IMPROVED DC MOTOR CONTROLLER AND METHOD

摘要

In one embodiment, a controller (20) for a direct current permanent magnet motor (22) driven by current supplied from a battery (26), the controller including: apparatus (34) to adjust a duty cycle signal based on the level of the current and a programmed model representing one or more characteristics of the controller (20), the battery (26), and/or the motor (22). In another aspect, a controller (20) for an electric motor (22), the controller (20) including: apparatus (44, 34) to sense voltages on terminals to the motor (22) and to shut off electric power to the motor (22) if the level of the voltages of the terminals is not within a specified margin. In a further aspect, a controller (20) for controlling an electric motor (22), the controller (20) including: apparatus (34) to select one of at least two different groups of independently selectable parameter values (40), other than a motor speed parameter, representing conditions which affect vehicle performance and to adjust motor drive signals depending on the group of parameters selected. In an additional aspect, a control and operation status indication system (Fig. 3) for an electric vehicle, including: apparatus (80) to detect closing of a momentary contact switch (84) having common power wiring with a condition indicator (88). Additionally, a controller (20) for a direct current permanent magnet motor (22) to drive an electric vehicle, which controller (20) limits the speed of the vehicle when the controller (20) is in an 'off' condition. Further, there is provided a motor control system (20, 48) to indicate when speed of an electric vehicle is decreasing. Moreover, a thermally and electrically efficient semiconductor/capacitor/heatsink assembly (102) is provided.