Drive Controllers

A motor drive controller, aka “motor drive,” is an automation device that controls the speed of a motor using electronic commutation. These drives are typically used with industrial synchronous AC and brushless DC (BLDC) motors. Although some are designed for specific motor types or families, a typical motor drive can usually control a range of motors.

The primary function within the motor drive is commutation, applying current through the motor windings at exactly the right time. Commutation is controlled through algorithms embedded in firmware residing on a microcontroller or digital signal processor (DSP). The motor control algorithms are usually very sophisticated as they must make the proper commutation decisions under many different motor load conditions. Some algorithms are matched to particular motors while others are more general purpose and can control a range of motors.

In order for the algorithms to run properly, they must have real-time input from the motor components. This information includes position of the armature, speed of rotation, current through the windings, and temperature. Input sensors provide this information and require specialized high precision analog circuitry.

RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers ›
Analog Input Functional Solutions ›

Brushed DC Motor Driver

The speed of a brushed DC motor is often controlled by pulse-width-modulated (PWM) input signals. The motor drive controller is connected directly to the motor power supply and the DC motor windings. It commutates the power input based on the input pulse width. There is typically no speed sensor feedback used in these relatively simple systems.

Brushed DC Motor Drivers ›

Motion Control Solutions for Brushless and Stepper DC Motors

Trinamic—Now part of Maxim Integrated—provides integrated circuits that transform digital information into physical motion. Embodying decades of experience, they integrate leading-edge technologies for motor and motion control into hardware building blocks. Products range from gate driver ICs to complete microsystems in a single package for stepper motors, brushless DC motors, and brushed DC motors. Trinamic ICs, modules, and PANdrive™ smart motors provide the world's best motion control solutions. With the extensive evaluation and breakout boards (BOBs), you can quickly move your design to production.

Explore our motor control solutions to find recommended products for various motor types.