What is a CNC Driver Board?

The CNC driver board is one of the core components of a computer numerical control (CNC) system. Its main function is to receive commands sent by the controller, convert these signals into the power needed for the motor to operate, and allow the machine to perform tasks according to the given instructions, thus enabling precise operations of CNC equipment.

1. Working Principle

• Signal Reception: The control unit of the CNC system sends control signals, which inform the driver board about the speed and position of the motor's movement.
• Signal Amplification: To ensure there is enough power to drive the motor, the driver board amplifies the received control signals.
• Conversion to Motor Drive Signals: The amplified signals are then converted into drive signals that the motor can understand. For instance, for a stepper motor, the driver board sends a series of pulse signals to indicate the number of steps for each movement; for a servo motor, it adjusts current and voltage as needed to achieve the desired speed and position.
• Motor Movement: The motor starts moving upon receiving the drive signals.

2. Classification of CNC Driver Boards

a. Stepper Motor Driver Board

• Features: This is one of the most common CNC driver boards, specifically designed for stepper motors. It precisely controls position through step movements, suitable for applications requiring high accuracy and low speed.
• Applications: Commonly used in small CNC machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, etc.

b. Servo Motor Driver Board

• Features: Used to control servo motors, usually equipped with a feedback system that can adjust the motor's position and speed in real-time. Compared to stepper driver boards, servo motors have higher efficiency, greater precision, and faster response, typically suitable for large industrial CNC equipment.
• Applications: Widely used in high-end CNC machines, metal processing, and robotics.

c. Single-Axis Driver Board

• Features: A driver board specifically for controlling a single motor, designed simply and suitable for basic applications.
• Applications: Suitable for small devices or simple motion control systems.

d. Multi-Axis Driver Board

• Features: Capable of controlling multiple motors simultaneously, supporting complex multi-axis coordination. Multi-axis driver boards typically have more complex control logic and interfaces.
• Applications: Used in multi-axis CNC machines, 3D engravers, robotic arms, etc., that require simultaneous control of multiple motion axes.

e. Open-Loop Driver Board

• Features: Lacks a feedback mechanism and controls the motor through preset signals, suitable for simple applications with low cost and light load.
• Applications: Commonly used in cost-effective scenarios, such as lightweight engravers, laser cutters, and automatic door control systems.

f. Closed-Loop Driver Board

• Features: Equipped with a feedback system that can monitor the motor status in real-time and make adjustments, improving control precision and stability, suitable for high-demand applications.
• Applications: Used in industrial robots, electric vehicle power systems, automated medical devices, etc.

g. Integrated Driver Board

• Features: Some driver boards integrate additional functions, including motion control, servo control, and signal processing, typically smaller in size, with a simpler design but higher performance and greater scalability.
• Applications: Widely used in industrial, medical, and consumer electronics.

At Tecoo, we focus on providing professional driver board solutions including stepper motor driver boards, servo motor driver boards, multi-axis driver boards, integrated driver boards, etc. Each driver board has its specific application scenarios and performance advantages. By choosing the appropriate driver board for different application scenarios, tecoo can well meet the needs of customers in different industrial applications and improve production efficiency.