CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The title of this project is Speed control of DC motors using Pulse Width Modulation. This is a
process mainly used for getting an analogue signal using a digital source. It basically involves a
controller that controls and handles the input current applied to the load.

1.1 Background
Globally, DC motors are used in industries in operating machines especially at the production
stage. The production rate is mainly depending on the efficient working of the DC motors. The
industries need to attain desired performance, hence, speed control of DC motors is a critical
factor to be taken into consideration. Industries have come up with different ways of controlling
speed of DC motors. However, these speed control techniques have various drawbacks thus
making them inefficient. Speed control techniques that are in existence are namely;

1. Flux control method-In this method, the magnetic flux due to the field windings is
varied in order to vary the speed of a DC motor, As the magnetic flux depends on the
current flowing through the field winding, it can be varied by varying the current
through the field winding. Since the armature is made up of iron, the magnetic flux
cannot be increased beyond its normal values because of saturation of iron. As a
result, speed control by flux is limited to the weakening of the field. This method is
applicable over only to a limited range because if the field is weakened too much,
there is a loss of stability.
2. Rheostatic control method-It is a method of controlling the speed of electric motors
that involves varying the resistance in the armature or field circuit. The rheostatic
control has the following disadvantages;
a. A large amount of power is wasted in the controller resistance. Loss of power
is directly proportional to the reduction in speed thus causing a decrease in
efficiency.
b. Maximum power developed is diminished in the same ratio as speed.
c. It needs expensive arrangement for dissipation of heat produced in the
controller resistance.
 d. It gives speed below the normal, not above it because armature voltage can be
decreased by the controller resistance.

From the methods mentioned above, it is observed that these speed control methods have several
drawbacks hence need for an efficient method to control speed of DC motors. The PWM speed
control technique is the most efficient speed control method that can be employed. This is
because of its advantages as listed below;

a. PWM technique helps in preventing overheating of LED`s while maintaining its

brightness.
b. Pulse Width Modulation provides accuracy and quick response time.
c. It provides high input power factor.
d. Initial cost is low.
e. PWM technique helps the motors to generate maximum torque even when they are
running at lower speeds.
f. Power loss in the switching devices is very low.

1.2 Objectives
1.2.1 Main objective
The main objective of this project proposal is to improve the working of PWM as a speed
control method by eliminating EMI and RFI induced by this method.
1.2.2 Specific objectives
 Design and construction of speed control system of a DC motor.
 Use of voltage control method to control the speed of the DC motor.
 Implementation of our project by an electronic circuit.
 To use 8-bit data from computer through parallel cable to DAC, then to op-amp,
PWM generator and to the MOSFET and to the motor, to control the speed of the
DC motor.
 Use of suppression diodes across DC component coils and single point grounding to
reduce EMI and RFI emissions.
1.3 Research questions
a.