Keep the command rate fixed before changing it
- At 100 commands/s, compare 30 rpm and 15 rpm. Predict the ratio before checking.
- Select half-step mode. Observe the angle per command and commands needed for a 90° turn.
- Increase to 200 commands/s. Half-stepping returns to the initial 30 rpm.
- Reset and explain what increased: commands per revolution, command rate or both.
Solution: twice as many commands for one revolution
Full-step: 100 × 60 / 200 = 30 rpm
Half-step: 100 × 60 / 400 = 15 rpm
For 90°: resolution × 90/360
Half-step: 100 × 60 / 400 = 15 rpm
For 90°: resolution × 90/360
A 90° turn takes 50 full-step commands or 100 half-step commands. At 100 commands/s, the ideal moves take 0.5 s and 1 s. Doubling the half-step command rate matches the duration, provided the real system follows every command.
The selector changes which mode you inspect while both remain visible for comparison. Changing command rate changes both speeds; their 2:1 ratio remains.
This assumes perfect step tracking
Acceleration, torque, load, actual coil currents and missed steps are not simulated. Command rate is a request, not a rotation measurement. The full tool shows the electrical sequence and direction; this activity isolates resolution and speed.
At 250 commands/s, what ideal speeds do the two modes give?
75 rpm in full-step mode and 37.5 rpm in half-step mode. The ratio stays two even when absolute values change.