Controllers For Brush Type Permanent Magnet Drive Motors

As an important member of brushed DC motor family, the permanent-magnet drive motor is more and more applied in all kinds of motor driving systems.

Permanent-magnet drive motors have some performance advantages over direct-current, excited, synchronous types, and have become predominant in fractional horsepower applications. They are smaller, lighter, more efficient and reliable.

Since long time, the permanent magnets can only be used on small motors due to the difficulty of finding a material of high capacity of retaining high-magnet-density field. The recent advancement in materials technology has allowed the creation of high-performance permanent magnets, such as neodymium magnets, allowing the development of compact, high-power motors without the field coils and excitation structure.

While the brushed high power permanent magnet drive motors are frequently applied in variable applications, the control of motor speed & torque is becoming a new industrial field.

In some application, the load can be regarded as continuous and stable, for example a remote pump motor in a petrol pipeline transportation system, driving by solar power source. A simple motor control unit could realize all functions, consisting of ON / OFF power switch, voltage / current tester & display, fuse, wiring, etc.

But if you are going to change frequently and constantly the speed & torque of a brush type permanent magnet drive motor, it is recommended that you may use a motor controller: Permanent Magnet Drive Motor Controller List

These motor controllers provide precise and smooth control of permanent magnet drive motors for battery powered systems like electric vehicle or electric material maneuvering system.

Some controllers are designed for use in low power DME applications such as micro-scooters, mini-scooters, foldable scooters, and low-end personal mobility vehicles. But some new optimized controllers are designed for use heavy load applications such forklift and pallet truck.

Integrating the new digital technology, many controllers are fully programmable by means of programming device like a handheld set or a PC communicating port through software. Use of the programming device offers diagnostic and test capability as well as configuration flexibility.

There are different permanent magnet drive motor controller models, corresponding to different motor voltage / power rate. Some have extra built-in functions like electric-magnetic brake control, horn control and operation inhibits, etc (for example, a CURTIS 1212P-2502 or a CURTIS 1228-2901). But one principle is common for all controllers: regulating the working current of the motor for changing the motor speed & torque, in the frame of operation safety.