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Chapter 3: AC and DC Motors - Check Your Knowledge

By Dave Polka
From Motors and Drives
  1. What are the two main parts of a DC motor and what is the purpose of each?

  2. What is the purpose of the brushes?

  3. Why are the laminations in the armature skewed?

  4. What is the purpose of the commutator?

  5. What is the purpose of the commutation windings?

  6. What is the purpose of compensation windings?

  7. How is speed controlled in a DC motor?

  8. How is torque controlled in a DC motor?

  9. What is the difference between a DPFG and a TEFC motor?

  10. Identify eight ratings listed on the DC motor nameplate and briefly indicate their meanings.

  11. What is the difference between a series wound and shunt wound DC motor?

  12. How is a permanent magnet DC motor different from the other standard DC motors?

  13. How does a DC servomotor differ from a standard DC motor?

  14. What are the main components of an AC induction motor, and what is the purpose of each?

  15. How is speed determined in an AC induction motor?

  16. What determines the horsepower of a motor?

  17. What is the definition of base speed?

  18. What is the V/Hz ratio?

  19. What NEMA design class would provide the highest amount of starting torque, when connected across line power?

  20. When considering inrush current draw, which NEMA motor type requires the highest amount of current upon start-up?

  21. When reviewing NEMA frame sizes, how is the centerline shaft to foot distance determined?

  22. What is the difference between IEC and NEMA ratings?

  23. How does a synchronous motor differ from a standard AC induction motor?

  24. What is the principle of operation behind an AC vector motor?

  25. How do stepper motors differ from standard AC induction motors?
© 2003 ISA

Products & Services
AC motor drives interface controllers to AC motors. They match the control signals (voltage and power levels) as well as the signal type (analog or digital). They also provide power conversion, amplification, and the sequencing of waveform signals. Search by Specification | Learn more about AC Motor Drives
Gearmotors consist of an AC or DC motor with an integral gearbox or gear head that steps delivered speed up or down. Search by Specification | Learn more about Gearmotors
Brushless motors are synchronous electric motors that have a magnetically (AC induction) or electronically (DC) controlled commutation system instead of a brush-based mechanical commutation system. Search by Specification | Learn more about Brushless Motors
Motor controllers receive supply voltages and provide signals to motor drives that are interfaced to motors. They include a power supply, amplifier, user interface, and position control circuitry. Search by Specification | Learn more about Motor Controllers
Electrical winding services fabricate custom-wound assemblies for a wide range of applications, including automotive, avionics, motor, transformer, medical instrumentation and power generation applications. Learn more about Electrical Winding Services

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