Go to GlobalSpec.com Home
Newsletter   FREE GlobalSpec e-Newsletters
Receive the latest news, trends, and technology relevant to your work.
(See Titles)

Chapter 3: AC and DC Motors - DC Motors: Introduction

By Dave Polka
From Motors and Drives

Introduction

To truly understand the operating principles of an electronic drive, it is first necessary to understand basic direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) motor theory. As covered previously, the drive is the device that controls the motor. The drive and motor interact to provide the torque, speed, and horsepower necessary to operate the application. Slight differences occur between manufacturers when it comes to motor design, but the basic characteristics apply, no matter what motor is being controlled.

Direct current motors have been the backbone of industrial applications, ever since the Industrial Revolution. This is due to the motor's high starting torque capability and smooth speed control, and its ability to quickly accelerate to speed in the opposite direction.

Consult the Appendix when you need more information on an idea or term. You will also find helpful formulas and conversions related to both DC and AC motors.

© 2003 ISA

Products & Services
Motor speed controllers are electronic devices that control motor speed. They carry specifications for drive type, product classification, electrical ratings, and operating parameters. Search by Specification | Learn more about Motor Speed Controllers
Motor contactors are relays with large current capacity for connecting and disconnecting a motor from the power supply. Typically, motor contractors are multi-pole for control of all current carrying conductors. Search by Specification | Learn more about Motor Contactors
AC motors include single, multiphase, universal, induction, synchronous, and gear motors. They also include servomotors.   Search by Specification | Learn more about AC Motors
Frequency-to-current converters accept a frequency (an AC signal) and produce an output current whose value is a function of the input frequency. Search by Specification | Learn more about Frequency-to-Current Converters
Magnetic drive pumps are sealless pumps that use a coaxial magnetic coupling to transmit torque to an impeller. A standard electric motor drives a set of permanent magnets that are mounted on a carrier or drive assembly. Search by Specification | Learn more about Magnetic Drive Pumps

Product Announcements
Automationdirect.com - NEW: NEMA Premium AC Motors
AutomationDirect offers a variety of AC motors from ΒΌ-100 Hp. New models offer premium efficiency from 1-100 Hp. These TEFC motors meet or exceed NEMA Premium ratings for reduced power consumption... (read more)
Bodine Electric Company - New 12 VDC Gearmotors, Motors and DC Speed Control
Bodine Electric Company introduces a new family of 12 volt permanent magnet DC (PMDC) gearmotors, motors and speed controls for continuous duty OEM applications. These compact and cost-efficient... (read more)
Automationdirect.com - Stepper Motors, Drives, Power Supplies
The SureStep open-loop stepping system provides simple & accurate control of position & speed. 9 stepper motors, 3 stepper drives & 4 power supplies are offered. The motors handle a wide... (read more)
Bodine Electric Company - New NEMA-4X and NEMA-1 AC Motor Speed Controls
Bodine Electric is pleased to announce the expansion of its line of Pacesetter™ AC motor speed controls. These versatile new controls will complement the largest selection of FHP variable-speed... (read more)
DOGA, S.A. - Low-cost compact DC motors and gearmotors
DOGA (Huntley, IL) manufactures cost-effective, customized DC motors and right-angle gearmotors up to 72V. The range of direct drive motors is 9 to 36 in-lb (1-4 Nm) starting torque and the gearmotors... (read more)
SSD Drives, a Division of Parker Hannifin Corp. - Higher-Performance Servo Motors from SSD Drives
SSD Drives division of Parker Hannifin Corporation is an industry leading manufacturer of AC, DC and Servo drives and motors. They are renowned for a wide range of reliable, innovative, state of the... (read more)
Bodine Electric Company - Bodine Standard Products Catalog S-16
Download our standard products catalog, S-16, from www.bodine-electric.com. Whether it's AC induction, brushless DC, or permanent magnet DC gearmotors, motors, or controls, we deliver Quality in... (read more)
Bodine Electric Company - Gearmotors and Motors for Low-Voltage Applications
Bodine engineers are expert in helping OEMs optimize efficiency for products designed to use batteries or solar power as an energy source. Bodine offers many low-voltage windings for its standard 130... (read more)
Bodine Electric Company - Compact Gearmotor for High Torque at Low Speeds:
Bodine Electric Company offers many built-to-order (custom) configurations of stock gearmotors. The type -3RD gearmotor is designed for OEM applications that require very slow rotation and high... (read more)
 

Topics of Interest
Basic Components Two basic circuits are in any DC motor: the armature (the device that rotates, sometimes referred to as a rotor) and the field (the stationary part, sometimes referred to as a stator... (Read More)
Introduction Probably the easiest of drive technologies to understand is the direct current (DC) drive. This type of drive converts fixed-voltage and frequency alternating current (AC) to an... (Read More)
TYPES OF MOTORS Alternating-Current Motors SQUIRREL-CAGE INDUCTION MOTOR  By far the most common motor used to drive pumps is the squirrel-cage induction motor (Figure 1). This motor consists of... (Read More)
AC and DC motors are the two major types in use today that are related to the industrial and HVAC applications. These motors provide the speed, torque, and horsepower necessary to operate the... (Read More)
PERFORMANCE Ac induction motors are designed to produce their rated power at a certain speed at a specific line voltage, line frequency, and ambient temperature. These motors will also operate at a... (Read More)