Patent ID: 6661190
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: H02P

Abstract:
A controller for controlling a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, wherein the BLDC motor includes a predetermined number of phase windings, said controller comprising:a drive assembly in electrical communication with a power supply and the BLDC motor, wherein said drive assembly is capable of receiving a voltage output of the power supply and is capable of providing a pulse-width-modulated input voltage to the BLDC motor, wherein said drive assembly comprises a plurality of half-bridge assemblies that each include two switching elements that are each capable of operating at no more than a predetermined frequency, wherein at least two half-bridge assemblies are electrically connected to each phase winding of the BLDC motor such that the at least two half-bridge assemblies are capable of providing the pulse-width-modulated input voltage to the respective phase winding of the BLDC motor at a frequency higher than the predetermined frequency; and a processing element in electrical communication with said drive assembly and the BLDC motor wherein said processing element is capable of controlling operation of the drive assembly.