Product Specification

Lichuan 4A DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit EtherCAT 2.4N.m 2 Phase Nema23 DC24V～50V 2.5/4.0A

Lichuan DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit EtherCAT 0.6–3.5N·m, 2-Phase NEMA 23, DC 24–50V, 2.5/4.0A

Product Overview

The Lichuan DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit is an EtherCAT-based motion control solution designed for 2-phase NEMA 23 stepper motor systems. With available torque configurations from 0.6N·m to 3.5N·m, DC 24–50V power input, and 2.5A / 4.0A current-class options, the kit is designed for CNC equipment, linear motion systems, automation machinery, packaging systems, robotics mechanisms, and other applications requiring reliable, networked stepper motion control.

By combining a NEMA 23 stepper motor with an EtherCAT-capable open-loop driver, the system provides a practical alternative to conventional pulse-and-direction architectures for applications where distributed industrial communication, coordinated multi-axis control, and cost efficiency are important.

Lichuan's official product portfolio includes two-phase 57-series open-loop stepper motors with torque configurations beginning at 0.6N·m and phase-current options in the 2.5–4.0A range, as well as a dedicated EtherCAT Bus Stepper Driver product family and related technical documentation. The exact torque combinations in this kit should be selected according to the matched motor and driver model.

Product Information

Basic Product Information

Lichuan's official two-phase 57-series motor information specifies a 1.8° step angle, a 57-series frame, a 0.6–3.0N·m published torque range for the listed open-loop 57-series models, and phase-current configurations from 2.5A to 4.0A. The 3.5N·m configuration in this product title should therefore be treated as the specific kit/model configuration supplied by the seller and verified against its corresponding model datasheet before technical publication.

Product Description

EtherCAT Open-Loop Motion Control for NEMA 23 Applications

The DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit combines the practical advantages of a NEMA 23 stepper motor with EtherCAT-based industrial communication.

The open-loop stepper architecture is designed for applications where the control system does not require continuous encoder feedback. This can reduce hardware complexity and system cost compared with closed-loop stepper or servo solutions, while still providing precise incremental motor movement when the motor, load, acceleration, and operating speed are correctly matched.

The EtherCAT communication architecture makes this type of stepper drive suitable for modern machine platforms in which multiple motion axes need to be coordinated through an industrial network.

Instead of treating each motor as an isolated axis, the drive can become part of a broader motion-control architecture:

PLC / IPC / EtherCAT Master
↓
EtherCAT Network
↓
EtherCAT Stepper Driver
↓
2-Phase NEMA 23 Stepper Motor
↓
Ball Screw / Belt / Lead Screw / Mechanical Load

For equipment manufacturers, this architecture can be especially valuable when developing multi-axis machines that need centralized motion management.

Lichuan maintains a dedicated EtherCAT Bus Stepper Driver category alongside open-loop stepper drivers and other motor-control technologies, indicating that EtherCAT is an established part of its motion-control product portfolio.

Product Technology

EtherCAT + Open-Loop Stepper Technology

The technology of the DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit combines three main elements:

DC Power

A DC 24–50V supply provides energy to the driver.

Digital Motion Control

The driver controls the current supplied to the two motor phases according to the commanded position and speed profile.

EtherCAT Communication

The EtherCAT network allows the drive to receive motion commands and exchange status information with the machine controller.

Applicable Lichuan EtherCAT bus driver documentation identifies EtherCAT as the communication architecture and provides dedicated driver manuals within the company's technical download center.

Product Highlights

1. EtherCAT Industrial Communication

The DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit is designed for EtherCAT-connected motion-control systems. EtherCAT networking provides a scalable way to connect multiple drives to a centralized motion controller.

2. NEMA 23 / 57-Series Platform

The NEMA 23 format is widely used in CNC machines, linear stages, positioning systems and industrial automation equipment.

Lichuan's official two-phase 57-series motor family uses a 1.8° step angle and offers multiple torque/current combinations, making it suitable for motor selection based on actual machine load requirements.

3. Multiple Torque Options

Available configurations include:

0.6N·m
1.2N·m
1.8N·m
2.0N·m
2.4N·m
3.0N·m
3.5N·m

This range allows the kit to be configured for different mechanical loads and machine architectures.

4. DC 24–50V Power Supply

The drive is designed around a DC 24–50V supply range, supporting common industrial DC power architectures and giving system designers greater flexibility in machine power configuration.

5. 2.5A / 4.0A Current-Class Options

The available current classes allow the driver to be matched with different NEMA 23 motor winding requirements.

6. Open-Loop Operation

The system does not depend on encoder feedback for normal motion control. This provides a relatively simple and cost-efficient solution for applications with predictable load conditions.

7. Multi-Axis Motion Control

EtherCAT is particularly suitable for machine architectures involving multiple coordinated axes.

8. OEM-Oriented Product Platform

Lichuan provides a broader ecosystem covering stepper motors, open-loop stepper drivers, EtherCAT bus stepper drivers, closed-loop stepper products, servo systems, PLCs and HMIs. Its official download center also provides manuals, drawings, software and certificate resources.

Available Motor Torque Selection

Choose the Right Torque for Your Machine

The DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit is offered with multiple NEMA 23 torque configurations.

These descriptions are general application guidance rather than guaranteed load ratings. Actual motor selection must consider speed, acceleration, transmission ratio, inertia, friction, duty cycle and required safety margin.

Working Principle

How Does the DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit Work?

A two-phase stepper motor moves by energizing its stator windings in a controlled sequence.

The control process can be simplified as follows:

Motion Command
→
EtherCAT Communication
→
Driver Command Processing
→
Phase Current Control
→
Magnetic Field Generation
→
Rotor Step Movement
→
Mechanical Motion

The driver receives the motion command from an EtherCAT master and controls the motor phase currents accordingly.

Because the system is open loop, the controller does not normally use an encoder to continuously verify the motor's actual shaft position.

This makes the system comparatively simple, but it also means that motor sizing is critical.

A properly designed application should consider:

• load torque
• acceleration
• motor speed
• mechanical transmission ratio
• moving mass
• rotational inertia
• friction
• duty cycle
• power supply
• current setting

When the load exceeds the motor's available dynamic torque, the motor may lose synchronization. For applications that require encoder feedback or position correction, a closed-loop stepper or servo solution may be more appropriate.

Lichuan also provides closed-loop stepper motor products with built-in encoders for applications where open-loop control is not sufficient.

Why Open Loop?

Cost-Efficient Motion Control

Open-loop stepper technology remains attractive for applications where:

• load behavior is predictable;
• acceleration is moderate;
• the machine does not require continuous position feedback;
• cost reduction is important;
• simple system architecture is preferred.

The DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit can therefore be an effective solution between basic pulse-controlled stepper systems and more complex closed-loop or servo systems.

Product Applications

CNC Machines

The DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit is suitable for CNC axis positioning, engraving machines, routing systems, cutting machines and automated feed mechanisms.

Typical applications include:

• X/Y/Z axis movement
• spindle-positioning mechanisms
• automatic feed systems
• tool positioning
• worktable movement

Linear Motion Systems

Suitable for:

• ball-screw stages
• lead-screw stages
• belt-driven linear systems
• electric actuators
• positioning platforms
• pick-and-place stages

Automation Equipment

Possible applications include:

• material handling
• indexing systems
• assembly machines
• component positioning
• automated inspection equipment

Packaging Machinery

Potential uses include:

• product feeding
• indexing
• cutting
• labeling
• dispensing
• alignment mechanisms

Robotics

The kit can be used for selected robotic axes, auxiliary motion, linear mechanisms and positioning modules where open-loop control is appropriate.

3D Motion Equipment

The NEMA 23 platform can be used in larger-format motion systems, including selected 3D printing and fabrication equipment.

Laboratory and Test Equipment

The combination of EtherCAT communication and stepper motion can be useful in automated laboratory stages, sample positioning and repeatable test mechanisms.

Product Uses

Common Machine Functions

The DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit can be used for:

Positioning
Moving a mechanism to a defined position.

Indexing
Performing repeatable incremental movements.

Feeding
Driving material or components at controlled intervals.

Linear Traversing
Moving a platform along a mechanical axis.

Synchronization
Coordinating several machine axes through an EtherCAT system.

Repeat Motion
Performing repeated movements in CNC and automation equipment.

Product Advantages

Advantages for OEM Machine Builders

Networked Motion Architecture

EtherCAT allows motion axes to be connected within a common industrial communication system.

Flexible Motor Selection

Seven torque choices provide a broader NEMA 23 selection range for different mechanical requirements.

DC Power Compatibility

The DC 24–50V range can fit many machine-control architectures.

Open-Loop Cost Efficiency

Where feedback is not required, an open-loop stepper solution can reduce system complexity.

Multi-Axis Expansion

Network-based motion control can simplify the integration of additional axes, subject to the selected EtherCAT master and system architecture.

Broader Lichuan Product Ecosystem

Lichuan's product portfolio includes open-loop stepper motors, EtherCAT bus stepper drivers, closed-loop stepper systems, servo products and industrial control products.

Advantages for Distributors

The DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit is suitable for distributors serving:

• CNC builders
• automation integrators
• motion-control companies
• robotics developers
• machine manufacturers
• industrial maintenance customers
• educational automation projects

Multiple torque and current configurations also make it easier to offer a complete selection rather than a single fixed motor specification.

Advantages for DIY and C-End Users

For CNC hobbyists, machine builders and motion-control enthusiasts, the kit offers:

• NEMA 23 compatibility
• multiple torque choices
• EtherCAT communication
• DC 24–50V operation
• open-loop control
• industrial-style system integration

Users should still select the motor according to actual machine requirements rather than simply choosing the highest torque option.

Technical Parameter Table

Full Product Specifications

For exact driver peak current, microstep resolution, I/O configuration, EtherCAT profile, connector definition, protection functions, dimensions and other model-specific specifications, use the corresponding Lichuan driver datasheet rather than applying one model's specifications to all variants. Lichuan's official download center separates EtherCAT Bus Stepper Driver documentation from other stepper driver categories.

Motor Selection Guide

How to Choose the Right Torque

Do not select a DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit only by static torque.

The correct motor should be selected using the actual machine operating point.

Step 1 – Calculate Required Load Torque

Determine the torque required to move the load under normal operating conditions.

Step 2 – Consider Acceleration

High acceleration requires additional torque.

Step 3 – Consider Operating Speed

Stepper motor torque normally changes with speed, so the motor should be selected according to the actual speed-torque curve.

Step 4 – Consider Mechanical Transmission

Ball screws, lead screws, timing belts, pulleys and gearboxes have different efficiency and inertia characteristics.

Step 5 – Add Engineering Margin

Select a suitable torque margin so that normal operating conditions do not push the motor close to its limit.

Step 6 – Match Driver Current

The selected driver's current setting must match the motor's electrical specifications.

Installation and Operating Method

Installation Procedure

1. Check the Model

Confirm:

• motor model
• driver model
• torque
• rated/phase current
• power-supply voltage
• EtherCAT controller compatibility

2. Install the Motor

Mount the NEMA 23 motor securely to the machine structure.

Ensure that the mechanical coupling or transmission is properly aligned.

3. Connect DC Power

Connect a suitable DC power supply within the specified 24–50V range.

4. Connect the Motor

Connect the motor phases according to the exact Lichuan wiring diagram for the selected motor and driver.

5. Connect EtherCAT

Connect the driver to the EtherCAT network according to the system topology and controller documentation.

6. Configure the Drive

Set the applicable motor-current, motion and EtherCAT parameters.

7. Perform a Low-Speed Test

Verify:

• motor rotation
• direction
• EtherCAT communication
• acceleration
• deceleration
• abnormal vibration
• motor temperature
• mechanical interference

8. Test Under Load

Gradually introduce the machine load.

9. Final Commissioning

Confirm positioning repeatability, speed, acceleration, operating temperature and long-duration stability.

Lichuan's official download center provides product manuals, drawings, software and certificate resources to support engineering installation and commissioning.

Safety and Precautions

Important Safety Information

Power Supply

Never exceed the driver's specified input voltage.

Wiring

Do not connect or disconnect motor wiring while the driver is energized.

Motor Matching

Do not operate the motor outside its recommended current configuration.

Mechanical Load

Avoid exceeding the available dynamic torque at the required speed.

Heat Dissipation

Provide adequate ventilation and avoid installing the driver in an environment where heat cannot dissipate.

Open-Loop Limitation

Because the DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit does not continuously measure actual shaft position, it should not be treated as an encoder-feedback system.

Emergency Stop

The machine should use an appropriate system-level emergency-stop and power-isolation design.

Electrical Noise

Use suitable cable routing, grounding and EMC practices, especially in machines containing inverters, relays, contactors or high-power motors.

Environmental Conditions

Confirm ambient temperature, humidity, dust, vibration and enclosure requirements for the actual installation.

Production Process

Manufacturing Process

Raw Material Inspection

Motor and electronic components are checked against production requirements before entering assembly.

Precision Mechanical Processing

Motor housings, shafts and mounting components are processed according to the applicable product drawings.

Coil Winding

The motor windings are produced according to the designed electrical characteristics.

Rotor and Stator Assembly

The motor magnetic components are assembled into the motor body.

PCB Assembly

Electronic components are assembled into the stepper driver control board.

Firmware and Functional Configuration

Applicable firmware and drive settings are configured for the target product series.

Electrical Testing

The driver is checked for electrical functionality and operating performance.

Communication Testing

EtherCAT-capable models can be tested for communication and control functionality according to the applicable test procedure.

Motor Testing

Production testing may include electrical, mechanical and operating inspections according to the manufacturer's quality system.

Final Inspection

Final appearance, connectors, labels, accessories and packaging are inspected prior to shipment.

Documentation

Applicable user manuals, product drawings, software and certificates are prepared for customer use.

Lichuan's public download center confirms that its technical-documentation system includes driver manuals, PDF drawings, 3D drawings, software and certificates across the company's product families.

Quality Assurance

Quality You Can Build Into Your Machine

Lichuan's product portfolio includes dedicated stepper, bus-driver and servo product families, supported by an established technical-documentation system.

Recommended quality-control wording for the website:

Incoming Quality Control

Components are inspected according to applicable production requirements.

Process Quality Control

Critical manufacturing and assembly processes are monitored to maintain product consistency.

Electrical Functional Testing

Drivers undergo electrical and functional checks before shipment.

Communication Verification

Applicable EtherCAT products are tested for communication-related functions.

Final Product Inspection

Completed products are inspected before packaging and delivery.

Documentation Support

Applicable products can be supported with manuals, drawings, software and certificates.

Product Certificates

Certificates and Compliance

Lichuan maintains a public download center containing certificate resources for applicable products.

Recommended website statement:

Certificates & Compliance
Applicable Lichuan products may be supplied with relevant compliance and certification documentation depending on the exact model and configuration. Please contact Lichuan to obtain the certificate corresponding to the product you are purchasing.

Do not display a generic CE/RoHS claim on every SKU unless the certificate applies specifically to that model.

Technical Documentation

Engineering Resources

For B2B customers and system integrators, technical documentation is an important part of the product experience.

Available resources for applicable Lichuan product families include:

• Driver Manuals
• PDF Drawings
• 3D Drawings
• Software
• Product Catalogs
• Selection Guides
• Certificates

Lichuan's official download center specifically lists EtherCAT Bus Stepper Driver, Open-loop stepper driver (2 Phase) and multiple open-loop motor series.

OEM / ODM Service

Engineering and Customization Support

The DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit can be positioned for OEM and machine-builder projects where customers require a matched motor-and-driver solution.

Typical engineering support includes:

Application Evaluation

Share:

• load type
• required torque
• speed
• acceleration
• power supply
• number of axes
• controller model
• mechanical transmission

Model Selection

Lichuan can help identify a suitable motor and driver combination based on the application.

Sample Validation

Prototype quantities can be used for machine testing before production.

Bulk Production

The validated configuration can be transferred into volume purchasing.

Technical Support

Support can include wiring, documentation, parameter setup and application troubleshooting.

Company Introduction

About Lichuan

Shenzhen Lichuan Electric Co., Ltd. is a Chinese industrial automation manufacturer whose public product portfolio covers stepper motors, stepper drivers, EtherCAT bus products, closed-loop stepper systems, servo products, PLCs and HMI products.

The company's official website organizes its product resources into dedicated categories including:

• Open-loop stepper drivers
• EtherCAT Bus Stepper Drivers
• Closed-loop stepper drivers
• Open-loop stepper motors
• Closed-loop stepper motors
• EtherCAT integrated motors
• Servo systems
• PLC
• HMI

Its technical download center also provides documentation resources for these product categories.

Lichuan Product Development Philosophy

For industrial customers, the value of a motion-control supplier goes beyond an individual motor or driver. A broader product ecosystem makes it easier to standardize components across different machines and upgrade from open-loop stepper systems to closed-loop stepper or servo systems when application requirements increase.

Customer Service

Support Before, During and After Purchase

Before Purchase

Our team can help you confirm:

• required torque
• motor size
• current
• voltage
• EtherCAT compatibility
• number of axes
• mechanical transmission
• operating environment

During Purchase

Support can include:

• model confirmation
• motor/driver matching
• sample-order assistance
• wiring documentation
• technical documentation
• packaging and shipping coordination

After Purchase

Support can include:

• wiring guidance
• EtherCAT setup assistance
• parameter configuration
• troubleshooting
• replacement-part consultation
• technical-documentation support

FAQ

What is a DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit?

A DC Open Loop Stepper Motor Drivers Kit is a stepper motor motion-control package designed to operate a compatible stepper motor from a DC power supply without encoder feedback. This product configuration uses EtherCAT communication for networked motion control.

What motor size is used with this kit?

The product is designed around the NEMA 23 / 57-series two-phase stepper motor platform.

Lichuan's official two-phase 57-series open-loop motor family uses a 57-series frame and 1.8° step angle.

What torque options are available?

The product configuration supplied for this kit includes:

0.6N·m, 1.2N·m, 1.8N·m, 2.0N·m, 2.4N·m, 3.0N·m and 3.5N·m.

The exact torque/model mapping should be confirmed for the selected SKU before ordering.

What voltage does the driver use?

The specified input range is:

DC 24–50V

What current options are available?

The specified current configurations are:

2.5A / 4.0A

The exact rated and peak-current specification should be verified against the selected driver model.

Is this a closed-loop stepper system?

No. This is an open-loop stepper solution.

For applications requiring encoder feedback, stall detection or position-error correction, a closed-loop stepper or servo system may be more appropriate.

Does the driver support EtherCAT?

Yes. The product is designed around the EtherCAT industrial communication architecture.

Lichuan maintains a dedicated EtherCAT Bus Stepper Driver category and technical documentation.

Can it be used for CNC machines?

Yes. NEMA 23 open-loop stepper systems are commonly used for CNC positioning and other machine-axis applications when motor torque and speed are correctly matched to the load.

Can multiple axes be controlled?

EtherCAT is designed for networked motion control and is particularly suitable for multi-axis machine architectures.

How do I choose between 0.6N·m and 3.5N·m?

Choose the motor based on the actual machine torque requirement, speed, acceleration, load inertia, transmission efficiency and safety margin.

The highest holding torque is not automatically the best choice.

Can I use a 24V power supply?

The specified driver input range is DC 24–50V, so a suitable 24V system can be used when it satisfies the complete electrical requirements of the selected driver.

Can I use a 48V power supply?

A suitable 48V DC supply falls within the stated 24–50V input range, subject to the specific driver model and system requirements.

Is the motor included in the kit?

The exact package contents should be stated by SKU. Product configurations may differ, so the final order should confirm whether the package includes the motor, driver, cables and accessories.

What controller can I use?

Use an EtherCAT master/controller that is compatible with the communication and motion profile supported by the selected driver.

The exact controller compatibility should be confirmed during system design.

What is the difference between this product and a servo?

An open-loop stepper is generally simpler and more cost-oriented. A servo includes feedback and is designed for applications requiring higher dynamic performance and continuous position control.

A closed-loop stepper sits between these two architectures and adds encoder feedback while retaining stepper-based technology.

Does Lichuan provide technical manuals?

Yes. Lichuan's official download center includes driver manuals, drawings, software, selection guides and certificate resources for its product families.

Can Lichuan support OEM projects?

Lichuan's product portfolio and technical resources are structured for industrial automation applications, and customers can contact the company for product selection and application support.

Recommended Applications

Best-Fit Applications for the Product

The above is an application-positioning guide and should always be validated against the actual mechanical and performance requirements.

Product Comparison

Open-Loop Stepper vs Closed-Loop Stepper vs Servo