SelfDrive: a high-integration self-commutated DC brushless smart motor

The paper discusses some results obtained on a very low-cost fully integrated fractional horsepower DCPM brushless motor. The main feature of the motor is the absence of both an encoder and of any command logic. The correct phase switching is, in fact, given by proximity sensors integrated in the slot openings. To evaluate the feasibility of the approach, extensive FEM simulations have been performed. The proposed motor drive system has been assembled and tested in the laboratory for its performances. Some experimental results are illustrated.