Template:DCMotor CurrentLimit: Difference between revisions

From Phidgets Support
(Created page with "Current limiting is an advanced, yet easy-to-use feature that intelligently monitors and controls the current through your motor. This will help to keep your system safe in a variety of situations. {{hiddenh4|Determining Your Current Limit}} The datasheet of your {{#switch: {{{1}}}|bldc=BLDC motor| dc =DC motor| #default =motor}} will specify the following parameters: * Rated Current * Stall Current We recommend setting your Current Limit to '''1.1x''' the rated curren...")
 
No edit summary
 
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 31: Line 31:




If your {{#switch: {{{1}}}|bldc= BLDC Motor Phidget| dc = DC Motor Phidget| #default = Phidget}} does not have the Surge Current Limit feature, you may consider dynamically adjusting the Current Limit yourself by monitoring the CurrentInput channel.
If your {{#switch: {{{1}}}|bldc= BLDC Motor Phidget| dc = DC Motor Phidget| #default = controller}} does not have the Surge Current Limit feature, you may consider dynamically adjusting the Current Limit yourself by monitoring the Current Sensor channel.


{{hiddenh4|Current Limiting on Small Motors}}
{{hiddenh4|Current Limiting on Small Motors}}

Latest revision as of 21:48, 29 November 2024

Current limiting is an advanced, yet easy-to-use feature that intelligently monitors and controls the current through your motor. This will help to keep your system safe in a variety of situations.

Determining Your Current Limit

The datasheet of your motor will specify the following parameters:

  • Rated Current
  • Stall Current

We recommend setting your Current Limit to 1.1x the rated current of your motor. For increased performance from your motor, review Surge Current Limit.

Exceeding Your Current Limit

You may choose to increase the Current Limit significantly above the rated current of your motor. In these situations, it is important to understand how heat will impact your motor.


The heating of your motor increases with the square of the current through your motor. Below is a table showing the approximate time to failure of a 24VDC motor with a 20A rated current and 100A stall current.

Operating Voltage (VDC) Operating Current (A) Heating Rate Approximate Time to Failure
24 20 Normal N/A
24 40 4x faster than normal minutes
24 100 25x faster than normal seconds


Many applications rely on a motor operating at higher-than-rated power levels. This is typically done at a low frequency which allows for adequate heat dissipation. Implementing a Surge Current Limit is one way to easily achieve this.


If your controller does not have the Surge Current Limit feature, you may consider dynamically adjusting the Current Limit yourself by monitoring the Current Sensor channel.

Current Limiting on Small Motors

Small motors may have a stall current that is less than the minimum Current Limit of your controller. In these situations, your controller will not be able to provide current limiting protection. Consider using a more suitable motor controller or monitor the current yourself via the Current Sensor channel.

Torque Limiting

Current is directly proportional to torque. If you have an oversized motor that may cause damage to your system downstream, a purposefully reduced Current Limit can provide an extra layer of protection.

Other Considerations

Over Temperature conditions may reduce your Current Limit.