only)
- Micro-step: Any value configurable
- Dimensions: 42.3 × 42.3 × 17 mm
Pin Definition
| Pin No. | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VDC | Supply voltage: 12-32 VDC, Recommend DC 24 V |
| 2 | GND | Supply Voltage Ground: GND/0 V |
| 3 | RXD | To the RX pin on user device (not for communication, set parameter only) |
| 4 | TXD | To the TX pin on user device (not for communication, set parameter only) |
| 5 | PUL | Differential PULSE signal input, Allow receiving 5V signals, Rising edge is Effective |
| 6 | PUL- | |
| 7 | DIR | Differential DIRECTION signal input, Allow receiving 5V signals, Rising edge is Effective |
| 8 | DIR- | |
| 9 | ENA | Differential ENABLE signal input, Allow receiving 5V signals, Rising edge is Effective |
| 10 | ENA- | |
| 11 | OUT | Alarm signal output, OC circuit, can receive voltage up to 24 V |
| 12 | OUT- |
Note: Pulse signals, directional signals, and enable signals can receive up to 5 V signals.
If the control signal is 12 V, a 1K resistor needs to be connected.
If the control signal is 24 V, it is necessary to connect a 2.2K resistor.
Wiring Configurations
In addition to Differential wiring, AP42 Driver also supports common anode connection and common cathode connection:
DIP Switch Settings
- SW1, SW2, SW3 — Set Current
- SW4, SW5, SW6 — Set Micro-Step
- SW8 — Set direction CW/CCW
- SW9, SW10 — Choose Working Mode
Set Working Current by SW1, SW2, SW3
The default peak current at the factory is 0.5 A. It can be set through the serial port before sale. The adjustable current range is any value between 0.1 A and 2.2 A (peak).
Set Stepper Motor's Default Rotation Direction
- SW8 = on → CW (clockwise)
- SW8 = off → CCW (counter-clockwise)
Set Working Mode by SW9, SW10
| SW9 | SW10 | Working Mode |
|---|---|---|
| on | on | Spontaneous pulses |
| on | off | Self-test |
| off | on | Double pulse |
| off | off | Pulse & Direction |
Set Micro-Step and Working Speed by SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7
Application Scenarios
- Standalone automation — No PLC or motion controller needed; built-in pulse generator provides fixed-speed continuous rotation
- Conveyor systems — Stable low-speed/high-torque operation with adjustable speed via DIP switch
- Linear motion stages — Compact form factor ideal for NEMA17/NEMA16 integrated motor assemblies
- Lab equipment — Low vibration and low noise for precision positioning applications
More Information on detail, please feel free to contact me
AP57 Stepper Motor Driver User Manual 
- Model: AP42
- Brand: Adampower
