Abstract: An electric work machine in one aspect of the present disclosure includes an output shaft, a brushless DC motor, a first positive-side conduction path, a first negative-side conduction path, a first switch device, a manual switch, a rotation sensor, and a controller. The first switch device is on the first positive-side conduction path or the first negative-side conduction path. The controller controls a magnitude of a conduction angle based on an actual rotational frequency and a target rotational frequency of the brushless DC motor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a brushless permanent-magnet motor having a phase winding and a rotor, includes applying voltages of first and second opposing polarities to the phase winding when the rotor is oscillating about a parking position, measuring a plurality of first times, each first time including a time taken for current flowing through the phase winding in response to an applied voltage of the first polarity to exceed a threshold and measuring a plurality of second times, each second time including a time taken for current flowing through the phase winding in response to an applied voltage of the second polarity to exceed the threshold. The method includes determining which of an average magnitude of the plurality of first times and an average magnitude of the plurality of second times has the smaller average magnitude, and determining an amplitude peak of the plurality of times having the smaller average magnitude.

Abstract: The transport system includes transport modules each including a coil group and an inverter unit that applies an AC voltage to the coil group. The transport system has at least one carriage having a magnet installed thereon to receive an electromagnetic force from the coil group. Each inverter unit includes an inverter circuit and a diode. The inverter circuit has a DC voltage applied thereto, the DC voltage being output from a DC power supply, and converts the DC voltage into the AC voltage. The diode is connected between the DC power supply and the inverter circuit and disposed to allow a current to flow in a forward direction from a first side of the diode connected to the DC power supply to a second side of the diode opposite to the first side when a potential on the first side is higher than a potential on the second side.

Abstract: A method includes, at a controller: directing current through a set of coil assemblies in an electric motor based on a first commutation technique; in response to an operating speed of the electric motor exceeding a first operating speed threshold, initiating a transition from the first commutation technique to a second commutation technique; during a transition period, directing current through the set of coil assemblies based on the first commutation technique controlled according to a first pulse width modulation scheme and the second commutation technique controlled according to a second pulse width modulation scheme; and, in response to completion of the transition period, directing current through the set of coil assemblies based on the second commutation technique.

Abstract: A switching device for an electric motor provided with a plurality of phases includes a fixed body equipped with a plurality of connection portions and at least one moveable body that can be moved with respect to the fixed body between at least a first position, in which the phases are arranged in a first electrical configuration, and a second position, in which the phases are arranged in a second electrical configuration. The second electrical configuration is separate from the first one due to the connection between the phase fractions within each phase and/or due to the reciprocal connection between the phases.

Abstract: Method for determining the voltage UL generated by the inductive part of a measuring resistor present in an electronic circuit including a signal generator, at least one stator winding connected to the signal generator and to the measuring resistor and a differential amplifier for the voltage across the terminals of the measuring resistor, the method including: a step of energizing the electronic circuit for a predetermined period of time t; a step of measuring the voltage UT across the terminals of the measuring resistor at the end of the energizing step; a step of determining the voltage UR generated by the resistive part of the measuring resistor at the end of the energizing step; and a step of determining the voltage UL generated by the inductive part of the measuring resistor as a function of the voltage UT and the voltage UR.

Abstract: An estimation device that estimates a state of a device that detects a position of a rotating body includes a position sensor to output a detection signal that is a signal representing a detection result of a position of a magnet rotatable in conjunction with the rotating body according to a magnetic flux of the magnet, an extractor to extract a feature amount of the detection signal from the detection signal for each of the positions, and an estimator to derive an evaluation value representing a comparison result between a feature amount of the detection signal for each of the positions and a reference value for each of the positions, and to estimate a degree of change in sensitivity to detect the position based on the evaluation value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for auto-calibration of current supplied to a motor of an actuator may include supplying an initial electrical current to the motor. One or more sensors may measure a condition corresponding to the motor as the initial electrical current is supplied to the motor. A processing circuit may compare the measured condition to an expected condition. The processing circuit may adjust a supply of the initial electrical current to the motor until the measured condition substantially matches the expected condition. The processing circuit may store data regarding an association between the adjusted supply of initial electrical current and the expected condition.

Abstract: A rotary machine control apparatus includes: a current detector detecting an alternating current flowing through a rotary machine and outputting a current detection value; a power converter supplying power to the rotary machine by applying an AC voltage based on a voltage command value; a current controller adjusting the voltage command value so that the current detection value matches a current command value; an estimator obtaining a magnetic-flux estimation value that is an estimation value of an amplitude of a magnetic flux vector in the rotary machine; and a magnetic flux controller adjusting the current command value so that the magnetic-flux estimation value matches a set magnetic-flux command value in a start-up control period from when the rotary machine is put in a state where the rotary machine rotates by inertia after interruption of power supply of the power converter until the power supply is resumed.

Abstract: For controlling an electric motor to maintain a current motor position, a motor controller determines the current motor position of the electric motor and selects (S41) from a set of stable positions, defined by cogging torque of the electric motor, a selected stable position closest to the current motor position. The controller controls the motor torque of the electric motor to maintain the motor position (S4) within a defined range around the selected stable position.

Abstract: A closed-loop method of starting a permanent magnet synchronous motor comprises driving the rotor by energizing stator windings using motor control signals based on an initial standstill rotor angle. Periodically estimating values of rotor flux linkage magnitude and/or angle based on back-electromotive force (emf) induced in the stator windings by the rotating rotor. The estimated values of rotor flux linkage magnitude are used to estimate respective new rotor angles which are used to generate updated motor control signals to drive the rotor. Control of the motor is switched-over to a closed-loop synchronous operation motor control algorithm in response to any one or any combination of the following conditions: at a predetermined period of time from initiation of the closed-loop start-up method; or upon determination that the rotor has reached a minimum operating speed; or upon determination that the estimated value of rotor flux linkage magnitude reaches or exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: An ultra-low or very low frequency communication device composed of: a circuit unit operative to produce an alternating current; and a dipole antenna connected to receive the alternating current and to convert the alternating current into electromagnetic radiation. The antenna is composed of an unshielded radiating conductor and a shielded return conductor connected in series with the radiating conductor, and the return conductor is shielded by a Faraday shield such as a collisionless plasma column that surrounds the return conductor to prevent any electromagnetic radiation from the return conductor.

Abstract: A motor controller integrated circuit (IC) includes a storage device containing software, and a processor core. The processor core has an output adapted to be coupled to a motor. The processor core is configured to execute the software to operate the motor in an open-loop control, calculate first and second orthogonal components of a back electromotive force (BEMF), calculate a total BEMF value, and determine that the first orthogonal component is within a threshold of the total BEMF value. The processor core is further configured to, responsive to the first orthogonal component being within the threshold of the total BEMF value, operate the motor in a closed-loop control.

Abstract: A motor drive control device has a control circuit that generates a drive control signal for controlling a rotational speed of a motor based on a speed command signal indicating a target rotational speed of the motor, and a motor driving unit that drives the motor based on the drive control signal. The control circuit performs speed feedback control for generating the drive control signal so that the rotational speed of the motor coincides with the target rotational speed when the target rotational speed is lower than a rotational speed threshold value, and generates the drive control signal based on a relationship between current flowing through the motor and a reference current value when the target rotational speed is higher than the rotational speed threshold value.

Abstract: A motor control system includes a motor, an encoder, and a controller including a controller transmitter configured to transmit a torque command to control the motor. The encoder includes a position detector configured to detect a rotational position of the motor, an encoder receiver configured to receive the torque command from the controller transmitter, first disturbance estimating circuitry configured to estimate a first disturbance torque based on the rotational position and the torque command, and an encoder transmitter configured to transmit the rotational position and the first disturbance torque to the controller.

Abstract: A motor control device includes: a plurality of sensors detecting a rotation position of a rotor and outputting a position detection signal; a rotational speed determination part determining whether a rotational speed of a brushless motor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value based on the position detection signal; and a motor control part. An energization control part included in the motor control part uses, between a first mode and a second mode, different sensor signals serving as a trigger for an energization timing of each phase. In the first mode, an energization timing to a second phase is advanced relative to a timing at which the position detection signal of a first sensor turns on. In the second mode, an energization timing to the second phase is retarded relative to a timing at which the position detection signal of the first sensor turns on.

Abstract: An estimation device includes a phase current determination unit, a time difference calculation unit, and an estimation unit. The phase current determination unit performs a determination process for determining values of phase currents based on the value of the bus current detected by a bus current detection unit and states of gate pulse signals. The time difference calculation unit calculates a difference between a detection time of the bus current used in a previous determination process and a detection time of the bus current used in a present determination process. The estimation unit estimates at least one of a position and a speed of an AC motor based on the values of the phase currents determined by the phase current determination unit and the difference calculated by the time difference calculation unit.

Abstract: A motor controller comprises a switch circuit and a control unit. The switch circuit is coupled to a motor for driving the motor. The control unit is configured to generate a plurality of control signals to control the switch circuit. The motor controller sequentially determines a first phase, a second phase, a third phase, and a fourth phase based on a rotation direction. When the motor controller is in the first phase and the motor controller is unable to detect a phase switching time point within a starting time, the motor controller switches from the first phase to the second phase, the third phase, or the fourth phase. The motor controller is configured to increase a success rate of starting the motor.

Abstract: Medical systems and methods for making and using medical systems are disclosed. Example medical systems may include an atherectomy system configured to engage and remove plaque from walls in vessels of a vascular system. The atherectomy system may include a drive shaft, a rotational member coupled to an end of the drive shaft, a motor coupled to the drive shaft to rotate the rotational tip, and a control unit configured to control a motor state of the motor. The motor may be an electric motor. The control unit may adjust the motor state to decelerate the motor in response to detecting a jam or a stall condition. The jam or stall condition may be detected when a speed of the motor or other motor state reaches or goes beyond a threshold value as prescribed by a reference schedule.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electric machine via an inverter comprises an speed estimator that is configured to estimate a rotor speed of an electric motor to determine whether to control the inverter to operate the electric motor in a first mode or a second mode. For example, the first mode comprises a current-frequency control mode and the second mode comprises a back electromagnetic force (BEMF) mode. An electronic data processor or controller is configured to determine a first (current) command associated with a first mode of operating the electric motor, if the estimated rotor speed is a less than a speed threshold. The electronic data processor or controller is configured to determine a second (current) command associated with a second mode of operating the electric motor if the estimated rotor speed is equal to or greater than the speed threshold.

Abstract: A drive system with one or more electrically driven axles, a transmission subsystem, which is drivingly coupled to a drive gearbox of each of the electrically driven axles, first and second motors, which are each drivingly coupled to the transmission subsystem and have different motor characteristics, and a controller. The drive gearbox of each axle transmits rotary power to an associated set of vehicle wheels. The controller controls the first and second motors responsive to at least a torque request. Over a significant portion of the operating range of the drive system, the controller is configured to vary the respective magnitudes of the rotary power provided by the first and second motors to satisfy the torque request in a manner that maximizes a combined efficiency of the motors in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A system is for a machine having an alternating current (AC) power source with a first side and a second side, one or more windings, an AC polarity detector, a Hall effect device, two or more pairs of power switches, and a motor controller. The motor controller determines which of the power switches to open or close to obtain a direction of current flow through the one or more windings based on signals from the AC polarity detector and the Hall effect device.

Abstract: Implementations of a system for sensing rotor position of a PMSM may include: a controller which may be coupled with the PMSM. The controller may be configured to apply a plurality of voltage vectors to the PMSM to generate a plurality of sensing signals from a stator of the PMSM in response. A comparator may be coupled to the PMSM configured to receive and to compare each one of the plurality of sensing signals with a threshold voltage. A rise time measurement circuit may calculate a plurality of rise times using the plurality of sensing signals in response to receiving a signal from the comparator. The rotor-angle estimation circuit may be configured to identify from the plurality of rise times a shortest rise time and a voltage vector corresponding with the shortest rise time and thereby identify the position of the rotor of the PMSM.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus excites an excitation phase targeted for excitation among a plurality of excitation phases of a motor. The motor control apparatus, in a state in which a rotor of the motor is stopped, excites an excitation phase corresponding to a stop position of the rotor among the plurality of the excitation phases, and measures a physical quantity which changes in accordance with an inductance of at least one of a plurality of coils configuring the plurality of excitation phases. The motor control apparatus estimates a temperature of the rotor from a measurement value of the measured physical quantity, and decides a parameter value for control of the motor based on the estimated temperature.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus for driving a single-phase motor includes an inverter disposed between a battery and the single-phase motor, the inverter applying a first voltage to the single-phase motor at startup and applying a second voltage to the single-phase motor during a normal operation. A stop time period is present after application of the first voltage, application of the first voltage being stopped during the stop time period, and the inverter applies the second voltage after a lapse of the stop time period.

Abstract: Example systems and processes compare sampled values of a floating phase voltage and/or outgoing phase current of an electric motor with a corresponding reference to identify a degauss time period. Post degauss time period identification, sampled values are compared with a threshold to identify a settling time period following the degauss time period. The threshold used to identify the settling time period depends on a slope of a floating phase voltage after the degauss time period, a modulation scheme being used, and a pulse width modulation ON/OFF state of the electric motor. When the threshold comparison test is not met, it is determined whether the slope of the floating phase voltage has inverted. Based on such processing, a back-electromotive force (BEMF) zero-crossing (ZC) is detected or estimated with respect to a floating phase voltage of the electric motor.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring a clock signal output from a communication circuit that outputs the clock signal; and a monitoring unit for analyzing the waveform of the clock signal acquired by the acquisition unit, based on a predetermined reference clock signal having a period equal to or shorter than a period of the clock signal to thereby determine whether or not there is a sign of malfunction in the communication circuit.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference reducing circuit is provided. A first random number generator generates a plurality of first random number signals each having a plurality of triangular waves. Each of the triangular waves has a plurality of steps. The first random number generator generates a plurality of first random numbers and modulates each of the first random number signals according to the first random numbers. The first random number generator repeatedly counts, repeatedly removes, or does not count time of the steps of each of the triangular waves of each of the first random number signals according to one of the first random numbers. A first oscillator generates a first oscillating signal. A motor controller circuit controls a plurality of switch components of a motor respectively according to the first random number signals based on the first oscillating signal.

Abstract: Some examples relate to a frequency synthesizer. The frequency synthesizer includes an oscillator including an input terminal and an output terminal. A frequency locked-loop or phase-locked loop (FLL/PLL) unit is arranged on a feedback path extending between the output terminal of the oscillator and the input terminal of the oscillator. A switching unit is configured to selectively switch between a first mode of operation in which the feedback path is closed and the FLL/PLL unit is coupled to the input terminal of the oscillator, and a second mode of operation in which the feedback path is open and a ramping unit is coupled to the input terminal of the oscillator while the feedback path is open.

Abstract: A converter controller configured to control a firing phase of a converter includes an integral element integrating a deviation of DC current from a current command value and generates a voltage command value of output voltage of the converter by performing control calculation of the deviation. In a first mode of performing commutation of an inverter by intermittently setting DC current to zero, the converter controller sets DC current to zero for a predetermined pause time by narrowing a phase control angle simultaneously with a commutation command for the inverter. When the control calculation is resumed immediately after the pause time, the converter controller uses a control amount calculated in control calculation immediately before the pause time as a preset value of the integral element immediately after the pause time.

Abstract: One example is a system for controlling a motor during startup. The system includes measurement logic, pattern detection logic, and mode logic. The measurement logic monitors a back-electromotive force (BEMF) signal representing a BEMF of an electric motor and the pattern detection logic monitors this signal to detect instances of the monitored BEMF signal exhibiting a predetermined pattern. The mode logic enables control of the electric motor according to a plurality of modes of control. In some examples, the mode logic initially employs a first mode of control and switches from the first mode of control to a second mode of control in response to the pattern detection logic detecting that a BEMF signal exhibits the predetermined pattern over a plurality of commutation states.

Abstract: A motor control actuator configured to drive a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with sensorless Field Oriented Control (FOC) includes: a sampling circuit configured to measure a counter electro motive force (CEMF) or a back electro motive force (BEMF) of the PMSM, while the PMSM rotates, and generate a measurement signal based on the measured CEMF or the measured BEMF; a motor controller including a current controller configured to generate control signals for driving the PMSM, the current controller configured to receive the measurement signal and perform a catch spin sequence for restarting the PMSM while rotating based on the measurement signal; and a multi-phase inverter configured to supply multiple phase voltages to the PMSM based on the control signals. The motor controller is configured to match an output voltage of the multi-phase inverter to the measured CEMF or the measured BEMF during the catch spin sequence.

Abstract: A setting support device according to the present invention is provided with: a first identification means that identifies an evaluation index value indicating the stability or control performance of motor control by a motor control device in each of a plurality of load device states in which a load device is in mutually different orientations or situations; a second identification means that identifies, for each control device state, a combined evaluation index value representative of the evaluation index values in the plurality of load device states, identified for that control device state by the first identification means; and a recommended-value output means that identifies and outputs a recommended value of at least one control parameter on the basis of the combined evaluation index value identified for each control device state by the second identification means.

Abstract: A system for controlling a motor includes a motor having a plurality of phases, each phase comprising a coil having a first end coupled to a motor neutral point. A motor driver circuit is coupled to a second end of each coil to provide power to each coil. A motor controller circuit is coupled to the motor driver circuit to control the power that is provided to the motor. A comparator is coupled to compare a voltage at the motor neutral point to a voltage at the second end of each coil to detect a back-EMF polarity and produce a polarity signal representing the back-EMF polarity. A back-EMF filter circuit is coupled to receive the polarity signal and invert the polarity signal if the polarity signal does not match an expected value.

Abstract: Enhanced motor power control circuitry is presented herein. In one implementation, a circuit includes power transistor elements in a half-bridge arrangement configured to selectively switch current for a phase of a motor according to control signals applied to corresponding gate terminals. The circuit also includes control circuitry configured to produce the control signals to achieve target states among the power transistor elements. The control signals have ramp rates determined based at least on polarities of the current through the power transistor elements during inactive states.

Abstract: An applied voltage decision unit 510 performs in parallel, a process of determining three-phase AC commands V1u* to V1w* of a voltage applied to a motor by an inverter based on a position, of a rotor of a motor, detected by a position sensor with an output A, and a process of determining three-phase AC commands V2u* to V2w* of the voltage applied to the motor by the inverter based on a neutral point voltage VN of the motor. A PWM modulator 507 alternately outputs a PWM signal according to the three-phase AC commands V1u* to V1w* and a PWM signal according to the three-phase AC commands V2u* to V2w* to the inverter. A control device determines whether or not the position sensor with the output A has failed by comparing the position, of the rotor, detected by the position sensor with the output A with a position, of the rotor, estimated from a neutral point voltage VN of the motor.

Abstract: A method for controlling the start-up phase of a sensorless permanent magnet synchronous motor, the method including: 1) according to the formula T=K×Iq where T is a torque, K is a coefficient, and Iq is a current on a q-axis of a coordinate system of a motor mathematical model, based on a maximum output torque Tmax of a motor, calculating a maximum current Iq_max on the q-axis, setting the maximum current Iq_max as an upper limit of current on the q-axis, and controlling the motor to run in an open-loop control mode; and 2) when an actual running speed V of the motor reaches a first target speed V_ref1, reducing the maximum current Iq_max to a target current Iq0 on the q-axis corresponding to a target torque T0 set by users, and controlling the motor to run in a closed-loop control mode under the first target speed V_ref1.

Abstract: A method for detecting a stall condition of an electric motor. The method can include initiating an open-loop phase. During the open-loop phase, the method can include increasing a rotational speed of an electric motor and obtaining data indicative of a voltage associated with the electric motor while increasing the rotational speed of the electric motor. During the open-loop phase, the method can also include determining a difference between the voltage and a time varying target voltage and detecting a stall condition based at least in part on the difference between the voltage and the time varying target voltage. When a closed-loop condition is satisfied, the method can include initiating a closed-loop phase.

Abstract: Implementations of a system for sensing rotor position of a PMSM may include: a controller which may be coupled with the PMSM. The controller may be configured to apply a plurality of voltage vectors to the PMSM to generate a plurality of sensing signals from a stator of the PMSM in response. A comparator may be coupled to the PMSM configured to receive and to compare each one of the plurality of sensing signals with a threshold voltage. A rise time measurement circuit may calculate a plurality of rise times using the plurality of sensing signals in response to receiving a signal from the comparator. The rotor-angle estimation circuit may be configured to identify from the plurality of rise times a shortest rise time and a voltage vector corresponding with the shortest rise time and thereby identify the position of the rotor of the PMSM.

Abstract: A motor control system includes a multi-phase motor, a multi-phase inverter circuit, a plurality of controllable switches, a plurality of sensors, and a monitor circuit. Each controllable switch is coupled in series between a second terminal of the motor and a common winding node and is responsive to switch commands to operate in either a first switch mode or a second switch mode. The monitor circuit is responsive to sensor signals to determine when one or more of the sensed motor state variables attains a predetermined threshold magnitude and when one or more of the sensed motor state variables attains the predetermined threshold magnitude, to supply a switch command to one or more of the controllable switches that causes the one or more controllable switches to operate in the second switch mode.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus connectable in parallel to a second power conversion apparatus includes circuitry that generates a carrier wave, generates a pulse signal synchronized with the carrier wave, generates power that is based on a width of the pulse signal, obtains a monitor value corresponding to a circulating current circulating between the power conversion apparatus and the second power conversion apparatus, and based on the monitor value obtained while the power conversion circuitry is generating driving power, changes a period of the carrier wave to decrease the circulating current.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece detects an external magnetic field without using a magnetic sensor. The electronic timepiece has a driver that drives a motor; a current detector that detects a current value flowing through a coil of the motor; a controller that controls the driver to the on state or the off state according to the detected current value; a polarity changer that alternately changes the polarity of the drive current to a first polarity and a second polarity when an on time, which is a continuous time of the on state, meets a specific condition; a counter that counts the number of on states in the first polarity and the number of on states in the second polarity; and an external magnetic field detector that detects an external magnetic field based on a result of comparing the counted number of on states in the first polarity and the second polarity.

Abstract: A system includes a position sensor configured to detect positions of a rotor of a starter motor relative to the position sensor and to output signals indicating the detected positions and a controller configured to rotate the rotor to a plurality of predetermined positions relative to a stator of the starter motor, determine sensed positions of the rotor based on the signals output by the position sensor, and calculate an initial detected position of the rotor based on relationships between the determined sensed positions of the rotor and an expected angular distance between adjacent ones of the predetermined positions.

Abstract: In a system and method for operating a system, which includes a first inverter which feeds a first electric motor, and a second inverter which feeds a second electric motor, the DC-voltage side connection of the first inverter is connected to the DC-voltage side connection of a rectifier which is supplied from an electrical AC-voltage supply network, the DC-voltage side connection of the second inverter is connected to the DC-voltage side connection of the rectifier, in particular, the two DC-voltage side connections of the inverters are switched in parallel, and a controller is provided, in particular in the first inverter, which controls the current accepted and acquired by the first inverter at its DC-voltage side terminal toward a setpoint value in that the torque of the first electric motor fed by the first inverter is the controlled variable.

Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The electric motor is configured to drive a blower to generate an airflow. The motor controller includes a memory and a processor coupled thereto. The memory is configured to store a speed-to-airflow ratio associated with an airflow restriction on the blower. The processor is configured to receive a command for a calibrating airflow and operate the electric motor in a constant airflow mode to generate the calibrating airflow at a calibrating speed. The processor is further configured to write the calibrating speed and the calibrating airflow to the memory as the speed-to-airflow ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for determining the position angle of a rotor (2) in an electric synchronous machine (1). The device is designed to comprise: a voltage generator (12) for generating electrical voltage pulses at angles in a coordinate system fixed in respect of the stator when the rotor (2) is stationary; a measuring device (14) for measuring any electrical current value returning to the electrical voltage pulses generated by the voltage generator (12); and a computing device (16), which is designed: —to store a current signal curve of the current values measured; —to generate a zero-mean current signal curve by shifting the current signal curve or the measured current values; —to compute an integral function (83) of the zero-mean current signal curve; and—to determine the position angle of the rotor (2) on the basis of the computed integral function (83).

Abstract: An electric quantity of a power supply of a connection switching device for switching the connection state of a motor, or at least one electric quantity which varies with the first-mentioned electric quantity is detected, the result of the detection is used to detect or predict a fall of a voltage of the switching power supply. Based on the result of the detection or prediction, an inverter is so controlled as to stop the motor before the voltage of the switching power supply falls below the minimum voltage required for the operation of the connection switching device. Breakdown of the connection switching device can be prevented.

Abstract: An impact tool of the present disclosure provides an impact mechanism having a hammer and an anvil, the hammer being rotatable about a first axis and to periodically impact the anvil to drive rotation of the anvil about the first axis. The electric motor includes a plurality of pole pairs of windings and a rotor that is rotatable with respect to consecutively energized pole pairs of windings. No encoder or sensor is electronically coupled to the electric motor to detect a position of at least one magnet attached to the rotor with respect to at least one pole pair when the rotor is in a stopped condition. When the rotor is in the stopped condition, the motor controller energizes the at least one pole pair to initiate rotation and detect a back EMF generated by movement of the rotor without a sensor or encoder to indicate the predetermined location of the at least one magnet attached to the rotor with respect to the at least one pole pair.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a brushless motor (101) in a power tool system. The brushless motor (101) includes multiple phase windings (u, v, w). The control method includes: operating the brushless motor (101) in each driving state for a period of time separately; measuring a voltage of a higher-voltage one of two phase input ends to which a driving voltage is applied and defining this voltage as a higher-voltage end voltage; measuring a voltage of a phase input end of one of the multiple phase windings which is kept floating when the driving voltage is applied and defining this voltage as a floating end voltage; determining whether values of the higher-voltage end voltage and the floating end voltage meet a preset condition; and when the values of the higher-voltage end voltage and the floating end voltage meet the preset condition, using any one of the multiple phase windings not serving as the current floating phase as a next floating phase.

Abstract: A motor control circuit includes a control circuit configured to output a pulse width modulation signal for controlling a switching operation of an inverter circuit, the inverter circuit being configured to supply an alternating current power to a motor, and includes a speed-change detecting circuit configured to detect a change in a speed command signal and, output, in response to the change meeting and exceeding a predetermined limit, a signal indicating that the speed command signal has changed to the control circuit to cause the control circuit to change a duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal, the speed command signal specifying a target value of a rotational speed of the motor.