DC motors

An electrical motor uses an electrical current to induce a magnetic field. This interacts with other magnets (fixed or electromagnetic) to create motion.

3D model of DC brushed motor

This image shows a simplified view of the internal components of a DC motor. The outer magnets are fixed magnets which do not more, they are part of the stator. The internal part moves and is known as the armature. It has internal windings that create an electromagnet force. Brushes are used to connect the wires to the windings.

Video of DC motor showing rotation

This video shows the DC motor in action so that you can better understand how the different magnet fields cause a motor to move.

More information

See the following links for details of how to use a DC motor in an electronic circuit or project.

• DC motor control using a H-Bridge controller
• DC motor speed control using PWM
• Model railway automation using a Raspberry Pi
• Robotics projects using a Raspberry Pi