Brushless DC Motors
From Mech
Overview
Brushless DC (BLDC) motors are similar to Brushed DC Motors, except the commutation is done electronically. Instead of using the brushes and the rotation of the commutator to power the coils, external circuitry is used. Brushless DC motors are generally more expensive and the extra effort to construct the circuitry must be considered. However, BLDCs can be more efficient under light loads. BLDCs are used in computer hard drives, CD/DVD players, and PC cooling fans and electric cars.
Commutation Circuitry
References
- Wikipedia, "Brushless DC electric motor", http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brushless_motors