UK`s brushless pancake motor is `world first`

A British motor manufacturer claims to have developed the world`s first brushless "pancake" motors. The motors, which will be produced at PML Flightlink`s Hampshire factory, are aimed at compact applications requiring precise speed control, smooth torque, and a long, maintenance-free operating life.

The new design is based on the printed armature technology already used by PML in its brushed pancake motors. The brushless design offers a longer life and higher running speeds of up to 10,000 rpm. The housing for the new motors, developed using 3D CAD design tools, incorporates a printed circuit board and sensors.

The new motors come in four diameters from 6-16cm, and are available in a hollow-shaft format, allowing several motors to be stacked together to boost the available power. The operating temperature range is from -30°C to +130°C.

PML launched the brushless motors at the Drives & Controls Show where it also unveiled an intelligent servo drive which can control either brushed DC motors or brushless AC motors. The 40kHz switching frequency allows direct connection to PML motors without needing an external choke. Up to 31 of the drives can be linked to a central controller using a high-speed RS-485 connection.