In Part 1 of this two-part series, we presented a 3-phase, 480VAC motor circuit with its associated controls (Figure). We stepped through a logical, systematic approach to troubleshoot the main power ...

The circuit switches the MOSFETs, which in turn send current through the legs of the ac motor. A typical high-speed PWM motor-control system uses fast-switching, high-power bipolar transistors, IGBTs ...

Guest columnist Alfred Hesener, European marketing director at Fairchild Semiconductor, describes how good design of power switches can help reduce losses in motor control circuits. Energy-saving ...

For the PDF version of this article, click here. Motor controllers used to power, stop and control the speed of a variety of motors must deal with a wide variety of surges due to switching events.

When you get the call, “The motor won’t start,” you’d best have a logical and systematic plan in place to approach the problem. “Easter egging” just doesn’t work unless you happen to be very lucky!