BLDC Motor Drive Bias Voltage Control for Phase Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor drive controllers for brushless direct current (BLDC) motors face challenges in reliably detecting the timing of phase changes in magnetic signals and reducing bias current during unnecessary periods, leading to increased power consumption and potential temperature rises due to regulator inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A motor drive controller is designed with a bias adjustment unit that adjusts the bias voltage to a lower value during periods when it is not necessary for magnetic field detection, and returns to the normal voltage level just before a phase change, thereby reducing power consumption and avoiding switching noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bias voltage is maintained at the first voltage value continuously, then the magnetic sensor can continuously detect the magnetic field, but the power consumption increases and temperature rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field detection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bias voltage is applied periodically rather than continuously. The control unit switches between the first voltage value (enabling detection) and the second voltage value (reducing power consumption) based on whether phase change detection is required, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection reliability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The bias voltage level is dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements. The system transitions from a static continuous voltage application to a dynamic voltage adjustment strategy, switching between high and low voltage states according to the detection phase, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the bias voltage is reduced to the second voltage value during non-detection periods, then power consumption decreases, but the detection timing may be missed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidphase change detection timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system switches to the first voltage value in advance before the expected phase change detection period. The control unit proactively prepares the magnetic sensor by applying sufficient bias voltage before the critical detection window, ensuring the sensor is ready to detect phase changes accurately without missing timing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit monitors the operational phase and uses feedback information to determine when to switch voltage levels. By detecting the phase state and responding accordingly, the system ensures voltage is applied at the correct moments for detection while minimizing unnecessary power consumption during non-detection phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If the bias voltage is switched intermittently to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but switching noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidswitching noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of completely switching the bias voltage off and on (which causes noise), the system changes the voltage parameter from the first voltage value to the second voltage value. This parameter change approach reduces power consumption while minimizing abrupt transitions and associated switching noise, as the second voltage value maintains a stable low-state rather than complete switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces power consumption by minimizing bias current during unnecessary periods, while ensuring accurate detection of phase changes without missing the timing, thus improving the operational efficiency and reliability of the motor drive controller.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic sensor configured to detect a magnetic field generated by rotation of the Brushless DC motor and output the magnetic field as each of magnetic signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

a bias adjustment unit configured to adjust and output a bias voltage used in magnetic field detection that is performed by the magnetic sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage adjustment: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4550655A1Motor drive controller and method for controllably driving motor
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP4550655A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4550655A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4550655A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motor drive controller for driving a brushless direct current motor includes a motor drive unit; a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field generated by rotation of the motor and outputting the magnetic field as each of magnetic signals; and a bias adjuster for adjusting and outputting a bias voltage used in magnetic field detection by the magnetic sensor. The bias adjuster adjusts the bias voltage to a second voltage value lower than a first voltage value that allows the magnetic sensor to detect the magnetic field in a first period after a phase change of the magnetic signals. The bias adjuster also adjusts the bias voltage to a first voltage value in a second period from an end of the first period until a subsequent phase change of the magnetic signals.