Makerbase MKS SERVO57C MB1 - NEMA 23 Stepper Driver

Description

The MKS SERVO57C MB1 stepper motor driver from Makerbase is designed to control two-phase NEMA 23 stepper motors in closed-loop systems. The module features a 32-bit AT32F421 microcontroller with an ARM Cortex-M4 core running at 120 MHz and a 14-bit magnetic encoder for measuring the actual angular position of the motor shaft. The integrated Field-Oriented Control (FOC) algorithm adjusts motor operation based on encoder feedback, reducing the risk of missed steps and motor vibration. The driver is suitable for CNC machines, robotics, automation, 3D printers and positioning mechanisms requiring motor motion control.

The MKS SERVO57C MB1 operates with a supply voltage of 12 V to 24 V DC and supports an operating current range of 0 A to 5.2 A. The design uses AH30H80Q MOSFETs and a control system providing torque, speed and position regulation. The torque control loop operates at an update frequency of 20 kHz, while the speed and position control loops operate at 10 kHz. The manufacturer specifies a maximum rotational speed exceeding 3000 rpm. The driver supports configurable step subdivision from 1 to 256, with a default setting of 1/16 step. Internal interpolation up to 1/256 step helps improve motor motion smoothness at low rotational speeds.

The module provides STEP/DIR pulse control inputs with a maximum signal frequency of 120 kHz. The driver accepts input signal voltage levels from 3.3 V to 24 V, allowing control signals to be received from motion controllers and PLCs. It supports open-loop operation, closed-loop current regulation, FOC control and serial communication mode. In feedback-based operating modes, the encoder provides information about the current rotor position, allowing the controller to adjust motor operation. The module also allows configuration of motor rotation direction, motor current, microstep resolution and stall protection.

The driver features USART (TTL) and RS485 communication interfaces for configuring operating parameters and controlling the motor from a host device. Serial communication supports transmission rates from 9600 to 256000 bit/s, while the RS485 bus allows addressing of up to 255 slave devices and supports a broadcast address. The RS485 communication circuit uses a MAX13487E transceiver. Makerbase provides the MKS SERVO57C CONTROL TOOL software for adjusting operating parameters, reading motor position, monitoring rotational speed and checking drive status. The driver also supports motor calibration and restoration of factory settings.

The MKS SERVO57C MB1 is designed for mounting on the rear of a NEMA 23 stepper motor, with the magnetic sensor aligned with a magnet attached to the motor shaft. The manufacturer recommends a distance of 0.5 mm to 3 mm between the magnet and sensor, with a maximum axis misalignment of 0.3 mm. The included MKS APT adapter board facilitates signal connections, while two 15 x 14.5 x 13 mm heatsinks help dissipate heat generated by the driver electronics. The kit also contains a 6 x 2.5 mm radial magnet, four M3 x 7 mm screws, ABS spacers, a hex key and a 60 cm 6-pin signal cable. The kit does not include a stepper motor. Before operation, the motor winding connections, driver configuration and alignment of the magnet with the encoder must be checked.

Features

• Technical specifications
  • Model: MKS SERVO57C MB1
  • Manufacturer: Makerbase
  • Device type: closed-loop stepper motor driver
  • Designed for: two-phase NEMA 23 stepper motors
  • Number of controlled motors: 1
  • Microcontroller: AT32F421
  • Microcontroller architecture: 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4
  • Clock frequency: 120 MHz
  • MOSFETs: AH30H80Q
  • Encoder: 14-bit magnetic encoder
  • Encoder resolution: 16,384 positions per revolution
  • Supply voltage: 12 V to 24 V DC
  • Operating current range: 0 A to 5.2 A
  • Maximum rotational speed according to the manufacturer: over 3000 rpm
• Motor control
  • Control algorithm: FOC (Field-Oriented Control)
  • Operating modes: open loop, closed loop, FOC, serial control
  • Torque, speed and position regulation
  • Torque control loop update frequency: 20 kHz
  • Speed control loop update frequency: 10 kHz
  • Position control loop update frequency: 10 kHz
  • Pulse control interface: STEP/DIR
  • Maximum pulse signal frequency: 120 kHz
  • Control input voltage: 3.3 V to 24 V
  • Configurable step subdivision: 1 to 256
  • Default step subdivision: 1/16
  • Internal interpolation: up to 1/256 step
  • Motor current adjustment
  • Motor rotation direction configuration
  • Motor calibration function
  • Motor stall protection
• Interfaces and configuration
  • USART (TTL) serial interface
  • RS485 communication interface
  • RS485 transceiver: MAX13487E
  • Serial transmission rates: 9600 to 256000 bit/s
  • Number of RS485 slave addresses: 255
  • Broadcast address support
  • Parameter configuration via serial communication
  • MKS SERVO57C CONTROL TOOL software support
  • Motor position and operating status monitoring
  • Factory settings restoration
• Design and installation
  • Mounting on the rear of a NEMA 23 stepper motor
  • Position measurement using a radial magnet
  • Recommended magnet-to-sensor distance: 0.5 mm to 3 mm
  • Maximum recommended magnet axis misalignment: 0.3 mm
  • MKS APT signal adapter board
  • Two heatsinks measuring 15 x 14.5 x 13 mm
  • 60 cm 6-pin signal cable

Kit Includes

• 1x Makerbase MKS SERVO57C MB1 stepper motor driver
• 1x MKS APT adapter board
• 4x M3 x 7 mm hex socket head screws
• 4x ABS spacers, 3 mm
• 1x radial magnet, 6 x 2.5 mm
• 1x M3 hex key
• 1x 6-pin signal cable, 60 cm
• 2x heatsinks, 15 x 14.5 x 13 mm