When discussing the difference between the two, we often refer to complete motor control, rather than just speed control. This dramatically broadens the number of potential applications that your brushless motor and controller can be used in. To give you an idea of what’s possible, here are some of the additional features that you can benefit from with a brushless DC motor controller that you probably won’t find on a brushless ESC;
Closed loop control
Constant speed, either using sensored or sensorless brushless DC motors.
Four quadrant control – actively brake the motor using the controller.
Over temperature protection – onboard and via external inputs.
Over current protection.
Reverse polarity protection.
Under voltage protection – especially important in battery powered applications to protect the user (under-voltage can lead to motor locking, processor shut down and a range of other potential flaws).
Error or fault outputs.
Stall detection.
Active current monitoring.
Constant torque.
A range of communication protocols – analogue controls, Modbus, CANbus etc.
External user interfaces – for example LCD screens, touch screens, buttons and more.