Abstract: Below a predetermined threshold value of the rotation speed, a sinusoidal or trapezoidal current is applied to the winding sections of a brushless DC motor. Above the predetermined threshold value of the rotation speed, the brushless DC motor is operated with block commutation. The brushless DC motor thus produces a very uniform torque over a very wide operating range, and can at the same time be designed to be very compact.

Abstract: A method for optically determining the position of a movement element optically includes introducing the light emitted by a light source into an optical conductor which causes attenuation of the light. A light output coupler that moves in accordance with the position of the movement element couples out the light from the optical conductor and feeds the attenuated light to a light detector. Using the ratio of the light intensity emitted by the light source and that registered by the light detector, the attenuation of the light is determined and the position of the movement element inferred therefrom. The sensor is usable in an aggressive environment or one susceptible to interference because of the light source and the light detector may be arranged remote from the movement element.

Abstract: A position sensor module in which a position sensor delivers a signal output to an electronic evaluation unit for further processing, wherein the sensor module and evaluation unit are mounted on and electrically connected by a shaped sheet metal part to eliminate the need for tuning adjustments between the position sensor and the electronic evaluation unit.

Abstract: A position sensor module in which a position sensor delivers a signal output to an electronic evaluation unit for further processing, wherein the sensor module and evaluation unit are mounted on and electrically connected by a shaped sheet metal part to eliminate the need for tuning adjustments between the position sensor and the electronic evaluation unit.

Abstract: A short-circuit protection circuit for a switching output having a non-self-protected field-effect transistor to whose control electrode a control voltage can be supplied via an input. A series circuit comprising a timer, a switch-off release stage and a switch-off stage is provided at the control electrode of the non-self-protected semiconductor switch.