{"id":21290,"date":"2019-04-01T13:40:48","date_gmt":"2019-04-01T05:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=21290"},"modified":"2022-03-25T17:35:20","modified_gmt":"2022-03-25T09:35:20","slug":"choosing-the-right-motor-for-your-project-dc-vs-stepper-vs-servo-motors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2019\/04\/01\/choosing-the-right-motor-for-your-project-dc-vs-stepper-vs-servo-motors\/","title":{"rendered":"DC Motor vs Stepper Motor vs Servo Motor – Which Motor Should you Choose for Your Project?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From security cameras and fans to DVD players and right down to the vibration in your phone, motors are practically all around us. With so many variables to consider, it is hardly surprising that many find it difficult to choose the right motor for their application and miss out certain important parameters in the process. As such, we have put together a guide to help you choose between DC Motor, Stepper Motor and Servo Motor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Without further ado, let us jump right into Choosing the Right Motor for Your Project – DC vs Stepper vs Servo motors!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Types of Motors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We will be looking at 3 common motors – the DC, Stepper and Servo motors, their applications, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Brushed and Brushless DC Motors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DC motors are electromagnetic devices that use the interaction of magnetic fields and conductors to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy for rotation. There are many types of DC motors out in the market. The brushed and brushless motors are the most common DC motors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brushed
Brushed DC motors come in different sizes
(Source: Alliedmotion)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Brushed motor interior<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Brushed DC Motors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The brushed DC motor has been around for a long time, and its use can be traced back to the 1830s. They are every way. In toys, household appliances, computer cooling fans, you name it. As one of the simplest motors to construct and control, it is no wonder that the brushed DC motor still remains a favourite among professionals and hobbyists alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why are they called brushed motors? The current is provided via two stationary metallic brushes that make contact with the different segments on the ring. As the commutator rotates, the brushes make contact with the next segment and therefore continue the rotation of the motor. As you can imagine, this generates friction and so heat and even generated sparks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working Principle:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

How does a DC motor move? DC motors include two key components: a stator<\/strong> and an armature<\/strong>. The stator is the stationary part of a motor, while the armature rotates. In a DC motor, the stator provides a rotating magnetic field that drives the armature to rotate. A pair of magnets, or a stator envelopes the coils in an electric field by surrounding the coils. When current passes through a wire in a magnetic field, the wire experiences a force, and so the coils in the motor experience a force that pushes the coil and begins the rotation. The GIF below illustrates the working principle of the brushed motor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An
An operating Brushed DC motor
(Source: Renesas)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The coil experiences a downward force when it reaches the area on the right, and an upward force when it reaches the area on the left. By adding multiple coils attached to different segments on the commutator, it can maintain steady rotation. You can reverse the direction of rotation simply by reversing the polarity on the motor\u2019s contacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages & Limitations of Brushed DC Motor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Advantages<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Disadvantages<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Find inexpensive DC motors at Seeed Bazaar<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applications of Brushed DC Motors:<\/h4>\n\n\n

Nowadays, some might claim that the brushed DC motors are no longer relevant as the brushless motor has displaced it from many applications. However, that is definitely not the case.<\/p>\n

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Brushed motors can still be the best solution for many industrial applications<\/strong> that require constant torque across the motor\u2019s entire speed range. Uses include mobile phone vibrators, toys, handheld fans, cordless drills and car windows<\/strong> among many things.<\/p>\n

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Depending on the needs of your application, the brushed DC motor might be the more suitable option. If a simple control scheme and low cost is your primary concern, consider the use of a brushed DC motor.<\/p>\n

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Brushless DC Motors<\/h3>\n

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\"Brushless\n
Brushless DC Motor (Ref: ISL Products<\/a>)<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n

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Brushless DC motors are mechanically simpler than brushed ones. As commutation is achieved electrically, the sparks and noise of brushed DC motors is eliminated, enabling the current flow to switch silently and therefore allowing the motor to be driven quietly. These quiet motors find applications in computer fans, disk drives, drones, electric vehicles and high-precision servomechanisms.<\/p>\n

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Working Principle Brushless DC motors:<\/h4>\n

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