Breaking Down Electronic Drive | Types, Functions & Features Powering Modern Systems  

You’ve probably asked yourself the following questions at some point: how do machines move, what controls the speeds of electric motors, or even what makes electric vehicles function. The answer to all these intriguing inquiries is quite likely to be something called an electronic drive. From industrial machinery, public transport drives, and even washing machines, the electronic drives are behind the scenes working to make everything function smoothly.  

In this blog we will answer the question “What is an electronic drive?”, delve into its various types, and address some common questions regarding power electronics, the difference between AC and DC drives, and the electric drive systems in use today.  

Understanding The Concept Of An Electronic Drive  

Let us first provide you with the grandest question in the very first attempt:  

“What is an electronic drive?”  

An electronic drive, or also called electric drive, is a system which controls motor speed, torque, and\\or direction. It acts upon how mechanical energy and electrical energy are transformed to each other.  

Electronic drives, which are capable of everything from controlling the air conditioner, conveyor belt, and even electric vehicles, serve a wide range of purposes. They drive literally everything, from air conditioning systems to electric cars and from conveyor belts to washing machines.  

Drives allow for the regulation of all functions of electric motors as well as high accuracy. Sous types of Electronic drives may include:  

• The ones achieving very high speed ratio  
• Control via microcomputer  
• Very compact forms  
• Switching of rotor drives

Why Do We Need An Electric Motor Drive?

You might be wondering:

“Why do we need an electric drive?”

An electric drive is necessary because it enables:

• Automation of control for motor torque and speed

• Energy conservation through powering reduction based on load demands

• Controlled acceleration and deceleration of motor operations

• Lower mechanical strain on apparatuses

Electric Drives enhances the effectiveness of processes, increases the lifespan of equipment, and facilitates contemporary automation in various industries. In their absence, numerous operations would either be performed manually or enormous energy squandered.

What Does Drive Mean In Electronics?

Let’s explain the terms.

“What does drive mean in electronics?”

“Drive” in electronics means the circuit or process that supplies electrical energy to a part – usually to control it. As an example, 

• Motor drives are used for the control of electric motors.

• Power is supplied to LED Lighting through a device called The LED driver. 

• Power to transistors or semiconductors is controlled through The Gate Drive.

As used in this document a drive system is taken to mean the electronics and power parts used for the efficient operation of electric motors.

What Are Power Electronic Drives?

Another very popular question is:

“What are power electronic drives?”

The constituents include;

mechanical drives, transformers, motors, and power electronic converters. The term refers to systems with power electronic converters that control the energy flow to electric motors.

These include:

• AC – DC converters (rectifiers)

• DC – AC converters (inverters)

• DC – DC converters

• AC – AC converters

The drive modifies voltage, frequency, and occasionally phase to meet the motor’s requirements. Such drives are important in:

• Electric vehicles

• HVAC systems

• Factory Automation

• Renewable Energy Systems

They are referred to as power electronic drives because the use of power components IGBTs, MOSFETs, and diodes in these systems mark their particular high power levels.

What Are the Three Types of Electrical Drives?

Now, let us cover the divisions.

What are the three types of electrical drives?”

Commonly, electrical drives are classified into:

1. DC Drives

• Utilize DC motors

• Characterized by smooth speed control

• Applied in lifts, cranes, paper mills

• Deliver great torque at low speeds

2. AC Drives

• Utilize AC Motors (mostly induction motors)

• Possess the ability to control the voltage and the frequency

• Normal in fans, pumps, compressors

3. Servo Drives

Offer exact control of position, speed, and torque

Implemented in robotics, CNC machines, and automation.

Depending on the application, size of the device, and the requirement for precise control, each of them has advantages and disadvantages.

Common Types of Drives

For this section, you may still be curious about the following question, “what are the common types of drives?”

Here is a short summary of commonly used drives in various fields and industries:

VFD Variable Frequency Drive

Utilized alongside an AC Motor to modify its speed by altering the frequency of the input voltage.

DC Drive

Controls a motor’s speed by varying the voltage supplied to it. Best suited to applications that require high starting torque.

Servo Drive

Controls motion of the motor based on feedback for precision.

Stepper Drive

Moves the motor in fixed steps. Ideal for slow rotating, accurately positioning tasks.

Soft Starter

Gradually increases motor speed until the device rated speed is achieved. Generally used on pumps or fans.

All these drives are different from one another according to the required precision of control, complexity of the application, and the budget constraint.

What Is The Difference Between Each Drive Type?

Key Comparison:

What is the difference between AC drive and DC drive?

Feature	AC Drive	DC Drive
Motor Type	AC Motor (usually induction)	DC Motor
Control Method	Varying frequency and voltage	Varying armature voltage
Maintenance	Lower (no brushes)	Higher (brush and commutator wear)
Initial Cost	Higher	Lower
Applications	HVAC, conveyors, pumps	Lifts, rolling mills, cranes
Response Speed	Slower	Faster

Summary: While AC drives tend to be more efficient from a maintenance and operational perspective, DC drives excel when dynamic response is required, especially in situations where torque is critical.

What Is The Difference Between Electronics And Power Electronics? 

Let us clarify this commonly confused question: what is the question here:

What is the difference between electronics and power electronics?”

Electronics 

Handles low power signals 

Includes Amplifiers, Microcontrollers, Sensors

Used in Computing devices, Smartphones, and Entertainment centrals

Power Electronics

Associated with high power conversions and controls

Includes Rectifiers, Inverters and Power controllers.

Used in Motors, Solar Inverters, Electric Vehicles

In Other Terms:

“Electronics deals with information”.

“Power electronics deal with energy”.

So, when you are driving an electric car, your dashboard is run by electronics but the motor is controlled using power electronics.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Electric Drive? 

Electric drives incur a lot of benefits, however…

“What are the disadvantages of electric drive?”

Below are just a few of the disadvantages:

1. High Initial Cost

This is especially true for advanced AC or servo drives

Control software and skilled installation may be needed  

2. Complexity

Some systems require parameter setup, tuning, or integration with higher-level automation control systems

3. Sensitivity to Harmonics

Multiple drives can interact with the power supply in ways that introduces harmonic distortion, impacting equipment that is adjacent

4. EMI Issues

Electromagnetic interference may be generated because of fast switching in power electronics

5. Certain Parts Require Maintenance

While Low maintenance AC drives require little upkeep, DC motors used with DC drives require regular servicing

Despite restrictions on the system, one can argue that the issues presented previously are greatly outnumbered by the advantages, especially in the domains of control and efficiency.

Where Are Electric Drives Used in the UK?

Electric drives are implemented in multiple industries across the UK:

🏭 Industry

Manufacturing, material handling, and assembly line systems

🚗 Transport

Electric cars, trains, and even electric boats

🏠 Residential

Washing machines, air conditioners, and other home appliances  

🌱 Energy

Wind turbines and inverters associated with solar panels

🏢 Commercial Buildings

HVAC systems, escalators, and automatic doors in commercial buildings 

With the goal of achieving net-zero emissions set for the UK, the application of electric drives, particularly in EVs and resources of renewable energy, is bound to increase.

Electric Drives In Motion

We cannot overlook the role that electric drives play in motion and automation systems. From switching on the electric vehicle and managing production lines, to regulating the speed of a fan, the drive systems work tirelessly behind the curtain to make everything happen. 

Let’s go over some key pointers:

What is Electronic Drive? An electronic drive refers to a system that controls electric motors using circuits and power transformation. 

What are the electrical drive types? AC, DC & SRV or servo drives.

What comprises power electronics drives? Power electronics drives are a category of high power motor control systems employing inverters, rectifiers, and converters.

What does drive in electronics mean? It’s a term used to describe a system that provides and manages the control power to parts.

Why do we require electric drive? To achieve a higher level of control, automation and efficiency.

What is the difference between electronics and power electronics? Information systems define electronics, whereas energy systems define power electronics. 

What do you understand about the cons of electric drive? Issues with cost and complexity, as well as EMI problems.

What are the common types of drives? VFDs, DC drives, servo drives, and stepper drives. 

What sets AC drive apart from DC drive? The AC drive is more efficient and has less maintenance, but DC systems are easier to control and are better with torque-heavy applications.

The future will see the UK and other regions necessitating advanced electric drive systems as their technology improves and becomes more sophisticated, requiring more innovative solutions.