Makerbase MKS SERVO57D RS485 MB - NEMA 23 Motor Driver

Description

The MKS SERVO57D RS485 MB stepper motor driver from Makerbase is designed to control two-phase NEMA 23 stepper motors in closed-loop systems. The design uses a 32-bit N32L406 microcontroller with an ARM Cortex-M4 core, the FOC (Field-Oriented Control) vector control algorithm and a 14-bit magnetic encoder. The encoder measures the actual motor shaft position, allowing the controller to detect deviations from the target position and correct motor operation. Closed-loop control reduces the risk of missed steps and supports smooth motor operation. The driver is designed for CNC machines, robotics, automation, 3D printers and positioning mechanisms.

The MKS SERVO57D RS485 MB operates at a supply voltage of 12 V to 24 V DC and supports adjustable motor current from 0 A to 5.2 A. The FOC algorithm enables torque, speed and position control based on encoder feedback. The driver supports relative and absolute positioning, motor current configuration, and acceleration and deceleration profiles. Microstep subdivision can be configured from 1 to 256, with a default setting of 1/16 step. The manufacturer also provides motor calibration, stall detection and factory reset functions. Operating parameters must be selected according to the motor specifications and cooling conditions.

The module provides STEP/DIR pulse control and an RS485 communication interface. The STP, DIR and EN inputs are used to command steps, select the direction of rotation and enable motor operation. The pulse control signals feature optocoupler isolation and a common COM terminal. RS485 communication enables driver parameter configuration, operating status monitoring and control of multiple devices over a shared bus. The system supports slave device addressing and a broadcast address. The board also features IN1 and IN2 inputs for connecting limit switches and OUT1 and OUT2 outputs for drive status indication. The built-in display and three buttons labeled Next, Enter and Menu allow direct access to driver settings.

The MKS SERVO57D RS485 MB PCB measures 52 x 52 mm and is designed for installation on the rear of a NEMA 23 stepper motor. A four-position screw terminal connects the motor windings to the A+, A-, B+ and B- terminals, while the remaining screw terminals provide access to the power supply, control signals and communication lines. The aluminum housing and silicone thermal pad help dissipate heat from the electronics. The kit also includes a 6 x 2.5 mm radial magnet, an MKS APT adapter and a 100 cm XH2.54 6-pin cable, with one end stripped and tinned over a length of 5 mm. The supplied screws and Allen wrench allow the driver to be mounted on the motor. The kit does not include a stepper motor. Before operation, the power supply polarity, motor winding connections and magnet alignment relative to the encoder must be verified.

Features

• Technical specifications
  • Model: MKS SERVO57D RS485 MB
  • Manufacturer: Makerbase
  • Device type: closed-loop stepper motor driver
  • Designed for: two-phase NEMA 23 stepper motors
  • Number of controlled motors: 1
  • Number of channels: 1
  • Microcontroller: N32L406
  • Microcontroller architecture: 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4
  • Encoder: 14-bit magnetic encoder
  • Encoder resolution: 16384 positions per revolution
  • Supply voltage: 12 V to 24 V DC
  • Adjustable motor current range: 0 A to 5.2 A
  • PCB dimensions: 52 x 52 mm
• Motor control
  • Control algorithm: FOC (Field-Oriented Control)
  • Closed-loop control with position feedback
  • Torque, speed and position control
  • Pulse control interface: STEP/DIR
  • Pulse control inputs: STP, DIR, EN, COM
  • Configurable microstep subdivision: 1 to 256
  • Default microstep subdivision: 1/16
  • Relative and absolute position control
  • Acceleration and deceleration profile support
  • Motor current and operating parameter configuration
  • Motor calibration function
  • Motor stall detection function
• Interfaces and communication
  • Communication interface: RS485
  • RS485 communication speeds: 9600 to 256000 bit/s
  • Support for up to 255 slave device addresses
  • Broadcast address support
  • Communication with multiple drivers over a shared RS485 bus
  • RS485 terminals: A, B
  • Optocoupler isolation of control inputs
  • Limit switch inputs: IN1, IN2
  • Signal outputs: OUT1, OUT2
  • Parameter configuration and monitoring via serial communication
  • Support for MKS ServoD Control software
• Design and mounting
  • Designed for mounting on the rear of a NEMA 23 stepper motor
  • Motor winding terminals: A+, A-, B+, B-
  • Screw terminals for the power supply and control signals
  • Built-in display for configuration and diagnostics
  • Three control buttons: Next, Enter, Menu
  • Aluminum housing for improved heat dissipation
  • Silicone thermal pad
  • Position measurement using a radial magnet
  • MKS APT signal adapter board
  • 100 cm XH2.54 6-pin cable
  • Factory reset function

Kit Includes

• 1x Makerbase MKS SERVO57D RS485 MB stepper motor driver
• 1x aluminum housing
• 1x silicone thermal pad
• 1x radial magnet, 6 x 2.5 mm
• 4x M3 x 13 mm hex socket head screw
• 3x M2 x 4 mm Phillips head screw
• 1x M3 Allen wrench
• 1x XH2.54 6-pin cable, 100 cm, with one end stripped and tinned over a length of 5 mm
• 1x MKS APT adapter board