Two-phase motor control involves regulating the voltage and phase angle of the two AC
or DC windings to control speed, torque, and position. For induction motors, a phase-
difference angle (PDA) is varied to control performance, often using a PWM
inverter. For stepper motors and DC motors, a control circuit (often using an H-bridge)
uses techniques like PWM and back-EMF sensing to control current, step sequencing,
and commutation for precise control.
Two-phase induction motor control
Principle:
This motor type uses two stator windings, a main and an auxiliary, which are energized
with AC power shifted by 90 electrical degrees.
Control method:
Control is achieved by varying the voltage and phase angle between the two windings,
often through a pulse-width modulated (PWM) inverter.
Performance:
This method can control speed, torque, and position. Varying the phase-difference
angle (PDA) is a common technique for fine-tuning performance.
Two-phase stepper and DC motor control
Principle:
These motors use two windings to generate a magnetic field that rotates, causing the
rotor to follow in discrete steps.
Control method:
Bipolar stepper motors: Use an H-bridge circuit to drive each of the two coils, allowing
for current to flow in both directions through each coil.
PWM: Pulse-width modulation is used to control the current in each coil, which provides
consistent current control and a smoother operation.
Decay modes: Current regeneration modes, such as "slow decay" and "fast decay," are
used to control current attenuation. A "mixed decay" mode can be used to externally
adjust the ratio for better current tracking and reduced noise.
Step control: Microstepping, a technique that uses smaller increments of current to the
coils, provides smoother rotation and reduces torque ripple and vibration.
Brushless DC motors: Use back EMF sensing to determine the rotor's position, which
enables accurate commutation and closed-loop control.
Two-phase servo motor control
Principle:
A low-power AC servo motor is a common type of two-phase motor used in control
applications.
Control method:
One phase is excited by a fixed AC voltage (the reference phase), while the other phase
(the control phase) has its voltage magnitude varied to control the motor's torque.
Performance:
The control phase voltage can be reversed to reverse the motor's torque. For linear and
stable operation, the motor's torque-speed characteristics should be linear with a
negative slope.