Extracting DC bus current information for optimal phase correction and current ripple in sensorless brushless DC motor drive

Abstract

Brushless DC motor (BLDCM) sensorless driving technology is becoming increasingly established. However, optimal phase correction still relies on complex calculations or algorithms. In finding the correct commutation point, the problem of phase lag is introduced. In this paper, we extract DC bus current information for auto-calibrating the phase shift to obtain the correct commutation point and optimize the control of BLDC sensorless driving. As we capture only DC bus current information, the original shunt resistor is used in the BLDCM driver and there is no need to add further current sensor components. Software processing using only simple arithmetic operations successfully accomplishes the phase correction. Experimental results show that the proposed method can operate accurately and stably at low or high speed, with light or heavy load, and is suitable for practical applications. This approach will not increase cost but will achieve the best performance/cost ratio and meet market expectations.