
- Electrical Machines - Home
- Basic Concepts
- Electromechanical Energy Conversion
- Energy Stored in Magnetic Field
- Singly-Excited and Doubly Excited Systems
- Rotating Electrical Machines
- Electrical Machines Types
- Faraday’s Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
- Concept of Induced EMF
- Fleming's Left Hand and Right Hand Rules
- Transformers
- Electrical Transformer
- Construction of Transformer
- EMF Equation of Transformer
- Turns Ratio and Voltage Transformation Ratio
- Ideal Transformer
- Practical Transformer
- Ideal and Practical Transformers
- Transformer on DC
- Losses in a Transformer
- Efficiency of Transformer
- 3-Phase Transformer
- Types of Transformers
- More on Transformers
- Transformer Working Principle
- Single-Phase Transformer Working Principle
- 3-Phase Transformer Principle
- 3-Phase Induction Motor Torque-Slip
- 3-Phase Induction Motor Torque-Speed
- 3-Phase Transformer Harmonics
- Double-Star Connection (3-6 Phase)
- Double-delta Connection (3-6 Phase)
- Transformer Ratios
- Voltage Regulation
- Delta-Star Connection (3-Phase)
- Star-Delta Connection (3-Phase)
- Autotransformer Conversion
- Back-to-back Test (Sumpner's Test)
- Transformer Voltage Drop
- Autotransformer Output
- Open and Short Circuit Test
- 3-Phase Autotransformer
- Star-Star Connection
- 6-Phase Diametrical Connections
- Circuit Test (Three-Winding)
- Potential Transformer
- Transformers Parallel Operation
- Open Delta (V-V) Connection
- Autotransformer
- Current Transformer
- No-Load Current Wave
- Transformer Inrush Current
- Transformer Vector Groups
- 3 to 12-Phase Transformers
- Scott-T Transformer Connection
- Transformer kVA Rating
- Three-Winding Transformer
- Delta-Delta Connection Transformer
- Transformer DC Supply Issue
- Equivalent Circuit Transformer
- Simplified Equivalent Circuit of Transformer
- Transformer No-Load Condition
- Transformer Load Condition
- OTI WTI Transformer
- CVT Transformer
- Isolation vs Regular Transformer
- Dry vs Oil-Filled
- DC Machines
- Construction of DC Machines
- Types of DC Machines
- Working Principle of DC Generator
- EMF Equation of DC Generator
- Derivation of EMF Equation DC Generator
- Types of DC Generators
- Working Principle of DC Motor
- Back EMF in DC Motor
- Types of DC Motors
- Losses in DC Machines
- Applications of DC Machines
- More on DC Machines
- DC Generator
- DC Generator Armature Reaction
- DC Generator Commutator Action
- Stepper vs DC Motors
- DC Shunt Generators Critical Resistance
- DC Machines Commutation
- DC Motor Characteristics
- Synchronous Generator Working Principle
- DC Generator Characteristics
- DC Generator Demagnetizing & Cross-Magnetizing
- DC Motor Voltage & Power Equations
- DC Generator Efficiency
- Electric Breaking of DC Motors
- DC Motor Efficiency
- Four Quadrant Operation of DC Motors
- Open Circuit Characteristics of DC Generators
- Voltage Build-Up in Self-Excited DC Generators
- Types of Armature Winding in DC Machines
- Torque in DC Motors
- Swinburne’s Test of DC Machine
- Speed Control of DC Shunt Motor
- Speed Control of DC Series Motor
- DC Motor of Speed Regulation
- Hopkinson's Test
- Permanent Magnet DC Motor
- Permanent Magnet Stepper Motor
- DC Servo Motor Theory
- DC Series vs Shunt Motor
- BLDC Motor vs PMSM Motor
- Induction Motors
- Introduction to Induction Motor
- Single-Phase Induction Motor
- 3-Phase Induction Motor
- Construction of 3-Phase Induction Motor
- 3-Phase Induction Motor on Load
- Characteristics of 3-Phase Induction Motor
- Speed Regulation and Speed Control
- Methods of Starting 3-Phase Induction Motors
- More on Induction Motors
- 3-Phase Induction Motor Working Principle
- 3-Phase Induction Motor Rotor Parameters
- Double Cage Induction Motor Equivalent Circuit
- Induction Motor Equivalent Circuit Models
- Slip Ring vs Squirrel Cage Induction Motors
- Single-Cage vs Double-Cage Induction Motor
- Induction Motor Equivalent Circuits
- Induction Motor Crawling & Cogging
- Induction Motor Blocked Rotor Test
- Induction Motor Circle Diagram
- 3-Phase Induction Motors Applications
- 3-Phase Induction Motors Torque Ratios
- Induction Motors Power Flow Diagram & Losses
- Determining Induction Motor Efficiency
- Induction Motor Speed Control by Pole-Amplitude Modulation
- Induction Motor Inverted or Rotor Fed
- High Torque Cage Motors
- Double-Cage Induction Motor Torque-Slip Characteristics
- 3-Phase Induction Motors Starting Torque
- 3-phase Induction Motor - Rotor Resistance Starter
- 3-phase Induction Motor Running Torque
- 3-Phase Induction Motor - Rotating Magnetic Field
- Isolated Induction Generator
- Capacitor-Start Induction Motor
- Capacitor-Start Capacitor-Run Induction Motor
- Winding EMFs in 3-Phase Induction Motors
- Split-Phase Induction Motor
- Shaded Pole Induction Motor
- Repulsion-Start Induction-Run Motor
- Repulsion Induction Motor
- PSC Induction Motor
- Single-Phase Induction Motor Performance Analysis
- Linear Induction Motor
- Single-Phase Induction Motor Testing
- 3-Phase Induction Motor Fault Types
- Synchronous Machines
- Introduction to 3-Phase Synchronous Machines
- Construction of Synchronous Machine
- Working of 3-Phase Alternator
- Armature Reaction in Synchronous Machines
- Output Power of 3-Phase Alternator
- Losses and Efficiency of an Alternator
- Losses and Efficiency of 3-Phase Alternator
- Working of 3-Phase Synchronous Motor
- Equivalent Circuit and Power Factor of Synchronous Motor
- Power Developed by Synchronous Motor
- More on Synchronous Machines
- AC Motor Types
- Induction Generator (Asynchronous Generator)
- Synchronous Speed Slip of 3-Phase Induction Motor
- Armature Reaction in Alternator at Leading Power Factor
- Armature Reaction in Alternator at Lagging Power Factor
- Stationary Armature vs Rotating Field Alternator Advantages
- Synchronous Impedance Method for Voltage Regulation
- Saturated & Unsaturated Synchronous Reactance
- Synchronous Reactance & Impedance
- Significance of Short Circuit Ratio in Alternator
- Hunting Effect Alternator
- Hydrogen Cooling in Synchronous Generators
- Excitation System of Synchronous Machine
- Equivalent Circuit Phasor Diagram of Synchronous Generator
- EMF Equation of Synchronous Generator
- Cooling Methods for Synchronous Generators
- Assumptions in Synchronous Impedance Method
- Armature Reaction at Unity Power Factor
- Voltage Regulation of Alternator
- Synchronous Generator with Infinite Bus Operation
- Zero Power Factor of Synchronous Generator
- Short Circuit Ratio Calculation of Synchronous Machines
- Speed-Frequency Relationship in Alternator
- Pitch Factor in Alternator
- Max Reactive Power in Synchronous Generators
- Power Flow Equations for Synchronous Generator
- Potier Triangle for Voltage Regulation in Alternators
- Parallel Operation of Alternators
- Load Sharing in Parallel Alternators
- Slip Test on Synchronous Machine
- Constant Flux Linkage Theorem
- Blondel's Two Reaction Theory
- Synchronous Machine Oscillations
- Ampere Turn Method for Voltage Regulation
- Salient Pole Synchronous Machine Theory
- Synchronization by Synchroscope
- Synchronization by Synchronizing Lamp Method
- Sudden Short Circuit in 3-Phase Alternator
- Short Circuit Transient in Synchronous Machines
- Power-Angle of Salient Pole Machines
- Prime-Mover Governor Characteristics
- Power Input of Synchronous Generator
- Power Output of Synchronous Generator
- Power Developed by Salient Pole Motor
- Phasor Diagrams of Cylindrical Rotor Moto
- Synchronous Motor Excitation Voltage Determination
- Hunting Synchronous Motor
- Self-Starting Synchronous Motor
- Unidirectional Torque Production in Synchronous Motor
- Effect of Load Change on Synchronous Motor
- Field Excitation Effect on Synchronous Motor
- Output Power of Synchronous Motor
- Input Power of Synchronous Motor
- V Curves & Inverted V Curves of Synchronous Motor
- Torque in Synchronous Motor
- Construction of 3-Phase Synchronous Motor
- Synchronous Motor
- Synchronous Condenser
- Power Flow in Synchronous Motor
- Types of Faults in Alternator
- Miscellaneous Topics
- Electrical Generator
- Determining Electric Motor Load
- Solid State Motor Starters
- Characteristics of Single-Phase Motor
- Types of AC Generators
- Three-Point Starter
- Four-Point Starter
- Ward Leonard Speed Control Method
- Pole Changing Method
- Stator Voltage Control Method
- DOL Starter
- Star-Delta Starter
- Hysteresis Motor
- 2-Phase & 3-Phase AC Servo Motors
- Repulsion Motor
- Reluctance Motor
- Stepper Motor
- PCB Motor
- Single-Stack Variable Reluctance Stepper Motor
- Schrage Motor
- Hybrid Schrage Motor
- Multi-Stack Variable Reluctance Stepper Motor
- Universal Motor
- Step Angle in Stepper Motor
- Stepper Motor Torque-Pulse Rate Characteristics
- Distribution Factor
- Electrical Machines Basic Terms
- Synchronizing Torque Coefficient
- Synchronizing Power Coefficient
- Metadyne
- Motor Soft Starter
- CVT vs PT
- Metering CT vs Protection CT
- Stator and Rotor in Electrical Machines
- Electric Motor Winding
- Electric Motor
- Useful Resources
- Quick Guide
- Resources
- Discussion
Difference between Stepper Motor and DC Motor
An electric motor is an electromechanical energy conversion device which converts the electrical energy input into mechanical energy output in the form of rotation of shaft.
Based on the types of electric supply and working, the electric motors are classified in many types such as DC motors, induction motors, synchronous motors, stepper motors, servo motors, and many more.

In this article, we will highlight all the major differences between a stepper motor and a DC motor. But, before discussing the differences, let's start with some basics of stepper motor and DC motor.
What is a Stepper Motor?
A type of brushless DC electric motor for which a full rotation of the rotor is divided into equal steps is known as stepper motor.
The stepper motors consist of many evenly spaced windings of wire on its stator, these windings act as magnetic poles when electric power is supplied. The rotor of the stepper motor is made of permanent magnet pairs in a gear shape.
The stepper motor is equipped with an electronic motor controller that switches the current to each successive stator winding to magnetically move the rotor from one pole to the next.
As from the above discussion it is clear that the operator can control the rotation of the rotor effectively for precise and stepwise rotational movements, thus for this reason these motors are called as stepper motors.
One great advantage of the stepper motors is that they can provide a holding torque, i.e. a positive toque at zero speed, which makes these motor suitable for various positioning applications like robotics. However, the stepper motors are less efficient than normal DC motors.
The stepper motors are extensively used in hard disc drives, printers and many other control systems, etc.
What is a DC Motor?
As its name suggests, a DC motor is the type of electric motor that converts the electrical energy in form of direct current (DC) into mechanical energy (rotation of shaft).
The DC motors have two types of constructions namely brushed DC motor and brushless DC motor. But, when we use the keyword DC motor, it simply means that we are talking about brushed DC motor.
A DC motor consists of a stator part which forms the magnetic field system and a rotor part that acts as the armature of the motor. A commutator is also mounted on the shaft of the rotor. The commutator segments are connected to the ends of the armature winding. The carbon brushes are used to make the electrical contact with the commutator and the armature. Therefore, in order to start the DC motor, a direct current is allowed to pass into the armature winding through the commutator and brushes.
The electric current flowing through the armature winding produces a magnetic field which interacts with the magnetic field of stator to produce a torque on the rotor. Due to this torque, the rotor spins to produce output mechanical energy at the shaft.
The DC motors are commonly used in electronic devices, cranes, toys, elevators and lifts, power tools, and in many other appliances.
Difference Between Stepper Motor and DC Motor
Though a stepper motor is also a DC motor, but there are many differences between them that are listed in the following table
Basis of Difference | Stepper Motor | DC Motor |
---|---|---|
Definition | A brushless DC motor in which a full rotation of shaft is divided into equal steps is called a stepper motor. | A type of electric motor which uses DC power to produce mechanical energy is called a DC motor. |
Type | Stepper motor is a brushless motor. | DC motor may be brushed or brushless motor. |
Speed | The speed of stepper motor is low, about 200 to 2000 RPM. | DC motors have moderate speed range depending on the type of motor. |
Torque-speed characteristics | Stepper motors produce maximum torque at low speeds. The toque decreases as speed increases. | DC motors produce high torque at low speeds. |
Control mechanism | The control mechanism of stepper motor needs microcontrollers. | The control mechanism of DC motors is simple and no need of extra devices like microcontrollers. |
Efficiency | The efficiency of stepper motors is low. | The DC motors have high efficiency around 85%. |
Reliability | The stepper motors are highly reliable. | The reliability of DC motors is moderate. |
Motion | Stepper motors have incremental motion. | DC motors have continuous motion. |
Response | Stepper motors give slow response. | A DC motor equipped with feedback control can give a much faster response than a stepper motor. |
Service type | The stepper motors are not meant for continuous use because they tend to run hot when powered for a long duration. | DC motors are designed to operate continuously without much problem. |
Maintenance | Stepper motors do not need constant maintenance because they do not have brushes. | DC motors require constant brush maintenance to prevent failure. |
Applications | Stepper motors are used in various position control applications such as robotics, printers, hard disc drives, etc. | DC motors are commonly used in toys, computers, cranes, kitchen appliances, lifts, etc. |
Conclusion
The most significant difference that you should note here is that a stepper motor provides an incremental motion, while a DC motor provides a continuous motion. However, both stepper motor and DC motor are types of low-cost motors widely used in a number of applications.