Stepper Motors v. Solenoids
 

Can anyone explain to me how stepper motors and solenoids work? I know they both have the same function, but what makes solenoids transmit information faster than stepper motors? Please help.

If I remember rightly...

A stepper motor has multiple coils (at least 4), the motor is controlled by switching the coils on and off, each coil once switched will more the rotor arm through X degrees.

A solenoid is not a motor (at least I can't remember seeing one), it's used a bit like a piston, it moves back and forth and only needs one coil but it may have more. i.e. the dials on the car dashboard are controlled by stepper motors, you'll also find them in desktop printers.

very good!

A solenoid is a type of linear actuator - it's either on or off. Basically, it's an electromagnetic coil around a moveable metal core. The metal core is usually connected to a mechanical spring which returns it to it's original position when the coil isn't energized.

A stepper motor is (generally) a rotary motor that operates as derek60 explained - each pulse of the motor controller rotates the shaft "X" degrees (where "X" is equal to 360 divided by the number of steps per revolution). These are the cheapest type of position-controllable motors, but they tend to operate noisily compared to servomotors.

*sigh*... I've been doing this too long...

Thanks for the clarification :).

Anytime... if you ever want a long-winded answer to a simple question, just ask an engineer... we're always ready to pretend to understand stuff. :)

Engineers are awesome :).