Design News for Mechanical and Design Engineers

This web seminar explains a sensorless Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motor control algorithm, implemented using the dsPIC® digital signal controller (DSC). The algorithm works by the use of a majority function for digitally filtering the back-Electromotive Force (BEMF). Each phase of the motor is filtered to determine when to commutate the motor drive voltages. This control technique excludes the need for discrete, low-pass filtering hardware and off-chip comparators.

Balanced constant current excitation uses a pair of matched constant current sources to excite a single active strain gage. The technique provides enhanced immunity from electrostatic noise pickup and may be employed for dynamic strain measurement applications that require only two wires to the transducer. In this paper, the properties of balanced constant current excitation will be examined and compared against traditional techniques using the Wheatstone bridge or single-ended constant current excitation.

Protective covers for hydraulic hose assemblies are taking on a whole new meaning. They are still being used to protect hoses on mobile construction and mining equipment. However, with the need for higher-pressure systems and more compact machine designs, design engineers are increasingly looking for ways to safely protect machine operators and personnel from catastrophic hydraulic hose failure.

Any loss of power is a loss of money for users. To minimize losses and keep energy consumption in check, power transmission drives must operate at optimum efficiency.This paper compares the efficiency-related characteristics of two belt drives, V-belt drives and synchronous belt drives to show the potential for savings.

Unlike prison doors, some tough doors are pretty. The gearmotors for elegant three and four element sliding doors that lead to your sunny poolside patio had to fit into the 3.5 inch deep space in exterior walls. The toughest job, however, was noise reduction in this residential application. These doors had to open and close smoothly and quietly in sequence.

Panic! You're sitting in your office on the 16th floor of a high-rise office building and the fire alarm goes off. This is no drill. You run to the door and expect to find a smoke filled hallway, but when you open the door you find people filing toward the stairway and no smoke to be seen. One of the more frightening events in modern life has been made less dangerous.

A quick reference guide for motor types, motor basics, gearbox basics and applications checklist.

Temperature measurement solutions for silicon IC temperature sensor, thermocouple, RTD and thermistor-based applications.

This guide covers Microchip's extensive portfolio of analog devices that are used within sensing applications including temperature sensors, operational amplifiers and analog-to-digital converters.

AC-DC and DC-DC converters for power design challenges.