A stepper motor is typically classified as a
DC (Direct Current) motor. However, it's important to note that it operates in discrete steps (rather than continuously like a regular DC motor), and the power supplied to it can come from either a DC source or an AC source, depending on the motor's design.
How it works:
- DC Stepper Motors: These are powered by DC voltage but use special circuits to create a magnetic field that moves the motor in discrete steps. The steps allow for precise control over position and speed.
- AC Stepper Motors: These are less common but are similar in function. They use alternating current (AC) to drive the motor, but they still have the same stepping mechanism.
So, in general, stepper motors are
DC-powered, but they can be driven with either DC or AC signals depending on the type and application.