The purpose of a motion control device is to move an object in a desired manner. A motion control system provides precise control of the movement of various actuating elements of a device or system. A typical motion control system includes an actuator for each axis and control circuitry that generates control values and provides the control values to the actuators as needed for a desired motion. The basic components of a motion control device are a controller and a mechanical system. The mechanical system translates signals generated by the controller into movement of an object. Motion control devices are typically classified as general motion devices or computer numeric control (CNC) devices. General motion devices are general-purpose machines typically characterized by low cost controllers. CNC devices are relatively specialized, high level systems employing a high cost controller. Motion control systems generally include an actuator or servo positioning device, such as a stepper motor, and an electronic feedback control system for driving the actuator in response to command signals representative of desired positions of an element directly or indirectly coupled to the actuator. Stepper motor systems typically include a controller, a power drive, and a stepper motor. The controller is able to generate step pulses to command the drive to move the motor an incremental movement often called a "step." The drive accepts these pulses and generates the high currents and voltages necessary to move the motor. Motion control systems can be designed as open loop or closed loop systems. An open loop system usually includes a controller and a motor connected to a drive with no feedback devices. A closed loop system is typically a controller and a motor connected to a drive with feedback devices also connected between the motor and the controller, forming the closed loop. The system may include a single or multiple control axes, each independently controlled by a single controller. In a multi-axis closed loop system, such as a servo motor-based configuration, a motion controller is wired to a power supply. The motion controller is then wired or connected to a breakout box. Each axis in the system requires a drive amplifier, which also must be wired to a power supply. In many motion control systems, electrical power is commonly provided with high voltage alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). The high voltage electrical power is used to power a motor or other power consuming device. In a motor, an inverter receives electrical power at a first DC voltage level and selectively provides power to windings of the motor based on command signals from a controller. A motion control system is often used in conjunction with a host computer or programmable logic controller (PLC). The host computer or PLC allows the use of a high-level programming language to generate control commands that are passed to the controller. Command signals typically originate in a computer interface, while feedback signals are provided by a position sensing device such as a digital incremental encoder. Control circuitry generally includes analog or digital electronics capable of manipulating the input and feedback signals in accordance with a predetermined control routine and developing control signals as dictated by the routine.