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Electric motors are fundamental components in countless applications, ranging from industrial machinery to consumer electronics. This article provides a thorough examination of various electric motor technologies, including AC, DC (brushed and brushless), EC, servo, stepper, and gearmotors. We’ll explore their principles, advantages, and common applications, catering to an audience of engineering and product design professionals seeking to source electric motors for their projects.
Alternating Current (AC) motors are widely used in industrial and commercial applications due to their reliability, efficiency, and ability to operate directly from grid power.
AC motors operate on the principle of a rotating magnetic field. When AC is supplied to the stator windings, it creates a magnetic field that rotates at a speed determined by the frequency of the AC supply and the number of pole pairs in the motor1. There are two primary types of AC motors:
BLDC motors use electronic commutation instead of mechanical brushes. The rotor typically contains permanent magnets, while the stator has wound field coils. A controller energizes the stator coils in a specific sequence to create rotation3. They typically consist of:
Electronically Commutated (EC) motors combine features of both AC and DC motors.
EC motors operate on similar principles to BLDC motors but are often designed to be powered by AC mains through a built-in inverter. The electronic controller converts AC to DC and then electronically commutates the motor. This allows for precise speed and torque control4.
Servo motors are designed for precise control of angular position, velocity, and acceleration.
Servo motors can be AC or DC powered and include a position feedback mechanism (e.g., encoder or resolver). The control system uses this feedback to accurately control the motor’s position, speed, and acceleration5.
A servo motor system typically consists of:
Gearmotors combine an electric motor with a gearbox in a single unit, offering a compact solution for applications requiring high torque at low speeds.
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