What is a DC motor? - DC motor types, how they work, and how to control them

This article discusses the distinctions between DC motors and other types of electric motors, including the various types of DC motors and their respective functionalities and control mechanisms.

DC motors are specifically powered by direct current. They possess notable features such as the capability to rotate at high speeds and provide high starting torque. Due to these characteristics, they find extensive applications across various familiar settings. Generally, DC motors can be categorized into two main groups: brushed DC motors and brushless DC motors.

Generally, an electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, resulting in rotational motion and the accomplishment of work.

Types of electric motors

Electric motors can be broadly grouped into three categories based on their internal design and operational principles.

The table below describes the differences between DC motors and other types of electric motors.

The main features of DC motors are:

Features and applications of DC motors

Brushed DC motors operate through the mechanical connection between their commutator and brushes. As the motor rotates, the brushes and commutator maintain constant contact. However, this continuous contact leads to wear and tear over time, which can eventually result in motor failure. Consequently, brushed DC motors have a shorter lifespan compared to brushless DC motors and require regular maintenance. Additionally, the constant contact between the brushes and commutator generates electrical and acoustic noise while the motor is in operation.

Furthermore, brushed DC motors can be classified into two subtypes: permanent magnet motors and electromagnet motors, each possessing distinct characteristics.

Permanent magnet brushed DC motor

A permanent magnet is a material that can maintain its magnetism for an extended time without relying on an external magnetic field or electrical current. When the stator of a brushed DC motor contains permanent magnets, it is referred to as a permanent magnet brushed DC motors.

Globally, this type of motor finds wide application in various fields, such as auxiliary automotive motors, as well as in model cars or boats. Furthermore, based on the rotor design, permanent magnet brushed DC motors can be further categorized into slotted, slotless and coreless motors.

Electromagnet brushed DC motor

An electromagnet is composed of a magnetic core and a surrounding coil of wire. It becomes magnetized only when an electric current is passed through the coil. Electromagnet brushed DC motors generate their magnetic flux with the electromagnet.

Electromagnet motors are classified into three types: shunt motors, series motors, or separately excited motors, depending on the connection between the rotor winding and field winding. These configurations are typically employed in mid-range to heavy-duty motors, offering varying levels of motor output.

Brushed DC motors feature wound coils in the rotor, surrounded by magnets contained in the stator. The two ends of a coil are connected to the commutator. In turn, the commutator is linked to electrodes known as brushes, enabling the flow of direct current electric power through the brushes and coil as long as the brushes and commutator maintain contact.

However, as the coil rotates, there comes a point where the brushes and commutator lose contact, interrupting the current flow in the coil. Despite this, the momentum of the coil propels it to keep rotating. As the consequence, the brushes and commutator come back into contact, reestablishing the current flow through a different coil.

This cycle switching of current flow enables the brushed DC motor to continue rotating. Brushed DC motors function on direct current, and their speed can be easily controlled by adjusting the applied voltage.

Brushed DC motor configuration

As mentioned earlier, brushed DC motors possess a simple structure yet deliver high starting torque and can operate at high speeds. They are also ease of use and can function without a drive circuit if speed control is not necessary. However, brushed DC motors do have disadvantages to consider.

The generation of electrical and acoustic noise in brushed DC motors can be attributed to the continuous contact between the brushes and commutator during motor operation.

The limited lifespan of brushed DC motor is an important factor to consider. The constant contact between the brushes and commutator leads to gradual deterioration due to friction-induced wear. As the metal brushes wear down, their ability to effectively conduct electric power diminishes. Consequently, the motor’s performance is compromised. This is why the brushes and commutator are consumable parts, requiring regular inspection or replacement as part of maintenance.

Brushless DC motors are a type of DC motor that do not require the brushes used in conventional brushed DC motors. They do not rely on these consumable commutator and brushes, resulting in longer lifespans and reduced maintenance needs. As a result, brushless DC motors are being increasingly used.

Another advantage of brushless DC motors is the elimination of electrical and acoustic noise caused by the contact between the brushes and the commutator. Consequently, brushless DC motors operate quietly.

Recent years have seen the development of a wide variety of mechanisms that use brushless DC motors, especially in the automotive industry as well as in home appliances, precision machinery, and equipment for medical applications.

Brushless DC motors that use permanent magnets in the rotor are called permanent magnet brushless DC motors (PM motors) or permanent-magnet synchronous motors. They can be further divided into the following types based on how the permanent magnet is fitted into the rotor.

The embedded magnets of IPM motors make them mechanically safer than SPM motors and capable of faster speeds.

SPM and IPM for inner-rotor brushless DC motors

Brushless DC motors can be typically divided into outer-rotor and inner-rotor motors.

Making an electric motor rotate requires that the direction of current flow through the motor windings (coils) is alternated in order to generate a rotating magnetic field. In the case of brushed DC motors, this is achieved through the mechanical action of brushes and commutator. Then how do brushless DC motors, which don’t have these parts, generate the rotating magnetic field, and turn?

Instead of a commutator and brushes, brushless DC motors use semiconductor switches. Brushless DC motors generally have three coils, with semiconductor switches connected to each of these. Turning the semiconductor switches on and off in the correct sequence alternates the current flow, which generates the rotating magnetic field that causes the motor to turn. Accordingly, the motors require a drive circuit to perform this sequencing. Furthermore, the semiconductor switches are switched by detecting the orientation of the permanent magnet rotor, using a magnetic sensor (typically a hall sensor).

Coil configuration and switching of brushless DC motor

The three coils of a brushless DC motor are connected together at one end, so by connecting the other end of one coil to the positive pole, and that of another coil to the negative pole, causes current to flow through both of these two coils. Two semiconductor switches are connected to each coil, one of which connects to the positive pole and the other to the negative pole. This gives a total of six switches, which, when turned on and off in the correct sequence, causes the motor to rotate. The timing of this switching is determined based on rotor orientation, which is detected by a hall sensor.

In other words, turning the semiconductor switches on and off in the correct sequence generates the rotating magnetic field that causes the brushless DC motor to rotate. And thus, a drive circuit is needed to perform this sequence of steps.

Excitation sequence of brushless DC motor

Configuration of brushless DC motor drive circuit

Drive circuits are made up of the following main elements.

Diagram of brushless DC motor – sensor, control circuit and drive circuit

Brushless DC motors offer high performance without the issues of noise and limited lifespan that are commonly associated with brushed DC motors. While they do require a drive circuit, brushless DC motors overcome these challenges.

Brushed DC motors are currently the most commonly used because they are easy to miniaturize and provide good control of rotation together with high efficiency.

Brushless DC motors, on the other hand, benefit from long life, ease of maintenance, and low noise because they do not have the brushes and commutators, which are the downsides of brushed DC motors.

Features of brushed DC motors

Features of brushless DC motors

ASPINA specializes in brushless DC motors among various types of DC motors. We not only develop standalone brushless DC motors but also provide system products that incorporate drive and control systems along with mechanical design. Our comprehensive support extends from prototyping to commercial production and after-sales service.

At ASPINA, we understand the diverse needs of different industries, applications, and customer products, as well as your specific production arrangements. That is why we offer customized solutions tailored to meet the specific functions and performance requirements of your project.

We are here to support not only customers who have clear requirements or specifications but also those who face challenges during the early stages of product development. Are you struggling with any of the following concerns?

Need solutions to these problems? Get in touch with ASPINA now. We’re here to assist you.

Contact ASPINA