Design and implementation of a versatile stepper motor model for simulink’s SimPowerSystems

This paper presents the design and implementation of a versatile model of stepper motors for use in Simulink’s SimPowerSystems simulation engine. The model can represent different types of stepper motors: variable-reluctance, permanent-magnet and hybrid. The models are based on linearized equivalent circuits representing the operation of the motor. The implementation of the models of variable-reluctance and permanent-magnet or hybrid stepper motors in Simulink environment is presented. The operation of the developed models is verified and validated by test circuits. An open loop positioning system using a two-phase hybrid motor is described to illustrate the use of the developed model.