A Simple Multi-Axis Stepper Motor Controller Using a PC Parallel Port

A custom web-enabled stepper motor control software program is presented for the multi-axis control of stepper motors via the parallel port of a personal computer (PC). A general interface circuit is also presented that allows control of step size and rotational direction of the associated stepper motor. The computer transmits a byte to the interface board via the parallel port and standard cable. Each word contains information on step size, direction of rotation, and a clock pulse for one step. An open loop control design was chosen for simplicity and low cost. The software runs on a PC or compatible computer, and is accessible through a web browser, either locally to the PC or via the Internet. The software and printed circuit board Gerber files, for photo-plots, will be available to educational institutions. The project can easily be incorporated into design, electronics, or mechanical curriculums for little expense. Relatively few components are required. The project also has applications in industry as an introductory tutorial on stepper motors and computer numerical control (CNC). Index Terms- stepper motor, parallel port, personal computer control, multi-axis contro