There is a slightly neater solution available but currently only for lower torque applications (1-3Nm).

I have a Leadshine "Integrated Easy Servo" motor, which is a closed loop stepper drive integrated into the motor, along with an encoder. This means you only have to supply the DC power (36V PSU) and the step / dir signals. http://www.leadshine.com/producttype...y-servo-motors

As is the Chinese way, there are remarkably similar products available elsewhere, such as JMC https://jmcdriver.com/products.php?cid=248&id=118

The Leadshine works flawlessly and I suspect the JMC is also likely to be good. They only offer models up to 2Nm, although being closed loop, there's less need to overdesign as you would for an open loop system to avoid missing steps.

JAZZ likes Lichuan, who also do a version, this time in 3Nm. https://www.aliexpress.com/store/gro...48285c47z2vZCV

You can fine tune these with supplied software but mine seemed to be fine without the need. It's probably only if you have an unusual setup eg with large moment of inertia that you'd need to get involved with that but it allows you to change stuff like the number of steps before the drive reports out of position error.