Sensors not needed for DC motor controller

Maxon Motor’s new brushless DC motor controller packs a punch despite its tiny dimensions of only 43mm x 11mm.

The firm’s servo controller range just received a new model that features an OEM plug-in style form factor for easy integration into new equipment.

Supporting the existing controllers, that require the motor to have a minimum of three hall sensors to operate, this new motor controller can be used with brushless motors that are not fitted with either hall sensors or an encoder.

Despite this lack of ‘feedback’ from the motor, the smart controller is still able to provide a closed loop speed control between the motor and control unit.

12 Amp of peak current is available for up to 30 seconds on top of a continuous current rating of 4 Amp. The voltage level excepted is anything between 10 and 50 VDC, which is particularly helpful in motor control applications with rapid deceleration rates, and high levels of back fed energy.

The motor controller is protected against winding short circuits, voltage spikes, and over temperature conditions.

It is also able to self-limit the amount of current the motor is allowed to draw from the motor control unit, which allows a motor to be driven to stall without burning out.

There is a large amount of I/O that can be set up with the free software package.

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