You might have heard the terms "motor inverter" and "motor controller" as names for equipment used to control electric motors. However, what are the differences in their roles and functions?
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Differences Between Motor Inverter and Motor Controller
Motor Controller
A motor inverter is a device that controls the speed and torque of AC motors. It converts DC supplied from a power source, such as a battery, into variable frequency AC to drive the motor. By varying the frequency, a motor inverter can precisely control the motor's rotational speed, making it ideal for applications where the rotational speed varies. Moreover, it allows for efficient control based on the required rotational speed and torque, leading to improved energy efficiency.
So, what exactly is a motor controller?
A motor controller encompasses not only the basic inverter controls of starting, stopping, speed, and torque, but also additional control functions required by specific applications. Taking electric vehicles like golf carts or low-speed EVs as an example, a motor controller includes vehicle key switch control, protection functions against overload, overcurrent, overheating, regenerative braking control, speed feedback control, and other vehicle control functions. Additionally, it enhances overall system reliability by interfacing with other systems through communication interfaces.
A motor controller encompasses not only the basic inverter controls of starting, stopping, speed, and torque, but also additional control functions required by specific applications. Taking electric vehicles like golf carts or low-speed EVs as an example, a motor controller includes vehicle key switch control, protection functions against overload, overcurrent, overheating, regenerative braking control, speed feedback control, and other vehicle control functions. Additionally, it enhances overall system reliability by interfacing with other systems through communication interfaces.
To summarize, a motor inverter specializes in inverter functions, while a motor controller includes a range of application-specific functions, offering more detailed control and system protection.
Our NEOS Controller provides not only efficient inverter functions, but also simple control functions and motor protection features for golf carts and low-speed EVs, which is why we refer to it as the NEOS “Controller”, not “Inverter”.
Our NEOS Controller provides not only efficient inverter functions, but also simple control functions and motor protection features for golf carts and low-speed EVs, which is why we refer to it as the NEOS “Controller”, not “Inverter”.