What is the Difference Between Stepper Motors & Standard DC Motors?

Using the right motor can make the difference between success and failure in your electrical project. Though similar, DC motors and stepper motors are not the same. The differences between them make each more suitable for different applications.

Function

A DC motor runs continuous electric current through its coil, causing the coil to rotate smoothly within an enclosing magnetic field. A stepper motor also has a coil of wire placed between magnets, but it receives pulses of electricity, causing it to move in discontinuous steps.

Responsiveness

DC motors respond more rapidly than stepper motors.

Accuracy

DC motors can be positioned more accurately. Any errors in a stepper motor's position are noncumulative, unlike DC motors. Therefore, over time DC motors may become less accurate than stepper motors.

Cost

Stepper motors usually cost less than DC motors. However, under high loads or high accelerations, DC motors may prove more cost-effective.

Applications

DC motors are most appropriate for applications where the motor must drive a heavy load, accelerate quickly or respond quickly. Stepper motors are better for digital applications.

References

• Omega Engineering Technical Reference: Introduction to
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Stepper Motors
• Georgia State University Hyperphysics: DC Motor Operation
• The Motion Store: Selecting the Proper Motor

Resources

• Georgia State University Hyperphysics: How Does an Electric Motor Work?