Latest Motors Technical Articles

In this article, we learn about core saturation and why it should be avoided in most applications. We then examine how…

In this article, we learn about core saturation and why it should be avoided in most applications. We then examine how different ways of defining permeability can help us predict the saturation flux density of a magnetic core.

In this article, we use the concept of magnetic field energy to explore the relationship between a core's hysteresis loss…

In this article, we use the concept of magnetic field energy to explore the relationship between a core's hysteresis loss and its B-H curve.

The formation of eddy currents can cause problems for magnetic cores at high frequencies. To mitigate these undesirable…

The formation of eddy currents can cause problems for magnetic cores at high frequencies. To mitigate these undesirable effects, we first need to understand them.

This article examines three different types of magnetic materials and how they react to an external magnetic field.

This article examines three different types of magnetic materials and how they react to an external magnetic field.

This article discusses the following basic concepts related to magnetic materials: the magnetic dipole moment,…

This article discusses the following basic concepts related to magnetic materials: the magnetic dipole moment, magnetization vectors, susceptibility, and permeability.

Learn about using LTspice simulations to provide important insight into the performance of a switched-capacitor…

Learn about using LTspice simulations to provide important insight into the performance of a switched-capacitor voltage-inverting power supply.

In addition to explaining the nature of a negative voltage, this article briefly discusses how negative voltages are…

In addition to explaining the nature of a negative voltage, this article briefly discusses how negative voltages are generated and why they are useful in circuit design.

Learn about the role of non-overlapping or complementary pulse width modulation (PMW) in DC motor control using an…

Learn about the role of non-overlapping or complementary pulse width modulation (PMW) in DC motor control using an h-bridge circuit, taking into consideration PWM shoot-through and dead-time PWM.

Looking for a succinct intro to LVDTs? This article will explain LVDT basics, including structure, circuit, transfer…

Looking for a succinct intro to LVDTs? This article will explain LVDT basics, including structure, circuit, transfer function, linear range, sensitivity, and more.

Learn why power transformers are important, where they can fail, and why protection systems are crucial.

Learn why power transformers are important, where they can fail, and why protection systems are crucial.

This article provides some practical guidance on how to evaluate integrated circuits intended for controlling brushed DC motors.

This article provides some practical guidance on how to evaluate integrated circuits intended for controlling brushed DC motors.

Get an intro to overcurrent protection and OCPDs (overcurrent protection devices).

Get an intro to overcurrent protection and OCPDs (overcurrent protection devices).

This article is a deeper dive into the speed-related recovery characteristics of rectifiers, and how this dynamic…

This article is a deeper dive into the speed-related recovery characteristics of rectifiers, and how this dynamic behavior has significant effects on the circuits in which the rectifier is placed.

Detecting, decoding, and displaying IR (Infrared) signal data is interesting, but using those signals to control stuff is…

Detecting, decoding, and displaying IR (Infrared) signal data is interesting, but using those signals to control stuff is more interesting . . . and sometimes useful. Read on to learn how.

With the help of some solenoids, the Dancing Ghostbusters Toaster really topped off my Halloween costume this year!

With the help of some solenoids, the Dancing Ghostbusters Toaster really topped off my Halloween costume this year!

This project details the process by which AC-powered speaker sets can typically be converted to battery power. I'll…

This project details the process by which AC-powered speaker sets can typically be converted to battery power. I'll detail my own projects and provide advice for converting almost any set of speakers.

In this project, the reader will learn how to build and program a desktop industrial automation trainer for…

In this project, the reader will learn how to build and program a desktop industrial automation trainer for experimentation in robotics, motor, and process control system concepts on their workbench.

Soldering surface mount components by hand can be done, but reflow soldering in an oven is much quicker and produces more…

Soldering surface mount components by hand can be done, but reflow soldering in an oven is much quicker and produces more consistent results. Building a microprocessor controlled reflow oven is well within the abilities and budget of many hobbyists.

A toaster oven can do more than just make toast; guided by a PICAXE microcontroller, it can make a sweet reflow soldering station.

A toaster oven can do more than just make toast; guided by a PICAXE microcontroller, it can make a sweet reflow soldering station.