Dunkermotoren Puts Motion Control Inside Its New dGo Motors

Dunkermotoren, an AMETEK division, has introduced its dGo series of brushless DC motors with factory-configured electronics for motion control. Available in BGA 22, 42, and 45 variants, the motors integrate functions such as speed control, acceleration and deceleration ramps, current limits, and jam detection directly into the motor. Designed for repeatable applications including conveyors, pumps, and cooling fans, the dGo series can operate without a separate drive or complex commissioning, potentially reducing panel space, wiring, installation, and integration time while ensuring replacement motors retain the same programmed behavior.

The dGo series of DC motors with integrated electronics. Image used courtesy of Dunkermotoren

The dGo DC Motor Series

The latest series from Dunkermotoren is the dGo portfolio, three different-sized brushless DC motors that are compact and offer varying power and environmental protection. BGA 22, 42, and 45 dGo motors offer 24 or 96 watts of continuous power, with peak power ratings of 236 and 214 watts, respectively. The BGA 45 dGo motor is a more robust version of the BGA 42 dGo with an IP65 rating and support for various attachments. Each variant uses analog or PWM signals for remote speed control, as well as digital inputs for common functions like start, stop, and direction. All dGo motors are compatible with common devices such as brakes and gearboxes. For advanced speed-control functions such as ramping up and down or jam detection, the dGo series has factory-configurable internal electronics.

A brushless DC motor from Dunkermotoren. Image used courtesy of Dunkermotoren

Factory Configuration

Selecting motor size and drive type is always required when designing a motion system. Dunkermotoren has taken it a step further by letting designers select fixed speeds, acceleration and deceleration ramps, output functions, and current limits. These functions will be programmed into the motor at the factory, so when it is delivered to the OEM, it can be installed without commissioning or integration into a drive system. Simply provide digital signals for start, stop, and direction to control the motor.

Customizable program routines can also be configured for applications such as jam detection, autonomous motion sequences, and speed-dependent current limitation. All of these functions reside in the motor's electronics and are tied to the part number, so when ordering replacements, the new motor will have the same programming as the old one.

A collection of industrial cooling fans that likely use advanced control systems and drives. Image used courtesy of Unsplash

Control Without A Control System

Some machine builders focus on repeatable rather than custom applications, in which case they do not need customizable motion platforms or advanced control-system communications. Applications such as conveyors, pumps, and cooling fans require constant speed and predictable acceleration and deceleration profiles; only basic functions like start, stop, and direction are required. The dGo series of DC brushless motors is tailored to these applications, with a motor that operates on three-phase power and provides repeatable, constant speed without the need for drives or complex control systems. The basic functions can be controlled via PLC outputs or manual switches, while all complex control is handled by the motor, reducing commissioning, panel space, installation, and integration time.