Glossary · Motion control and drives
Load-adaptive current control
Also known as: Automatic current scaling, Adaptive motor current control
German: Automatische Stromregelung
In stepper motor control, load-adaptive current control is a driver function that adjusts the motor current automatically to the measured load, lowering it when little torque is needed and raising it when the load increases, so that the motor runs cooler and uses less energy while keeping a torque reserve.
- Motion control
In one sentence
Load-adaptive current control adjusts stepper current to the measured load, cutting heat and energy use while keeping a torque reserve.
Example
A conveyor's stepper-driven diverter runs at 30 % current most of the time, and the driver raises the current automatically when a heavy parcel hits the flap.
How it applies
- Engineering: The function relies on Sensorless load measurement and needs lower and upper current limits and a reaction speed. Vendors use trade names, for example ADI Trinamic CoolStep; keep in mind that product names change.
- Commissioning: If the current rises too slowly, sudden load steps cause Step loss. Test with the fastest load change the application sees.
- Operation: Motor current, and with it temperature and noise, changes with the load. This is intended behavior.
- Documentation: Explain that a varying motor current or temperature is normal with this function active, so service staff don't report it as a fault. Give the current limits and state that the function saves energy only when the load allows it.