What is the digital control of an electric motor?

Digital control of electric motors refers to the utilization of digital techniques in the operation of electric motors , particularly the speed, torque, and position.

This approach combines such elements as

  • Electric motors,
  • Power electronics,
  • Motion control, and
  • Communication interfaces

into a single drive system.

Thus, some of the important elements central in the digital motor control are as discussed below:

Microcontrollers & Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

Control algorithms that are normally put in place in digital control systems can be implemented through integration of microcontrollers, microprocessors or DSPs.

These devices convert input signals into output signals which enables the motor to be controlled properly.

Control Techniques

Some of the control measures that have been put in practice include:

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

This method change the width of the pulses in a signal and therefore determines the amount of power that is supplied to the motor and hence its speed.

Hysteresis Control

This involves turning the motor on and off according to the current passing through it, the technique is simple but the effectiveness of the speed control is satisfactory.

Feedback Mechanisms

Feedback control mechanisms may also be used in the execution of digital control systems to assess the motor’s performance.

Sensors supply data regarding specific variables like the speed as well as position of various components so that the controller can change corresponding parameters to optimize performance immediately.

Advantages of Digital Control

  • Digital systems are much easier to re-programmed depending on the application or mode of operation in motor control.
  • Digital controls can decrease energy usage through adaptive control of motor performance relying on actual time information.
  • Motor control can be incorporated with IoT technologies in which Digital motor control systems can be controlled remotely in the current industrial practices and smart houses.

Applications

  • Use of motor control in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors has become more common and embraced than before by using the digital control.
  • In appliances such as washing machines or refrigerators, use of digital control improves functionality and effectiveness.
  • Applications such as robotics and various manufacturing activities utilize accurate motor control especially when accuracy is mandatory.
  • Regenerative braking systems and electric power steering and other features are found in electric vehicles that apply digital motor control.