inductive load

[Carolien]

I would like to use the BNC-2120 ( DAQ) to drive a stepping motor (4 phase, unipolar, 1A/coil and supply 4.3V). The idea is to ground the commons and pull the other end of the coil up to the supplyvoltage by giving a digital 1 (5V).
I was told I could avoid damage due to voltagespikes by using a flyback diode. Is this enough protection or would it be better to look for an other driver for my motor?

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

A typical DAQ card does not have enough current drive to power a stepper motor directly. You typically can use a stepper motor driver card to which the DAQ card can supply digital signals to set the direction and speed of hte motor. A counter/timer portion of a DAQ card (if so equipped) is the best choice for generating the speed signal. If you search the forums for stepper, you will likely find dozens of threads regarding this topic.

You are correct about the use of diodes for transient spike supression.

Message Edited by AnalogKid2DigitalMan on 02-07-2006 09:17 AM