The Role Of Discrete Semiconductors In Motor Control

Electric motor control image source Freepik

Electric motors have a wide range of applications in the world of mechanics and electronics. They are designed to convert the electric energy that is supplied to them into mechanical energy. The operations are made possible due to interactions between the electric field and the magnetic field. Have you ever wondered how these electric motors operate? How do the motors start, stop, or change the speed of rotation? A motor controller is the answer.

A motor controller encompasses a group of components that control and determine the performance of an electric motor. It mainly comprises semiconductor components that work together to determine the output of the electric motor.

The operation of the controller can be manual or automatic. In manual systems, users have the full capacity to determine the output results of the systems. In an automatic system, the controller is able to determine the behavior of the electric motor without close supervision.

At the center of all the activities and operations involving motor controllers are discrete semiconductors. These are semiconductor-based electronic components that are designed and manufactured to perform single roles in electric circuits. In this article, we are going to discuss various key roles of discrete semiconductors in motor control.

Overview of motor control

Motor controllers are found in a wide range of applications. They are present in industrial and as well as automotive systems.  Even at home, appliances such as electric fans, blenders,  and any other electric appliance that has moving parts is likely embedded with an electric motor. As long as an application has an electric motor, you should expect it to be accompanied by a motor controller.

Over the years, we have seen massive advancements in the motor control technology. Various factors are attributed to this, and one of them is the development of semiconductor technology. To be precise, the incorporation of discrete semiconductors into various aspects of motor controllers is widely credited for high performance and effectiveness.

One notable effect of discrete semiconductors in semiconductors is efficiency. With the many changes that have taken place in the energy industry, it is expected that most electric motors should operate at high levels of efficiency.

Discrete semiconductors have also been directly involved in all other innovations and advancements that have taken place in the motor control industry. Manufacturers of motor controllers have fully implemented different roles of semiconductors in their motor control projects.

Functions of discrete semiconductors in motor control

Here are some of the main functions of discrete semiconductors in motor controllers:

Switching the motor control

The basic function of a switch in a motor control is to start and stop the electric motor.  While there are alternative electronic components that can be used for this function, discrete semiconductors have proven to be quite effective in executing all the switching functionalities. One of the advantages of using semiconductors as switches is speed. They are able to support the fast-switching operations of the motors. Reliability and efficiency are other reasons why discrete semiconductors are used as switches for motor controllers.

Controlling the speed

Once an electric motor has been turned on, it will operate at different speeds. Sometimes it will spin at a fast speed and sometimes it will be slow. Discrete semiconductors are also used for varying the speed of the motor. They do this by changing the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation (PWM).

The basics of the speed control action entail regulating the current and voltage that goes to the electric motor. Technically, all the applications that use electric motors have a variable speed control feature. Electric vehicles are just one of the examples.

Reducing noise in motor control circuits

Some discrete semiconductors are designed to reduce and even eliminate noise from electric circuits. It is for the same reason that they are deployed in motor control circuits to perform the same function.

How does the noise reduction work? The operation of electric motors entails the generation of electric current and magnetic force. When the two energies combine, they end up creating electromagnetic interference (EMI). Discrete semiconductors help to minimize the impact of this interference on other electric circuits as well as sensitive components that make the motor control system. The end result is smooth and efficient operation.

Energy management in motor control

Since motor controls fully rely on electric energy, we cannot undermine the roles of discrete semiconductors in relation to energy management. They perform various roles that are related to the consumption and usage of electric current and voltage.

One of the energy-related functions of discrete semiconductors is power optimization in motor controls. They ensure that each component in a motor control circuit gets the required current and voltage. Power optimization is also achieved by minimizing leakage or loss of current.

Still on energy management, discrete semiconductors also play a protective role in motor control circuits. They regulate the flow of electric current in different components hence ensuring that the circuits don’t get damaged by overcurrent or overvoltage.

Determine the direction of the motor control

Other than speed, discrete semiconductors are used for determining the direction in which electric motors will spin. Some semiconductors have the capability to reverse their polarities when needed. This subsequently changes the direction of the current flow hence the direction of the motor.

A perfect application of this role is when reversing an electric vehicle. The polarities of the motor control circuit will be reversed making the vehicle move in a  reverse direction.

Conclusion

Discrete semiconductors are playing a significant role in advancing the technology behind motor control. The fact that semiconductor technology is still developing translates to a brighter future in the world of motor control technology. We should expect better performance and efficiency in the world of motor control.

Are you building a motor control system? From this article, you can appreciate the roles of discrete semiconductors in the running of the motor control. Strive to buy the best discrete semiconductors for the control motor applications. You can get this only from reputable discrete semiconductor sourcing agents in China.

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