Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 1

Chapter 22. DC motor

electromagnetism > rotational > DC motor

In this section, the term “traditional DC motor” is used to describe the oldest and simplest design, which consists of two brushes delivering power via a rotating, sectioned commutator to two or more electromagnetic coils mounted on the motor shaft. Brushless DC motors (in which DC is actually converted to a pulse train) are also described here because “brushless DC” has become a commonly used phrase, and the motor is powered by direct current, even though this is modified internally via pulse-width modulation.

Other related components

• AC motor (See Chapter 23)
• stepper motor (See Chapter 25)
• servo motor (See Chapter 24)

What It Does

A traditional DC motor uses direct current to create ...