BLDC Driver

Overview

This project is an open-source BLDC motor driver designed for drone applications. It implements a sensorless control method using Back EMF for efficient and precise motor control.

Motor Control Methods

There are multiple ways to drive a BLDC motor. The three most common methods are:

1. Hall Sensor-Based Control

   • Uses hall effect sensors in the motor to detect rotor position.
   • Suitable for applications requiring high precision.

2. Back EMF-Based Control (Sensorless)

   • Most common in drone ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers).
   • Detects rotor position by measuring Back EMF voltage on the floating phase.
   • Eliminates the need for sensors, reducing cost and complexity.

3. Power Control Mode

   • Uses shunt resistors to monitor current in each phase.
   • Enables precise torque and power control.
   • Required for advanced techniques like Field-Oriented Control (FOC).

Current Implementation

• Control Method: Back EMF sensing (sensorless)
• Target Application: Drone ESC

Future Enhancements

• CAN Bus Interface for communication
• UART Interface for debugging and configuration
• In the next varient, one board would have the driver for all the 4 motors required for quad copter.

PCB information

• Generated gerber files are in gerber folder of the project directory
• PCB file size: 54x29 mm.