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Brushed DC Motors Brushed DC motors (or DC motors) are some of the simplest motors in terms of control. As such, they are commonly found in low-cost applications like toys and automotive systems. The principle behind a DC motor is straightforward— apply voltage, and the motor spins. However, the simplicity of DC motors can be a limitation in more complex or demanding applications. A challenge in controlling DC motors is managing torque at low speeds. Unlike stepper or BLDC motors, DC motors operating at low velocities can struggle to maintain high torque. In automotive systems, engineers often implement custom control systems to compensate for these constraints and enable smooth and responsive performance. While the basic architecture of a DC motor makes the motor cost-effective, it introduces mechanical wear issues. Traditional DC motors use brushes to transfer power to the rotor, and these brushes wear out over time, reducing the motor's lifespan. For applications where longevity is needed—for example, for industrial automation or continuous- use consumer products—brushless alternatives are often preferred. Also, in several applications, the dust generated by wear of the brushes cannot be tolerated, and therefore a DC motor is not an option. Brushless DC Motors BLDC motors have become increasingly popular owing to their improved power- density, efficiency, long lifespan, and high-speed operation. The elimination of brushes in BLDC motors removes one of the major wear points of traditional brushed DC motors, making BLDC motors highly reliable for long-term use. Therefore, these motors are used in various applications, from small consumer electronics to large C h a p t e r 1 | M o t o r T y p e s a n d T h e i r C o n t r o l C h a l l e n g e s Motors are becoming integral to all aspects of mechatronic systems, driving the need for advanced control techniques. Since mechatronics involves integrating components from various domains—such as mechanics, fluid, and pneumatics—precise and rapid motor control is essential." Karem Abuowda Senior Mechatronics Systems Engineer, ASMPT SMT Solutions 8 14 Experts Discuss Motor Control in Modern Applications