Makerbase MKS SERVO42C PCBA - NEMA 17 FOC Controller 7-28 V

Description

The MKS SERVO42C PCBA module from Makerbase is designed to control two-phase stepper motors in closed-loop position control systems. The controller uses a Field-Oriented Control (FOC) algorithm and a magnetic encoder to monitor the motor shaft position. The system enables position, speed and torque regulation, reducing the risk of missed steps while minimizing vibration and noise during motor operation. The module is designed for compatible stepper motors, including NEMA 17 models with a step angle of 1.8° or 0.9°. Applications include 3D printers, plotters, CNC machines and positioning mechanisms.

The controller operates with a DC supply voltage of 7 V to 28 V and allows motor current adjustment from 0 A to 3 A. The power stage uses four half-bridges built from eight MOSFET transistors to control the motor windings. The integrated FOC algorithm works with a PID controller to regulate position, speed and torque. The control loop update frequency is 10 kHz for position and speed and 20 kHz for torque. According to the manufacturer, the maximum motor speed is 1000 rpm, although achievable performance depends on the motor characteristics and mechanical load.

The 14-bit magnetic encoder measures the motor shaft position. Proper operation requires mounting a suitable magnet on the motor shaft and aligning the controller board with the magnet according to the installation instructions. The manufacturer specifies an angular control resolution of 0.08°. The module supports microstepping from 1 to 256, with standard settings of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 configurable directly on the device, while other settings can be configured through the serial interface. Closed-loop feedback allows the controller to correct motor position deviations within the available torque limits.

The MKS SERVO42C PCBA supports a UART (USART) interface for motor control, parameter monitoring and configuration using serial commands. The module can also operate in STEP/DIR control systems, including compatible 3D printer and CNC controller boards. An integrated OLED display and buttons allow local adjustment of selected operating parameters. Makerbase provides the MKS SERVO42C CONTROL TOOL software and communication protocol documentation. The availability of individual features and commands depends on the installed firmware version.

The board is designed for direct mounting onto a stepper motor. During installation, the magnet must be positioned concentrically on the motor shaft, suitable spacers must be fitted, and the motor windings must be connected according to the A+, A-, B+ and B- terminal markings. Before operation, all connections should be checked and calibration performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The PCBA version is intended for integration with a compatible stepper motor and does not include a complete motor assembly.

Features

• Technical specifications
  • Model: MKS SERVO42C PCBA
  • Manufacturer: Makerbase
  • Device type: closed-loop stepper motor controller
  • Supported motors: two-phase stepper motors, including NEMA 17
  • Supported motor step angles: 0.9° and 1.8°
  • Supply voltage: 7 V to 28 V DC
  • Motor current adjustment range: 0 A to 3 A
  • Maximum motor speed according to the manufacturer: 1000 rpm
  • Magnetic encoder resolution: 14 bits
  • Angular control resolution according to the manufacturer: 0.08°
  • Power stage: 4 half-bridges, 8 MOSFET transistors
• Control functions
  • Field-Oriented Control (FOC)
  • Closed-loop position, speed and torque control
  • Incremental PID controller
  • Position control loop update frequency: 10 kHz
  • Speed control loop update frequency: 10 kHz
  • Torque control loop update frequency: 20 kHz
  • Microstepping support from 1 to 256
  • Position correction based on magnetic encoder feedback
• Communication and configuration
  • UART (USART) communication interface
  • STEP/DIR control
  • OLED display for parameter monitoring and configuration
  • Buttons for local parameter adjustment
  • Support for MKS SERVO42C CONTROL TOOL software
  • Parameter configuration via serial communication
  • Documentation, schematics and firmware available in the manufacturer's repository
• Mounting and applications
  • Direct mounting onto a compatible stepper motor
  • Position measurement using a magnet mounted on the motor shaft
  • Designed for 3D printers, CNC machines, plotters and positioning systems
  • PCBA version without a stepper motor
  • Calibration required after installation

Kit includes

• 1x MKS SERVO42C PCBA controller (motor not included)
• 1x MKS APT adapter board
• 4x 304 stainless steel hex socket screws, 40 mm long
• 4x ABS spacers, 3 mm thick
• 1x neodymium encoder magnet, 6 x 2.5 mm
• 1x M3 Allen key
• 1x 4-pin motor cable, 3 cm long
• 1x 6-pin data cable, 60 cm long