Flat motors incorporate speed control
Second Quarter 2008, Electrical switching & drive systems & components

A range of brushless DC motors with integrated electronics is being launched by maxon motor. The range features established drives EC 20 flat, EC 32 flat and EC 45 flat, but now they have in-built speed controllers, yet are almost the same size. The motors available as standard are the 2 and 5-wire versions, with an operating range of 2–50 watts. The drives are suitable for use where there is minimal installation space, and when long service life and constant speed are required in conjunction with simple control.

These compact maxon motors with an operating range of 2-50 watts incorporate built-in speed ­controllers

For many years maxon motor has been developing and distributing brushless flat motors. These are known as external rotor motors, in which the rotating rotor shell encloses the fixed stator. Advantages of this design include its short overall length, high torque density and its simplicity – and thanks to electronic current commutation, the motors have an almost unlimited service life.

The integrated electronics of the new flat motors reduce the user’s need for control input to the absolute minimum. Current commutation is integrated in the motor through Hall sensors, a 1-quadrant speed controller and numerous protection functions. In the 2-wire version, motor speed is controlled proportionally to the applied operating voltage of 10–28 volts. The 5-wire version offers additional functionality and a wider operating range with set value input, enable and speed monitor. Current limitation, under- and over-voltage switch-off plus temperature monitoring are implemented as standard in all models.

New models are also being added to the existing range of flat motors. The EC 90 flat is now available with integrated electronics. Thanks to the two-channel encoder with 2048 pulses per revolution, this drive is ideal for challenging positioning tasks.

maxon’s flexible modular system has also been expanded, so that all flat motors can be combined with spur and planetary gearheads.

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