Patent ID: 8742706

Claim:
An electronically commutated electric motor ( 1 , 160 ), comprising: a stator ( 3 , 162 ); a rotor ( 10 , 163 ); a control unit ( 14 , 16 , 168 ) connected to the stator ( 3 , 162 ) and configured to control the stator ( 3 , 162 ) such that the stator ( 3 , 162 ) can produce a magnetic rotating field in order to rotate the rotor ( 10 , 163 ); and a power output stage ( 12 , 164 ) with semiconductor switches ( 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 49 ), the power output stage ( 12 , 164 ) configured to control the stator ( 3 ); wherein when one of the semiconductor switches ( 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 49 ) is shorted or connected with a low impedance as a result of a defect, the power output stage ( 12 , 164 ) produces a rotating field such that the rotor produces mechanical power ( 31 ) over a complete rotor revolution ( 150 , 152 , 154 , 156 ), or a braking torque, caused by the defect, is reduced or compensated for completely.