BERGER LAHR BLS2020 C162 Step Driver Introduction

Product Description

The BERGER LAHR BLS2020 C162 is a high – performance step driver designed to provide precise control and reliable operation in a variety of motion control applications. It is engineered to work seamlessly with step motors, converting digital control signals into the necessary electrical outputs to drive the motor’s rotation accurately. This step driver is known for its ability to enhance the performance of step – motor – based systems, making it a popular choice among engineers and manufacturers in the automation industry.

It features advanced micro – stepping technology, which allows for smooth and precise movement of the motor. By dividing each full step into multiple micro – steps, the BLS2020 C162 reduces vibration and noise during motor operation, resulting in more accurate positioning and better overall system performance. The driver also has built – in protection mechanisms to safeguard against over – current, over – voltage, and over – temperature conditions. These protection features not only ensure the longevity of the driver but also prevent damage to the connected step motor and other components in the system.

Product Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Product Type	Step Driver
Manufacturer	BERGER LAHR
Weight	0.9 kg
Dimensions	27.9 cm x 20.3 cm x 5.1 cm
Input Voltage Range	[Specify the exact range, e.g., 18 – 48 VDC]
Output Current per Phase	[Specify the maximum current, e.g., 2.5 A]
Micro – stepping Resolution	[Mention the available micro – step settings, e.g., up to 256 micro – steps per full step]
Control Signals	Compatible with standard pulse + direction or CW / CCW control signals
Protection Features	Over – current protection, over – voltage protection, over – temperature protection
Communication Interface	[If applicable, mention the type, e.g., RS – 485 for basic models or CANopen for more advanced communication]
Operating Temperature Range	– 10 °C to + 50 °C
Storage Temperature Range	– 20 °C to + 60 °C
Humidity	Up to 90% non – condensing

Product Specifications

Physical Dimensions

With dimensions of 27.9 cm in length, 20.3 cm in width, and 5.1 cm in height, the BLS2020 C162 has a compact form factor. This compact size makes it easy to integrate into tight – space applications, such as small automated machinery or robotic systems where space is at a premium. The overall design is optimized for efficient heat dissipation, ensuring reliable operation even in high – duty – cycle applications.

Weight

Weighing only 0.9 kg, it is lightweight, which simplifies the installation process. The light – weight design also reduces the overall load on the mounting structure, making it suitable for applications where minimizing weight is important, such as in mobile or handheld automated devices.

Electrical Specifications

The input voltage range is designed to be compatible with a wide variety of power sources, typically within the range of [input voltage range]. This flexibility allows it to be used in different industrial setups without the need for complex voltage conversion. The output current per phase, [output current value], is sufficient to drive a range of step motors, providing the necessary torque for various applications. The micro – stepping resolution, which can be adjusted up to [micro – step setting], enables precise control over the motor’s movement, allowing for smooth operation and accurate positioning.

Environmental Specifications

The BLS2020 C162 can operate in a temperature range from – 10 °C to + 50 °C, making it suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor applications within a wide range of climates. It can withstand humidity levels of up to 90% non – condensing, ensuring reliable performance in humid environments, such as in food and beverage processing plants or near water – treatment facilities. The storage temperature range of – 20 °C to + 60 °C means that the driver can be stored safely under different environmental conditions without degradation of its performance.

Series

The BLS2020 C162 is part of BERGER LAHR’s BLS series of step drivers. The BLS series is renowned for its high – quality construction, advanced control features, and reliability. These drivers are designed to meet the diverse needs of modern motion control applications, from simple point – to – point positioning to complex multi – axis motion systems. The series offers a range of models with different specifications, allowing customers to choose the most suitable driver for their specific requirements. The BLS2020 C162, in particular, is positioned as a mid – range model, offering a balance between performance and cost – effectiveness, making it an attractive option for a wide range of applications.

Features

Advanced Micro – stepping Technology

The BLS2020 C162’s micro – stepping technology is one of its key features. By providing a high – resolution micro – stepping option, it enables smooth and precise movement of the step motor. This results in reduced vibration and noise, which is especially important in applications where quiet operation is required, such as in medical equipment or precision manufacturing processes. The ability to adjust the micro – stepping resolution also allows for greater flexibility in tailoring the motor’s performance to the specific needs of the application.

Built – in Protection Mechanisms

The driver is equipped with comprehensive protection features, including over – current, over – voltage, and over – temperature protection. In the event of an over – current situation, the driver will automatically shut down to prevent damage to the motor and itself. Similarly, if the input voltage exceeds the specified range or the temperature inside the driver gets too high, the protection circuits will activate to safeguard the device. These protection mechanisms not only enhance the reliability of the driver but also contribute to the overall safety of the motion control system.

Easy Integration

It is designed for easy integration into existing automation systems. The step driver is compatible with standard control signals, such as pulse + direction or CW / CCW signals, which are commonly used in motion control applications. This compatibility allows for seamless connection with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motion controllers, or other control devices. Additionally, if it has a communication interface (such as RS – 485 or CANopen), it can be easily networked with other components in a distributed control system, enabling remote monitoring and control.

Function

The primary function of the BLS2020 C162 step driver is to take digital control signals from a controller (such as a PLC or a motion controller) and convert them into electrical signals to drive a step motor. When it receives a pulse signal from the controller, it energizes the appropriate windings of the step motor in a precise sequence to cause the motor to rotate by a specific angle. The direction of rotation is determined by the direction signal received.

The micro – stepping function of the driver further refines this process. Instead of simply stepping the motor in discrete full – step increments, it divides each full step into multiple micro – steps. For example, if the micro – stepping resolution is set to 256 micro – steps per full step, the motor will move in much smaller, more precise increments. This results in smoother motion, reduced vibration, and improved accuracy in positioning the motor shaft. The built – in protection circuits continuously monitor the operating conditions of the driver, such as current, voltage, and temperature. If any of these parameters exceed the safe limits, the protection circuits will immediately take action to protect the driver and the connected motor.

Use

In practical applications, the first step is to select a suitable step motor that is compatible with the BLS2020 C162 step driver in terms of voltage, current, and torque requirements. The driver is then mounted in an appropriate location, taking into account factors such as heat dissipation and accessibility for maintenance. The input power supply, within the specified voltage range, is connected to the driver. Next, the control signals from the controller (pulse + direction or CW / CCW) are wired to the driver’s input terminals.

Before operation, the micro – stepping resolution and other parameters (such as current limit) may need to be adjusted according to the requirements of the application. This can usually be done through dip switches or software configuration, depending on the model. Once configured, the driver is ready to receive control signals from the controller. When the controller sends a series of pulses and the appropriate direction signal, the driver will drive the step motor to move in the desired direction with the specified precision. Regular monitoring of the driver’s operating conditions, such as temperature and current, is recommended to ensure reliable operation and to detect any potential issues early.

Application Fields

Industrial Automation

In industrial automation, the BLS2020 C162 is widely used in conveyor systems, pick – and – place machines, and assembly lines. In conveyor systems, it can accurately control the speed and position of the conveyor belts, ensuring smooth and precise movement of products. In pick – and – place machines, the high – precision micro – stepping of the driver enables accurate picking and placing of components, which is crucial for tasks such as electronic component assembly. In assembly lines, it helps in controlling the movement of robotic arms and other automated machinery, contributing to increased productivity and improved product quality.

3D Printing

In the 3D printing industry, precise motion control is essential for creating high – quality prints. The BLS2020 C162 step driver can be used to control the movement of the print head and the build platform. The smooth and accurate movement provided by the driver’s micro – stepping technology ensures that the printer can deposit materials precisely, resulting in detailed and accurate 3D models. It also helps in reducing vibrations during the printing process, which can otherwise lead to defects in the printed objects.

Medical Equipment

In medical equipment, such as laboratory automation systems and diagnostic devices, reliability and precision are of utmost importance. The BLS2020 C162 can be used to control the movement of sample handling mechanisms, microscope stages, and other components. The built – in protection features of the driver are particularly valuable in medical applications, as they help to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the equipment. For example, in a laboratory centrifuge, the step driver can precisely control the rotation speed and acceleration of the centrifuge rotor, ensuring accurate separation of samples.

Robotics

In robotic applications, the BLS2020 C162 plays a vital role in controlling the movement of robotic joints. Whether it is a small educational robot or a large industrial robot, the step driver’s ability to provide precise and smooth motion is essential for accurate positioning and movement. The easy integration of the driver into robotic control systems allows for seamless communication between the robot’s controller and the motors, enabling complex robotic tasks to be performed with high accuracy.

In conclusion, the BERGER LAHR BLS2020 C162 step driver is a versatile and reliable device for motion control applications. Its advanced features, such as micro – stepping technology and built – in protection mechanisms, make it suitable for a wide range of industries. By providing precise control over step motors, it contributes to the efficient and accurate operation of various automated systems.