Understanding DCM Motion Technology

The DCM Motion Technology relies on the 'build-in' encoder signals generated by any rotating, brush commutated (BC) electric DC motor.

It is well known that when a BC-DC motor rotates transients are induced on the power supply wires to the motor. These transients are generated by the rotating motor whether it is powered or not. They have traditionally been considered unwanted noise signals and as such are often suppressed using appropriate filters in many motor applications.

IDEAdvance Ltd, the company behind the DCM Motion Technology, has discovered that these transients are in fact very useful signals.

Using our patent pending transient detection method and circuit connected to the supply wires it is possible to precisely count the number of commutations of the rotating motor. In a number of typical electric motor applications it is now possible to eliminate more expensive rotation counting detectors such as photo detectors or displacement sensors such as Hall sensors and precisely control the motion of the motor, resembling that of a stepper motor but at a much lower cost.

In addition the DCM Motion Technology can extract detailed information about these transients, i.e. the exact time they occur during a commutation, the transient pattern and even detect any variations in the pattern for each commutation and over time. Based on this detailed information the DCM Motion Technology can be used for advanced applications such as electric motor monitoring, validation, dynamic speed control, direction control, torque control, squeeze control and synchronised control of two or more motors.

Further, it is now possible to precisely control the power distribution to the motor during each commutation thereby reducing the wear and tear on motor parts and reducing the power consumption of the motor.

As a result the DCM Motion Technology can extend the life time and provide significant energy savings for electric motors.