There are three main types of stepper motors: variable reluctance, permanent magnet, and hybrid. Variable reluctance stepper motors use changes in magnetic reluctance to rotate and can be single or multi-stack. They provide high torque but have torque ripple issues. Permanent magnet stepper motors use permanent magnets on the rotor and have bipolar drive circuits. They can achieve a 45 degree step angle through alternate single and two phase excitation. Hybrid stepper motors combine features of variable reluctance and permanent magnet motors, with a 4 pole stator and 5 pole rotor construction. Each motor type has advantages and disadvantages related to torque, torque ripple, and drive circuit complexity.