A bipolar stepper motor typically has two phases. These phases are the primary windings of the motor and are driven by the motor's driver circuitry. Here's a more detailed explanation:
1. **Phase A**: This is one of the windings in the motor. When current flows through this winding, it creates a magnetic field that interacts with the rotor's magnetic field.
2. **Phase B**: This is the second winding in the motor. When current flows through this winding, it creates a second magnetic field that works in conjunction with or opposition to the magnetic field created by Phase A, depending on the direction of current flow.
### How It Works
In a bipolar stepper motor, the two windings (or phases) are energized in such a way that they create a rotating magnetic field. By carefully controlling the sequence in which current is applied to each phase, the motor's rotor is made to move in discrete steps.
### Driving a Bipolar Stepper Motor
A bipolar stepper motor requires a driver that can reverse the current direction through each phase. This is different from a unipolar stepper motor, which has a center tap on each winding and only requires current to flow in one direction per phase.
In summary, the "phases" of a bipolar stepper motor refer to the two windings or sets of coils that are used to control the motor's movement.