How do AC motors differ from DC motors?

AC and DC motors differ in the type of electrical current they use to produce rotational or linear motion. AC motors use alternating current, which periodically changes direction, whereas DC motors use direct current, which flows in one direction. AC motors are simpler and more efficient, but DC motors offer greater control and responsiveness. The choice between AC and DC motors depends on the specific application and its requirements for power, speed and control.

How is a drive different than a motor?

A drive is an electronic device that controls the speed, torque and direction of an electric motor. It receives a control signal and adjusts the electrical power to the motor to produce the desired output. A drive also can provide protection and monitoring functions, improve efficiency and allow precise control of motor performance. A motor is an electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. It is an essential component in many industrial applications, and its type, size and control are crucial factors in the overall performance of a drive-motor system.

How does a drive control a motor?

A drive, also known as a variable frequency drive (VFD), controls a motor by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor. The drive monitors the motor's performance and adjusts the frequency accordingly to maintain a consistent speed and torque output. This allows for precise control over the motor's performance, making it an important component in many industrial and manufacturing applications.

What are the three types of motor controls?

The three main types of motor controls are: Manual motor controls: These are the simplest type of motor control and are operated manually by a switch or button. Magnetic motor controls: These controls use magnetic fields to control the speed and direction of motors. They include starters, contactors and relays. Digital motor controls: These are the most advanced type of motor control and use digital signals to control the speed and direction of motors. They include variable frequency drives (VFDs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and microcontrollers.

Motors and Drives | Control Engineering

Motors and Drives January 4, 2023

Low-voltage ac motor market grows 21.2% in 2022

Rising prices helped the low-voltage ac motor market grow by more than 20% in 2022, but price declines are expected in 2023.

By Interact Analysis

Motors and Drives August 31, 2022

Acquisitions reveal motor supplier strategies

The top three suppliers of low voltage ac motors made waves in the motor and drives space with a string of acquisition announcements in early August. First, WEG announced its acquisition of Gefran’s motion control business.

By Blake Griffin

Figure 2: STXI Motion is a global designer and supplier of motion control and servo solutions. Recently, the company’s stepIM integrated stepper motors powered by Servotronix closed-loop servo drive were specified into a new series of sheet-metal-bending press brakes from Cincinnati Inc. To reduce design costs and maintain quick and precise positioning of backgauges before each metal-forming cycle, CI chose STXI Motion’s stepIM integrated stepper motors. Courtesy: STXI Motion

Motors and Drives August 5, 2022

Integrated stepper motors trim accurate metal forming costs

Backgauges are motorized multi-axis reference edges on press brakes and use smart steppers to reduce system complexity and improve the overall design.

By Yosi Balbul

Motors and Drives August 2, 2022

Industrial motor communications: Optimization

How to optimize industrial motor communications is the topic of an Aug. 4 RCEP webcast, and related advice about industrial networks for motors and drives follows.

By Bob Trask, Paul Brooks and Michael Bowne

Motors and Drives June 25, 2022

Energy-efficient drive launched

Yaskawa's ac industrial fan and pump drive solution is designed for all environments.

By Yaskawa America, Inc.

Motors and Drives June 16, 2022

Direct-drive servo tutorial, application update

Solving low speed rotary servo applications with direct-drive motors avoids hidden initial costs, while saving money over the life of the machine. Example shows $73,000 annual savings on a widget-making machine.

By Matt Pelletier

Motors and Drives June 16, 2022

Questions answered to demystify servo sizing

Extra questions about servomotor sizing are answered here, from a May 17 webcast, archived for a year. More help includes related services and software, more servomotor sizing errors and information needed for servomotor sizing.

By Sixto Moralez

Yaskawa's GA500 AC Microdrive can operate a variety of motors, which include induction, permanent magnet (SPM and IPM), and synchronous reluctance (SynRM). Courtesy: New Products for Engineers, Yaskawa America Inc.

Motors and Drives June 6, 2022

Servomotor help: Demystify servo sizing

Webcast has help for servomotor and servo amplifier (servo drives) sizing. Also get some advice below.

By Sixto Moralez

Motors and Drives April 25, 2022

Motors and Drives