What’s a unipolar motor?

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Unipolar motors are used in small devices, such as cassette decks, and have a magnetic band with one pole facing inward and outward. The microcontroller helps control functions like recording and playback. The design is simple, inexpensive, and allows for affordable prices for consumers.

A unipolar motor is one of several types of small motors used in a number of small devices. One of the most common applications of this direct current (DC) electric motor is in the manufacture of portable music devices, such as cassette decks. The motor configuration involves the use of a magnetic band or stripe that surrounds the inner section of the motor itself, with one pole in the design facing outward and a second facing inward. While the motor design does indeed include two poles, only one of the poles actually has an effect on the function of the motor, so the motor reference is unipolar in nature.

With what is known as a unipolar stepper motor, the magnetic stripes respond to the movement of the magnetic field, allowing the motor to easily control a number of functions. For example, with a cassette deck, the unipolar motor function controls the forward and rewind functions, ensures that the magnetic tape proceeds at a measured speed to ensure proper sound quality and production, and generally ensures that the device works as it should. When used in other devices, careful manipulation of the magnetic field helps ensure efficient operation with little to no disruption to service.

Part of the design of a unipolar motor often includes the so-called microcontroller. This particular component helps ensure the proper functioning of the various features present on the device by activating the correct response. This means that if the user of a cassette deck wishes to use the record function, this can be operated by pressing the combination of record and play keys on some models or just the record key on others. The controller will work in tandem with other elements in the motor to advance the tape at a steady pace, capturing sound and making it possible to create a more or less permanent recording on magnetic tape. The controller also helps support functions such as fast forwarding and rewinding the tape, stopping the progress and starting the playback function when desired.

One of the main advantages of the unipolar motor is the simplicity of the design. While effective, creating this type of engine isn’t difficult and is actually very inexpensive. These two features have made it possible to use the unipolar motor design in a number of smaller devices and allow manufacturers to produce goods that can be sold at affordable prices. This in turn means that consumers can enjoy quality service from these devices at budget prices without having to spend a large amount of money.




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