A sensored BLDC motor is a brushless DC motor with inbuilt positional sensors (called hall effect sensors). These sensors can be used by a controller to monitor the exact position of the rotor and are therefore a useful method of maintain speed. These sensors are also particularly useful during the start up phase as it enables an optimised sequence to be applied depending on the exact position of the rotor.
There are however, disadvantages to such motors. Firstly, they are more expensive than sensorless bldc motors due to the added components and the additional complexity involved in construction. As a result of the additional complexity they are also more prone to problems, especially in applications where there are potential issues with humidity or dirt as any interference with the sensor’s performance will ultimately jeopardise the entire control of the motor.
The simple answer is yes.
A sensorless BLDC ESC or brushless motor driver will not be able to make use of the inbuilt sensors within the motor but it will still be able to drive the motor using a sensorless drive. If you are not sure about how this might impact on performance please contact us to discuss.
