Thorlabs BSC201- one channel stepper motor controller

Features
NEW IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING

These APT Stepper Motor Controllers are the next generation of enhanced controllers using the familiar APT User interface. Many new features are provided, including a choice between trapezoidal and S-shaped velocity profiles, a higher theoretical microstep resolution (409,600 for a 200 full step motor), and speeds more than twice that achieved by their predecessors.

Designed for use with our DRV series of actuators (DRV208, DRV225, and DRV250*), these one-, two- and three-channel 50 W stepper motor controllers are capable of driving high-power, 2-phase bi-polar stepper motors, with or without encoder feedback. They have been designed to drive the higher power, stepper-motor-equipped nanopositioning actuators and stages offered by Thorlabs [e.g., LNR502(/M) and NRT150(/M)]. Alternatively, generic two-phase, bi-polar motors of varying step sizes can also be driven; see the Specs tab for compatible motor information. Cables for connecting the DRV series actuator to the controller are shipped with the actuators, however replacement cables are available: the 1 m long PAA612 and the 3 m long PAA613. Please note that these controllers are not suitable for use with our ZST or ZFS series of stepper motors.

USB connectivity provides easy plug-and-play PC operation. Multiple units can be connected to a single PC via standard USB hub technology for multi-axis motion control applications. Coupling this with the very user friendly APT software allows the user to very quickly get up and running with reasonably complex move sequences in a short period of time. For example, all relevant operating parameters are set automatically for Thorlabs' stage/actuator products. Advanced custom motion control applications and sequences are also possible using the extensive ActiveX® programming environment described in more detail on the Motion Control Software and APT Tutorials tabs.

Additionally, these APT controllers support Thorlabs' two-axis and three-axis joysticks, shown below. These joysticks provide intuitive, tactile, manual positioning of a stage. In most applications, the default parameter settings saved within the controller allow the joystick to be used out-of-the-box, with no need for further setup, thereby negating the requirement to be connected to a host PC and allowing true remote operation. However, depending on the actuator being driven, some software setting adjustment may be required. All cables are supplied. Please note this joystick is not compatible with former generation BSC10x series controllers.

Owners of our two-channel BSC202 controller may have their controllers upgraded by Thorlabs to support a third channel. 

*These stepper motor controllers are also compatible with our previous-generation DRV001, DRV013, and DRV014 actuators.