Question

The term "inverter" is a little confusing, since we also use "drive" and "amplifier" to describe the electronic unit that controls a motor. What does "inverter" mean?

Answer

The terms inverter, drive, and amplifier are used somewhat interchangeably in industry. But there are subtle differences. A drive can refer to the motor, the control electronics, or both. This term is used particularly when the motor and electronics are integrated in the same housing. The term variable speed drive can include many types of devices - anything that has a variable speed output, which includes the GS series of inverters. Amplifier more commonly refers to a linear amplifier for servo motor control, or a stepper motor driver IC. Finally, we use inverter to describe the GS Drive motor controllers because of the way the switching electronics alternately inverts or directly couples its internal DC voltage bus to generate a variable AC output.

The terms AC drive, AFC (adjustable frequency controller), AFD (adjustable frequency drive), ASD (adjustable speed drive), and VFD (variable frequency drive) are also used to describe speed controllers for three phase AC induction motors.

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FAQ Subcategory: None

This item was last updated on 2012-06-18
Document ID: 284

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