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A motor converts supplied electrical energy into mechanical energy. Various types of motors are in common use. Among
these, brushless DC motors (BLDC) feature high e ciency and excellent controllability, and are widely used in many
applications. The BLDC motor has power-saving advantages relative to other motor types.
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current through the coils. The commutator and brushes are the key
components distinguishing the brushed DC motor from other motor
types. Figure 1 illustrates the general principle of the brushed motor.
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Brushed DC motors, featuring simple design and easy control, are widely used to open and close disk trays. In cars, they are often used for retracting,
extending, and positioning electrically-powered side windows. The low cost of these motors makes them suitable for many uses. One drawback,
however, is that brushes and commutators tend to wear relatively quickly as a result of their continued contact, requiring frequent replacement and
periodic maintenance.
A stepper motor is driven by pulses; it rotates through a speci c angle (step) with each pulse. Because the rotation is precisely controlled by the
number of pulses received, these motors are widely used to implement positional adjustments. They are often used, for example, to control paper
feed in fax machines and printers—since these devices feed paper in xed steps, which are easily correlated with pulse count. Pausing can also be
easily controlled, as motor rotation stops instantly when the pulse signal is interrupted.
With synchronous motors, rotation is synchronous with the frequency of the supply current. These motors are often used to drive the rotating trays in
microwave ovens; reduction gears in the motor unit can be used to obtain the appropriate rotational speeds to heat food. With induction motors, too,
the rotation speed varies with frequency; but the movement is not synchronous. In the past, these motors were often used in electric fans and
washing machines.
There are various types of motor in common use. In this session, we look at the advantages and applications of brushless DC motors.
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Since the rotor is a permanent magnet, it needs no current, eliminating the need
for brushes and commutator. Current to the xed coils is controlled from the
outside.
One big advantage is e ciency, as these motors can control continuously at maximum rotational force (torque). Brushed motors, in contrast, reach
maximum torque at only certain points in the rotation. For a brushed motor to deliver the same torque as a brushless model, it would need to use
larger magnets. This is why even small BLDC motors can deliver considerable power.
The second big advantage—related to the rst—is controllability. BLDC motors can be controlled, using feedback mechanisms, to delivery precisely
the desired torque and rotation speed. Precision control in turn reduces energy consumption and heat generation, and—in cases where motors are
battery powered—lengthens the battery life.
BLDC motors also o er high durability and low electric noise generation, thanks to the lack of brushes. With brushed motors, the brushes and
commutator wear down as a result of continuous moving contact, and also produce sparks where contact is made. Electrical noise, in particular, is the
result of the strong sparks that tend to occur at the areas where the brushes pass over the gaps in the commutator. This is why BLDC motors are
often considered preferable in applications where it is important to avoid electrical noise.
They are also being used to drive vacuum machines. In one case, a change in the control program resulted in a large jump in rotational speed—an
example of the superlative controllability o ered by these motors.
BLDC motors are also being used to spin hard disc drives, where their durability keeps the drives operating dependably over the long term, while their
power e ciency contributes to energy reduction in an area where this is becoming increasingly important.
stepper motor, holding the position of a structure such as a robot arm would require a relatively large and continuous current. With a BLDC motor, all
that would be required is a current proportionate to the external force—allowing for more power-e cient control. BLDC motors may also be replacing
simple brushed dc motors in golf carts and mobility carts. In addition to their better e ciency, BLDC motors can also deliver more precise control—
which in turn can further extend battery life.
BLDC motors are also ideal for drones. Their ability to deliver precision control makes them especially suited for multirotor drones, where the drone’s
attitude is controlled by precisely controlling the rotational speed of each rotor.
In this session, we have seen how BLDC motors o er excellent e ciency, controllability, and longevity. But careful and proper control is essential to
taking full advantage of these motors’ potential. In our next session, we will look at how these motors work.
Module List
1. What are Brushless DC Motors
2. Controlling BLDC Motors
3. Renesas Solutions for BLDC Motor Control
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