Abstract: An electronically commutatable motor with a preferably three-phase excitation winding in the stator, which, in order to generate a torque for a permanent magnet rotor, can be connected to a direct current source via a motor control unit and a commutation device equipped with semiconductor switches. The motor is intended for use as a drive motor of a safety-critical auxiliary drive unit in a motor vehicle, in particular as the drive motor of an electrical power-assisted steering unit, wherein additional or existing switching means suppress or at least partially compensate for a braking moment that is generated by the motor in the event of a winding short and/or a malfunction in the semiconductor switches of the commutation device.

Abstract: An electronically commutatable motor with a preferably three-phase excitation winding in the stator, which, in order to generate a torque for a permanent magnet rotor can be connected to a direct current source via a motor control unit and a commutation device equipped with semiconductor switches. The motor is intended for use as a drive motor of a safety-critical auxiliary drive unit in a motor vehicle, in particular as the drive motor of an electrical power-assisted steering unit, wherein additional or existing switching means suppress or at least partially compensate for a braking moment that is generated by the motor in the event of a winding short and/or a malfunction in the semiconductor switches of the commutation device.