Motors and Motor Control Circuits from Coursera

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5341, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

This is our second course in our specialization on Embedding Sensor and Motors. To get the most out of this course, you should first take our first course entitled Sensors and Sensor Circuits. Our first course gives you a tutorial on how to use the hardware and software development kit we have chosen for the lab exercises. This second course assumes that you already know how to use the kit.

After taking this course, you will be able to:

● Understand how to specify the proper AC or DC motor for a machine design.

● Integrate the motor to a machine, based on analysis of motor equations for voltage, current, torque and speed.

● Implement the motor and accompanying rotary sensor into a motor control circuit in both hardware and software.

● Add a motor and motor control circuit into a microprocessor based development kit.

● Create hardware and firmware to process motor feedback data to a microprocessor for further evaluation.

You will need to buy the following components to do the two course projects based on the videos in this module. Note that if you have already purchased the PSOC 5LP PROTOTYPING KIT, you do not need to buy it again.

These parts may be purchased off the Digikey web site, www. Digikey.com. Or, you may obtain the specs from the site, and purchase them elsewhere.

These are the part numbers for the above table, the lab on Motor Voltage and Current Measurement. You can copy and paste them into the search engine on the Digikey web site. You need one of each except for the AA batteries (N107-ND), which you would need 3.

428-3390-ND

P14355-ND

FQU13N10LTU-ND

N107-ND

1N5393-E3/54GICT-ND

RNF14FTD1K00CT-ND

P0.62W-1BK-ND

Additional equipment needed:

• Wire - various gauges and lengths

• Breadboard

• Oscilloscope – suggested models are:

o PICOSCOPE 2204A-D2 available on www.digikey.com or

o Digilent 410-324 | OpenScope MZ available on www.newark.com

Depending on your budget, you can also investigate these models:

o Hantek HT6022BE20MHz - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009H4AYII

o SainSmart DSO212 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074QBQNB7

o PoScope Mega50 USB - https://www.robotshop.com/en/poscope-mega50-usb-mso-oscilloscope.html

o ADALM2000 - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/analog-devices-inc./ADALM2000/7019661

What's inside

Syllabus

AC Motor Designs

In module 1 you will learn principles of operation of AC induction motors, both single and 3-phase types. You well then learn how to interpret data from torque speed curves, and how to optimize data in these curves based on electrical resistance, inductance, and capacitance. Then you will learn about different types of single phase motors, featuring a video analysis of a split phase motor used in a clothing dryer. You will also learn about typical applications for single phase motors, which will assist you in picking the right one for an application.

AC Motor Control

In module 2 you will learn the details of AC motor specifications and enclosures, as well as how these details are governed by national and international design standards. Then you will learn a detailed methodology for researching design requirements for AC motors, and how to use these requirements to pick the right motor for your needs. Afterwards, you will have lessons on AC motor control components and systems, both manual and automatic. This will culminate in training for you on AC variable speed drives.

DC Motors

In module 3 you will learn principles of DC motors, traditional brushed motors, as well as electronically driven brushless motors. We will discuss shunt wound, series wound, compound wound, servo, stepper, and torque motors, with detailed explanation of how commutation and control is implemented in these designs. We will have a lab exercise for you on DC motor speed measurement. We will have another video analysis for you, this time featuring teardown of a paper shredder. Then you will learn a detailed methodology for researching design requirements for DC motors, and how to use these requirements to pick the right motor for your needs.

DC Motor Control and Stepper Motors

In module 4 you will start off with another lab exercise, this time gaining hands-on experience with DC motor control. Then, we will illustrate a simplified stepper motor drive, so you will understand the basic principles involved in stepper motor control. Next, you will do a deep dive into stepper motor specs, operation and commercial driver chips and packages. You will then do another lab exercise, this time on actuating a rotary sensor. We end the module with a comparison of DC vs. AC motors, so you take away a core understanding of their pros and cons.

Course Projects

In this module you will perform your lab work for the Course. There will be two labs

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides hands-on experience in motor voltage and current measurement using a variety of testing equipment

Suitable for individuals pursuing electrical engineering related studies

Provides a strong foundation in understanding AC and DC motor principles, operation, and control

Covers a variety of motor types, including single and 3-phase AC motors, DC motors, stepper motors, and servo motors

Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in motor design, control, and implementation

Provides a comprehensive overview of motor control components, systems, and applications

Reviews summary

Praised motor control

Learners say this course is largely positive with lots of practical engaging assignments. Students appreciate the informative and concise lessons that help learners understand electric motors and motor controllers. Some mention the pace is a little fast, but most say the knowledge gained is worth the effort.

Short and concise lectures cover everything from operation to motor teardowns.

"Short and concise lectures, covering everything from operation, specs, teardown of actual motors."

"The lesson about AC and DC motor was really helpful and interesting."

Includes helpful lab exercises that enhance learning.

"Real time application videos and laboratory exercises which really enhances the knowledge about AC and DC Motors."

"The reading assignments were absolutely amazing to get better understanding of the content, presented by the instructors and it shows that the instructors know how help you to learn what you came for."

"and it was good a point that you learn some practical stuffs through some lab instructions."

Provides practical knowledge about motors and their controls.

"Excellent program to under stand the Motors and Motor control circuits and it will improve additional knowledge"

"Great Course about Electric Machines!!!!!!!!!"

"The course has given me a brief idea about how to choose a motor for my application."

Delivers informative content on AC and DC motors.

"This course is really knowledgeable . Being an electrical engineering student I learn a lot from it."

"Covers practical aspects of the motors and their controls, basic knowledge in Electrical Machines and Electrical Networks are the pre-requisites."

Some students found the pace of the course to be fast.

"Very informative and get the nice experience on motor and motor control centre"

"Too much of reading which makes the experience a little boring and hard to finish in the given 1 week time span."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Motors and Motor Control Circuits with these activities:

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Organize and review your notes, assignments, and other course materials to enhance your understanding and retention.

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Review the course syllabus and identify the key topics and concepts.
Organize your notes and assignments into a logical structure.
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Review AC Electrical Theory

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Review the basics of AC electrical theory, including concepts such as voltage, current, resistance, and impedance. This will help you build a strong foundation for understanding AC motors and motor control.

Browse courses on AC Circuits

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Read through your old notes or textbooks on AC electrical theory.
Watch online videos or tutorials on AC circuits.
Take practice quizzes or solve problems related to AC circuits.

Attend Industry Conferences and Webinars

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Networking with professionals and attending industry events will provide insights into real-world applications and trends.

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Identify upcoming conferences and webinars related to motor control.
Attend the events and engage with speakers and attendees.
Follow up with connections and exchange knowledge.

13 other activities

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Show all 16 activities

Review 'Electric Motors and Drives' by Austin Hughes

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Review the foundational concepts of electric motors and drives to strengthen your understanding of the course material.

View Electric Motors and Drives on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Electric Motors and Drives'.
Read through the chapters relevant to the topics covered in the course.
Take notes and highlight important sections.

Review DC Motors, Speed Controls, Servo Motors, Linear Motors, and Stepper Motors

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Review the principles of DC motor operation, speed control, and applications to enhance understanding of the course material.

View Electric Motors and Drives on Amazon

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Read Chapters 2-4 to grasp the fundamentals of DC motors.
Review the sections on speed control techniques, including armature voltage control and field control.
Explore the applications of DC motors in various industries.

Participate in Peer Discussion on AC Motor Specifications

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Engage in discussions with peers to exchange knowledge and clarify concepts related to AC motor specifications.

Browse courses on Motor Control

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Join or start a study group or online forum focused on AC motor specifications.
Participate in discussions, asking questions, sharing insights, and providing feedback.
Collaborate on solving problems or designing projects related to AC motor specifications.

Participate in Class Discussions

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Actively participate in class discussions by sharing your thoughts, asking questions, and responding to other students' comments. This will help you clarify your understanding of the material and learn from your peers.

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Come to class prepared by reading the assigned materials.
Participate in discussions by sharing your thoughts and asking questions.
Listen attentively to other students' comments and ask clarifying questions.

Solve DC Motor Speed Control Problems

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Practice solving problems related to DC motor speed control to reinforce your understanding.

Browse courses on Motor Control

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Solve the problems, showing all your work.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

Follow Tutorials on Motor Control Circuits

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Find tutorials or online courses that provide step-by-step instructions on how to design and build motor control circuits. These tutorials will help you apply the theoretical concepts you learn in the course to practical applications.

Show steps

Search for tutorials or online courses on motor control circuits.
Choose a tutorial that matches your skill level and interests.
Follow the instructions in the tutorial carefully, building the circuit and testing its functionality.

Develop a Presentation on Motor Control Applications

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Creating a presentation on real-world applications of motor control systems will enhance understanding of practical aspects.

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Research different industries and applications where motor control is essential.
Identify key concepts and principles involved in these applications.
Develop slides and supporting materials to present the information.
Practice the presentation and gather feedback.

Build a Simple Motor Control Circuit

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Hands-on experience in designing and implementing a basic motor control circuit will reinforce concepts covered in the course.

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Gather necessary components (motor, driver, microcontroller, etc.).
Design the circuit based on motor specifications and control requirements.
Implement the circuit and test its functionality.
Refine the design to optimize performance and efficiency.

Follow Tutorials on Stepper Motor Control

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Follow online tutorials to gain a deeper understanding of stepper motor control.

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Search for online tutorials on stepper motor control.
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and trying out the examples.
Ask questions in the tutorial forums or online communities if you get stuck.

Explore Advanced Motor Control Techniques

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Delving into advanced motor control techniques will broaden knowledge and enhance problem-solving abilities.

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Identify online tutorials or workshops on advanced motor control concepts.
Follow the tutorials to learn about topics such as field-oriented control, sensorless control, and adaptive control.
Apply the learned techniques to solve practical motor control problems.

Attend a Workshop on Motor Control Design

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Participate in a workshop to gain hands-on experience in motor control design and implementation.

Browse courses on Motor Control

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Research and identify relevant motor control design workshops.
Register for and attend the chosen workshop.
Actively engage in the workshop activities and discussions.

Write a Summary of Motor Control Techniques

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Summarize the different motor control techniques covered in the course to reinforce your understanding and improve your ability to explain them to others.

Browse courses on Motor Control

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Review your notes and the course materials on motor control techniques.
Organize the techniques into a logical structure.
Write a clear and concise summary, explaining each technique and its applications.

Design and Simulate a Motor Control System

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Design and simulate a motor control system to apply your knowledge and gain practical experience.

Browse courses on Motor Control

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Choose a specific motor control application.
Design the motor control system, including the hardware and software components.
Simulate the motor control system using software tools.
Analyze the simulation results and make any necessary adjustments to the design.

Career center

Learners who complete Motors and Motor Control Circuits will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Motor Control Engineer

Motor Control Engineers are responsible for designing systems to control the operation of electric motors, which are essential in many industries, such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. This course provides a strong foundation in motor control principles, including AC and DC motor design, motor control circuits, and microprocessor-based control systems. This knowledge directly equips learners with the skills and understanding to pursue this career role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motor Control Engineer

Automotive Engineer

Automotive Engineers design, develop, and test vehicles, ensuring they meet performance, safety, and emission standards. Electric motors are increasingly used in modern vehicles for propulsion and other applications. This course provides learners with the expertise to understand and work with these systems, giving them an edge in this competitive field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems, including those used in industrial machinery, power plants, and transportation systems. This course provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of motor control circuits and systems, enabling them to specialize in this aspect of electrical engineering and contribute to the development of advanced motor control technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and program robots for use in various applications, including manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration. This course provides learners with the knowledge of motor control principles and systems, which are essential for developing and controlling robotic systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design and improve production processes, ensuring efficiency and quality. This course provides learners with the understanding of motor control circuits and systems used in manufacturing equipment, enabling them to optimize production processes and maintain equipment performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Technicians diagnose and repair various mechanical and electrical systems, including those used in industrial settings and buildings. This course provides learners with the skills to understand and troubleshoot motor control circuits, enabling them to effectively maintain and repair equipment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Maintenance Technician

Electrical Design Engineer

Electrical Design Engineers design and develop electrical systems, including those used in buildings, industrial facilities, and transportation. This course provides learners with the expertise in motor control circuits and systems, enabling them to specialize in this area of electrical design and contribute to the development of efficient and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Design Engineer

Electronics Technician

Electronics Technicians install, maintain, and repair electronic devices and systems, including those used in industrial settings and consumer products. This course provides learners with the skills to understand and troubleshoot motor control circuits, enabling them to effectively maintain and repair electronic equipment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Technician

Test Engineer

Test Engineers develop and conduct tests to ensure the quality and performance of products and systems. This course provides learners with the knowledge of motor control circuits and systems, enabling them to specialize in testing and evaluating the performance of these systems.

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Project Manager

Project Managers oversee and coordinate projects, ensuring timely completion and successful delivery. In industries where motor control systems are used, Project Managers with knowledge in this area can effectively manage projects related to the design, implementation, and maintenance of these systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research and development in various scientific fields. This course may be useful for Research Scientists who focus on the development and application of motor control systems, providing them with a foundation in the principles and technologies used in this field.

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Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers provide technical expertise and support to customers, helping them select and implement products and systems. In industries where motor control systems are used, Sales Engineers with knowledge in this area can effectively advise customers and promote the sale of these systems.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, including manuals, specifications, and training materials. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who specialize in documenting motor control systems, providing them with the knowledge to accurately and effectively convey technical information in this field.

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Quality Assurance Engineer

Quality Assurance Engineers ensure the quality of products and processes, ensuring compliance with standards and customer requirements. This course may be helpful for Quality Assurance Engineers who work in industries where motor control systems are used, providing them with the understanding to assess and maintain the quality of these systems.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of organizations, ensuring efficiency and productivity. In industries where motor control systems are used, Operations Managers with knowledge in this area can effectively manage operations related to the use, maintenance, and optimization of these systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager