I'm trying to understand how to effectively run a small DC motor (around 9V) using PWM with a driver IC. I'm having issues getting it to run slowly without losing power or torque. Is it true that operating the motor slowly inherently means it has weak torque? Am I missing something crucial in my setup? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Using PWM with a high bus voltage and a low duty cycle can help maintain torque at slow speeds, but this heavily depends on the type of motor you're using. Motors built specifically for low-speed, high-torque applications (like servo motors) typically have more magnetic poles, whereas high-speed motors usually just have 2 or 4 poles.
Generally speaking, DC motors indeed produce less torque at lower speeds. PWM is a viable option for control, but if you're looking for high torque at slow speeds, consider using gear reduction or possibly a stepper motor instead. Those tend to perform better in low-speed, high-torque conditions.