Abstract: The present invention relates broadly to commutation control of a BLDC motor for use with, for example, a power tool. The method uses a controller to control a BLDC motor in the event of a position sensor failure. Rather than ceasing operation of the motor and indicating a fault or error message to the user, the present invention determines when the next transition should occur based on the time between past hall transitions using a timer. Thus, if one or two position sensors are no longer providing position information to the controller, the controller can determine when the transitions would be changing based on past transitions to continue controlling the motor and prevents the motor from ceasing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of commutation control of a brushless DC (BLDC) motor. The method uses a controller to control the BLDC motor using a modified six-step commutation. The method adds six intermediate steps that overlap the six-step commutation. Each of the six steps overlap with preceding and following steps, resulting in six additional intermediate steps in which all three phases are active. By doubling the number of steps, current and torque will vary less over time compared with current solutions without increasing the size or changing the design of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates broadly to commutation control of a BLDC motor for use with, for example, a power tool. The method uses a controller to control a BLDC motor in the event of a position sensor failure. Rather than ceasing operation of the motor and indicating a fault or error message to the user, the present invention determines when the next transition should occur based on the time between past hall transitions using a timer. Thus, if one or two position sensors are no longer providing position information to the controller, the controller can determine when the transitions would be changing based on past transitions to continue controlling the motor and prevents the motor from ceasing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of commutation control of a BLDC motor. The method uses a controller to control the BLDC motor using a modified six-step commutation. The method adds six intermediate steps that overlap the six-step commutation. Each of the six steps overlap with preceding and following steps, resulting in six additional intermediate steps in which all three phases are active. By doubling the number of steps, current and torque will vary less over time compared with current solutions without increasing the size or changing the design of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates broadly to commutation control of a BLDC motor for use with, for example, a power tool. The method uses a controller to control a BLDC motor in the event of a position sensor failure. Rather than ceasing operation of the motor and indicating a fault or error message to the user, the present invention determines when the next transition should occur based on the time between past hall transitions using a timer. Thus, if one or two position sensors are no longer providing position information to the controller, the controller can determine when the transitions would be changing based on past transitions to continue controlling the motor and prevents the motor from ceasing operation.

Abstract: A motor drive system output filter includes fault detection. A variable frequency drive (VFD) drives a three phase AC induction motor. A filter circuit is connected between the VFD and the AC induction motor. The filter circuit comprises a filter for each phase. Each filter comprises an inductor and a damping resistor connected in series with a blocking capacitor across the inductor. A plurality of detection circuits are provided, one for each phase. Each detection circuit is connected to the capacitor of the associated phase for detecting capacitor voltage to indicate a resistor fault condition.

Abstract: A motor drive system output filter includes fault detection. A variable frequency drive (VFD) drives a three phase AC induction motor. A filter circuit is connected between the VFD and the AC induction motor. The filter circuit comprises a filter for each phase. Each filter comprises an inductor and a damping resistor connected in series with a blocking capacitor across the inductor. A plurality of detection circuits are provided, one for each phase. Each detection circuit is connected to the capacitor of the associated phase for detecting capacitor voltage to indicate a resistor fault condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely controlled variable message display systems comprising a plurality of display panels, each of which is independently capable of stand-alone operation; each said panel comprises a plurality of signal elements having an on state and an off state. A controller located remotely of the set of display panels produces an information signal which travels to all panels. Each display panel can be separated from the main sign and placed at separate locations, away from a controller. A logic circuit is associated with each display panel. A data bus interconnects the controller and the logic circuit whereby the alpha-numeric or image data and the panel location data are communicated. A data bus allows for wireless connection to each display panel.