Running head: MOTOR SPEED AND INPUT CHARACTERISTICS EXPERIMENT REPORT 1

Motor Speed and Input Characteristics Experiment

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MOTOR SPEED AND INPUT CHARACTERISTICS EXPERIMENT REPORT 2

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between the motor speed, input voltage and input current.

Apparatus

1. U-154 Motor driver amplifier (10 Watts):

2. U-155 Tacho amplifier unit:
3. U-156 DC power supply (±15V, 0.2A and motor power):
4. U-157 Potentiometer
5. U-159 Tachometer (FS 4000 RPM)
6. U-161 Servo motor (Motor: 12V, 4.5W | Tacho generator: Approx. 3Vp-p/4000RPM)
7. Multimeters
8. Patch chords

Theoretical Background (working principle of dc motor)

The DC motor is a device that converts electrical energy (direct current) into mechanical energy
(Qi et al., 2019). It operates on the Lorentz principle, which asserts that "a current-carrying conductor
placed in a magnetic and electric field experiences a force"(Tang et al., 2019). The experienced force is
referred to as the Lorentz force and the direction of the force is given by the Flemming left-hand rule
which states that if we arrange our thumb, index finger and middle finger of the left hand perpendicular
to each other, then the thumb points towards the direction of the magnetic force, the index finger
points towards the direction of the magnetic field and the middle finger points towards the direction of
the current. The DC motor's two major components are the armature and stator. Its rotating component
is the armature, and its stationary component is the stator. The armature coil consists the commutators
and brushes. The armature is positioned between the permanent or electromagnet's north and south
poles. Carbon brushes bearing on a commutator, a metal ring divided into two parts and separated by
insulation, supply the coil with direct current through a circuit (Rajesh et al., 2019).

The operation of a DC motor begins with its connection to an external power supply, which
typically provides a DC voltage. This power supply provides the motor with electrical energy. Within the
dc motor are brushes and a commutator. Brushes are commonly made of carbon and keep electricity
flowing to the commutator, which is a split-ring positioned on the armature shaft. These components
are important in allowing an electrical connection to be made between the power supply and the motor.
When the power supply applies voltage, an electric current flows through the brushes, onto the
commutator, and finally onto the armature coil(s) which serve as current-carrying conductors (Ismail et
al., 2019).
MOTOR SPEED AND INPUT CHARACTERISTICS EXPERIMENT REPORT 3

The stator, a stationary component of the motor, generates a magnetic field using either
permanent magnets or field windings. This magnetic field serves as the foundation for the motor's
operation. As current flows through the armature, it converts the coils into electromagnets. These
transient electromagnets interact with the magnetic field of the stator, resulting in a force according to
the Lorentz force principle. This force acts perpendicular to the direction of the current as well as the
magnetic field lines. This Lorentz force serves as a propellant, causing the armature to begin rotating
(Ismail et al., 2019). The rotation's direction is determined by the polarity of the magnetic field and the
direction of current flow. This interaction is analogous to a magnetic push that causes the armature to
move.

The commutator is used by DC motors to sustain continuous rotation. The commutator rotates
in synchrony with the armature. The commutator's distinct split-ring construction ensures that the
direction of current in the armature coil(s) alternates on a regular basis. This reversal is important
because it ensures that the force on the armature always pulls in the same direction, resulting in
continuous and sustained rotation (Hammoodi et al., 2020). The rotating armature shaft is linked to an
external load such and as the armature rotates, it transfers rotational energy to the load, allowing the
motor to do useful mechanical work. Control over speed and direction is one of the DC motor's most
notable characteristics. The motor speed is adjusted by varying the voltage provided to it. Higher voltage
usually results in faster speeds. Furthermore, by reversing the polarity of the voltage, you can quickly
change the direction of rotation of the motor, making it useful for a variety of applications.
MOTOR SPEED AND INPUT CHARACTERISTICS EXPERIMENT REPORT 4

Block Diagram

Schematic Diagram

Procedure

In preparation for the experiment, I organized the required modules on a level surface according
to the provided block diagram and schematic diagram. I then proceeded to make the necessary
MOTOR SPEED AND INPUT CHARACTERISTICS EXPERIMENT REPORT 5

connections, following the arrangement shown on the block and schematic diagrams. To precisely
measure the essential parameters, I initially connected the Tachometer U-159 to the U-155 meter,
providing proper grounding. Before proceeding, it was critical to check the line voltage, which should
have registered at about 220V. After confirming this, I inserted the U-156-line cord into the power outlet
and turned on the power switch. With the setup complete, I began observing the motor's behavior. I
slowly twisted U-157 in a counter-clockwise direction until the motor moved. At this early point, I
carefully noted both the U-157 position and the input voltage. I started a progressive increase in the
input voltage to collect a full dataset. I increased the voltage by one unit at a time, starting with 2V and
working my way up to 3V, and so on. I carefully noted the related U-159 indicators during this approach.
I kept in mind that as I increased the input voltage, the motor may get saturated, and additional
increases in voltage will not result in an increase in motor speed. Throughout the experiment, I took
care not to hit this saturation stage. To enhance the accuracy of my measurements and reduce potential
errors, I repeated the steps as outlined three times. By doing so, I ensured that my dataset was
dependable and resilient. I was able to collect all of the necessary information for the experiment by
following these organized stages and safety precautions, which ensured the reliability of the outcomes.

Measurements Table

Input Voltage (V) Input Current (mA) Motor Speed(RPM)

0 0 0
1 180 0
2 160 400
3 195 800
4 228 1200
5 254 1500
6 261 2000
7 275 2400
8 288 2700
9 299 3200
10 300 3600
11 302 4000
MOTOR SPEED AND INPUT CHARACTERISTICS EXPERIMENT REPORT 6

Graphs

Input Voltage Vs Motor Speed Graph

Input voltage vs Motor Speed Graph

4500
4000
3500
Motor Speed (RPM)

3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Input Voltage (V)

From the input voltage vs motor speed graph, a "deadband" input voltage of 1V exists, below
which a motor cannot start. The motor cannot initiate motion below this deadband. This is due to the
fact that the initial voltage provided must exceed the maximum value within the deadband in order to
overcome the inherent mechanical frictions and resistance from elements such as brushes, bearings,
and other motor components. The deadband is primarily caused by mechanical factors in the motor
system. These include frictional forces between moving parts, resistance generated by brushes against
the motor's commutator, and friction present in bearings that sustain the motor's rotation. These
factors combine form a threshold voltage that must be exceeded for the motor to overcome the
resistance and begin moving.

To commence motion, the motor input voltage must be larger than the maximum value of the
deadband. When the input voltage surpasses this minimum voltage, the motor's speed continues to rise
linearly as the input voltage is increased. This linear relationship suggests that as the input voltage is
steadily increased, the motor's speed increases in a predictable, proportional manner. This linear
behavior is a key feature of many electric motors. This linear relationship, however, does not last
forever. It is broken at a point known as the saturation limit. This limit is achieved because, as the input
MOTOR SPEED AND INPUT CHARACTERISTICS EXPERIMENT REPORT 7

voltage increases, so does the counter electromotive force (back EMF) created within the motor's
armature coil. Back EMF opposes the flow of electric current in the coil.

Ultimately, from the graph, the deadband is the range of input voltage values below which the
motor is unable to start due to mechanical resistances. A linear relationship between input voltage and
motor speed emerges beyond the deadband, indicating that the motor's speed responds proportionally
to increases in voltage. However, above the saturation limit, where the increasing counter electromotive
force counteracts additional speed increases despite higher input voltage, this linear trend is
interrupted, revealing the intricate interplay of electrical and mechanical components in motor
operation.

Input Current Vs Motor Speed Graph

Input Current vs Motor Speed Graph

4500
4000
3500
Motor Speed (RPM)

3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Input Current (mA)

From the graph, we see that while input current is an important parameter, it does not have the
same direct relationship with motor speed as input voltage does. Initially, when the Input Current grows
from 0 to around 160 mA, the Motor Speed remains constant at 0 RPM. This is the previously stated
deadband, where the motor requires a minimum current to overcome mechanical resistance and begin
moving. The input current increases as the input voltage increases, but it does not have a linear
connection with motor speed. Instead, it indirectly adds to motor speed by providing the necessary
electrical power to run the motor. Greater input currents are required to sustain greater motor speeds,
although the relationship is more complicated due to considerations such as mechanical resistance. In
summary, the graph verifies that a critical minimum current is required for the motor to start, and that
MOTOR SPEED AND INPUT CHARACTERISTICS EXPERIMENT REPORT 8

beyond this point, Motor Speed increases in response to increasing Input Current, but with diminishing
returns as current values rise further.

Input Voltage Vs Input Current Graph

Input voltage vs Input current Graph

350

300
Input Current (mA)

250

200

150

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Input Voltage (V)

The graph clearly shows a direct correlation between input voltage and input current. This
means that as the input Voltage increases so does the input Current, and this relationship holds true
throughout the dataset. This direct proportionality is a basic property of Ohm's Law-governed electrical
systems. In other words, the relationship can be stated using a simple linear equation, such as I = V/R,
where "I" stands for current, "V" stands for voltage, and "R" stands for constant resistance. This linear
behavior indicates that there is a consistent increase in Input Current for each unit increase in Input
Voltage, resulting in a linear graph. Ultimately, the graph of Input Voltage vs. Input Current illustrates
one of the fundamental concepts of electrical circuits, Ohm's Law, which asserts that the current flowing
through a resistor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it. The graph's linear, directly
proportional relationship confirms the predicted behavior of resistive electrical circuits, in which voltage
changes result in proportional changes in current.

Conclusion

The experiment provides useful insights into the relationships between input voltage, input
current, and motor speed. The experiment clearly illustrates that a minimum input voltage is required
for the motor to overcome initial mechanical resistances and begin rotating. In this case, the startup
threshold of the motor is roughly 2V. Even when there is considerable input current, the motor has no
MOTOR SPEED AND INPUT CHARACTERISTICS EXPERIMENT REPORT 9

speed (0 RPM) below this voltage. This emphasizes the significance of having a sufficient input voltage to
start the motor. As the input voltage rises over the startup threshold, a direct and proportionate link
between input voltage and motor speed is noticed. This means that as the input voltage is increased, the
motor speed increases in a linear and predictable manner.

Ohm's Law states that when the input voltage rises, the input current does too. As the motor
speed rises, there is a corresponding rise in power consumption, which is reflected in an increase in
input current. This connection supports the notion that a greater input voltage causes both a larger
input current and a faster motor. The data show that the linear relationship between input voltage and
motor speed is broken above a particular point, known as the saturation point. This happens because
when the input voltage rises, so does the counter electromotive force (back EMF) within the motor's
armature coil. Even with increasing input voltage, this back EMF counteracts further increases in motor
speed. As a result, there is a limit to how rapidly the motor can rotate, which is achieved at the
saturation point.

Questions

1. Write the description of each module used in this experiment in details (functions and
specifications).
I. Attenuator (U-157): This module acts as a voltage regulator. It provides for accurate voltage
control to the Motor Driver Amplifier (U-154). It adjusts the input voltage to the motor by
adjusting the attenuation, which influences the motor's speed.
II. U-154 Motor driver amplifier (10 Watts): This module component amplifies the control signal in
order to produce the power and voltage required to run the motor. It controls the speed and
direction of the motor by regulating the current and voltage supplied to it.
III. U-161 Servo motor (Motor: 12V, 4.5W | Tacho generator: Approx. 3Vp-p/4000RPM): This
module represents the actual motor that is being controlled. It is in charge of transforming
electrical energy into mechanical motion.
IV. U-159 Tachometer (FS 4000 RPM): This component detects and measures the motor's speed. It
normally creates output signal whose frequency varies with the rotational speed of the motor.
V. F/V Converter (U-155): The Frequency-to-Voltage Converter (F/V Converter) converts the
alternating current (AC) output signal from the Tachometer (U-161) into a direct current (DC)
signal. The DC signal is proportional to the speed of the motor. This conversion is critical for
further processing and speed monitoring.
2. What is a deadband?
MOTOR SPEED AND INPUT CHARACTERISTICS EXPERIMENT REPORT 10

The deadband is the range of input voltage values below which the motor is unable to start due to
mechanical resistances.

3. Explain the schematic diagram.

Motor driver amplifier with attenuator as voltage control drives the motor. The motor speed is detected
by converting the Tacho output of the motor through the F/V converter. The Tachometer displays the
converter output.
Reference
Qi, Z., Shi, Q., & Zhang, H. (2019). Tuning of digital PID controllers using particle swarm
optimization algorithm for a CAN-based DC motor subject to stochastic delays. IEEE Transactions on
Industrial Electronics, 67(7), 5637-5646.
Tang, J., Kong, L., Wang, W., Du, H., & Tian, M. (2019). Lorentz transmission electron microscopy
for magnetic skyrmions imaging. Chinese Physics B, 28(8), 087503.
Rajesh, P., Shajin, F. H., & Kumaran, G. K. (2022). An efficient IWOLRS control technique of
brushless DC motor for torque ripple minimization. Applied Science and Engineering Progress, 15(3),
5514-5514.
Ismail, A. A. A., & Elnady, A. (2019). Advanced drive system for DC motor using multilevel DC/DC
buck converter circuit. IEEE Access, 7, 54167-54178.
Hammoodi, S. J., Flayyih, K. S., & Hamad, A. R. (2020). Design and implementation speed control
system of DC motor based on PID control and matlab simulink. International Journal of Power
Electronics and Drive Systems, 11(1), 127-134.