EM542S Stepper Drive

50VDC, 4.2A

As the next generation of MSD542-v2 drive, the EM542S model is a new digital stepper drive based on Leadshine’s widely implemented DM stepper drives (10+ millions of units in field). While retaining features of simple design, easy setup, high precision and reliability, this drive is upgraded by adopting the latest stepper control technology and added additional advanced features for better torque (10-25%), quicker response time, control command smoothing, easy self-test, etc.

The EM542S stepper drive is able to power 2-phase (1.8°) and 4-phase (0.9°) stepper motors smoothly with very low motor heating & noise. It can take 20-50VDC supply voltage and output 0.5 to 4.2A current. All the micro step and output current configurations can be easily done via built in DIP switches. Its control type (step & direction or CW/CCW) and command smooth filtering can also be configured via DIP switches. Therefore, the EM542S stepper drive is an ideal choice for many applications requiring simple step & direction or CW/CCW control of NEMA 17, 23, and 24 stepper motors. 

EM542S Features

• Step & direction (PUL/DIR) or CW/CCW (double pulse) control
• 20-50VDC supply voltage
• 200 KHz (500KHz optional) max pulse input frequency 
• 16 microstep resolutions of 200-25,600 via DIP switches, or 200-51,200 via software (increase by 200)
• 8 output current settings of 1.0-4.2A via DIP Switches, or 0.5-4.2A via software (increase by 0.1)
• Configurable control command smoothing for reducing motor vibration
• Idle current reduction to 50% or 90% selection via SW4
• Convenient self-test for easy diagnosis
• Auto-tuning to match wide-range NEMA 17, 23, 24 stepper motors
• Anti-Resonance for optimal torque, extra smooth motion, low motor heating and noise
• Soft-start with no “jump” when powered on
• Optically isolated inputs with 5V or 24V 
• Fault and Brake output
• Over-voltage, over-current and motor cable error protections
• CE certified and RoHS compliant

Typical Applications

The EM542S stepper drive is designed to power 2-phase (1.8°) or 4-phase (0.9°) NEMA17, 23 and 24 hybrid stepper motors. It can be adopted in many industries (CNC machinery, electronics, medical, automation, packaging…) for applications such as CNC routers, mills, plasma, laser cutters, factory assembly lines, vending machines, etc. Its excellent performance, simple design, and easy setup features make EM542S ideal for many step & direction control type applications.

For more technical information, please download the datasheet (manual) below. Or alternatively, please contact our technical sales team at (+44) 01202 599922 or by email