Feature

Understanding the effect of PWM when controlling a brushless DC motor

Brushless DC motors are increasingly popular options for a host of critical applications, where size, performance and reliability are important considerations. But designers of motion systems can face challenges when selecting or developing PWM electronics to drive these motors.

04/01/2022 16:35:40

Font size:

Matthieu Bouat, Application Engineer at Portescap, discusses the parameters that designers should consider when developing the electronic control aspect of the motion system, particularly where factors such
as battery life and package’s overall size and weight are key concerns.

In any brushless DC motor-driven system, the role of the control electronics, the amplifier, is to
vary the supply voltage or the current – or both – to achieve the desired motion output of the motor. There are several options for the amplifier. A linear
amplifier adapts the power delivered to the motor, by linearly changing the voltage or current. It dissipates the power, which is not delivered to the motor, resulting in
the need for a large heat sink. This increases the amplifier size and makes it more difficult to integrate it into the application...

Read the full article in DPA's January issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.