Data Sheet

Introduction to Brushless Motors
Advanced Digital Motor Controller User Manual 91
SECTION 8
Brushless Motor
Connections
and Operation
This section addresses installation an operating issues specific to brushless motors. It is
applicable only to brushless motor controller models.
Introduction to Brushless Motors
Brushless motors, or more accurately Brushless DC Permanent Magnet Synchronous mo-
tors (since there are other types of motors without brushes) contain permanent magnets
and electromagnets. The electromagnets are arranged in groups of three and are powered
in sequence in order to create a rotating field that drives the permanent magnets. The
electromagnets are located on the non-rotating part of the motor, which is normally in the
motor casing for traditional motors, in which case the permanent magnets are on the ro-
tor that is around the motor shaft. On hub motors, such as those found on electric bikes,
scooters and some other electric vehicles, the electromagnets are on the fixed center part
of the motor and the permanent magnets on the rotating outer part.
N
S
U
V
W
Figure 8-1. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor construction