Integrating Rotor, Windings & Driver into One Compact Module
The MotorCell features the smallest coreless motor with planar PCB windings and built-in sensorless control, eliminating the need for extra sensors. Designed for low-torque, high-speed applications, it supports speed control via PWM and integrates seamlessly with the MotorCell library, offering prebuilt PID control for CodeCell and other ESP32 devices. Its innovative shaftless pancake design, made with a slim 3.3mm aluminum rotor, allows direct part attachment to the rotor's teeth.
With built-in magnets, iron, and ceramic-hybrid ball bearings, it spins up to 30,000 RPM (no-load), perfect for fans, robotics, DIY crafts, and art projects. For custom designs, the open stator can be integrated into a PCB, with rotor components added separately for a compact and robust solution.
The MotorCell utilize the BD67173NUX chip as its three-phase back-EMF controller with a sensorless drive system, eliminating the need for a Hall sensor. Its speed can be controlled in 1,000 RPM increments (with the MotorCell PID library) via a PWM input signal, with the IN pin defaulting to low and turning the motor to full speed when pulled high (2.5-5V). If the motor is forced to stop, it enters a 5-second lock protection mode, which can be bypassed by resetting the PWM input to 0% and back on—a feature automatically handled by the library's Spin function. Note that the motor's maximum speed decreases as the applied load increases.
To install press-fit 3D-printed parts, we recommend an inner diameter of 16.4mm - 16.6mm, which depends on your 3D printer's tolerance. Once printed, just press your part into the rotor's teeth to keep it secure. Superglue can also be added to the rotor's teeth to secure the part.
Caution: This motor operates at high speeds. Keep hands away from moving parts and wear protective eyewear to prevent injury.
Note that this motor is intended to drive small loads. The speed will decrease as the load/drag increases. The maximum spinning load is 12g at a radius of 18mm.
Keep in mind that the CodeCell automatically activates a pull-up resistor on the OUT pin for reading the speed value. If you're using other controllers with the MotorCell library, ensure the internal pull-up remains enabled or add an external one.
If you ever need to disassemble the motor, handle it with care when unbolting the shaft. The motor contains small, precision-machined parts that are easy to lose. It is recommended to torque the shaft to 0.15 Nm during reassembly. When soldering wires or connectors to the PCB, be cautious as the soldering iron may be drawn towards the motor's magnets.
The box will include the MotorCell, a 5-pin connector, and a set of four M1.2 screws. The PCB is ROHS Compliant & follows IPC 6012 Class 3 standard.
Please note that the MotorCell is intended to be used as a DIY maker kit. For commercial purposes, please get in touch.
We believe the exciting advantage of PCB motors lies in their ability to integrate seamlessly with electronics, eliminating the need for additional PCBs. That’s why we’ve made it simpler to incorporate the Stator directly into your custom PCB, thanks to its Open Source Design!
However, building a high-speed rotor remains a complex challenge. To make things easier, you can purchase the rotor separately, allowing you to effortlessly add a PCB motor to your board for a more compact design while ensuring a reliable rotor configuration!
Design FilesEasily learn how to control the MotorCell
Full GuideMotorCell is exceptionally small and tailored for low-torque, high-speed applications, giving it a unique niche. Here are a few application ideas to help spark inspiration for your projects:
MotorCell's shaftless design keeps things slim. The rotor is made from 3.3mm aluminum, so you can simply press your part directly onto the rotor's teeth for a secure fit. For installing press-fit 3D-printed parts, we recommend an inner diameter of 16.4mm to 16.6mm, depending on your 3D printer's tolerance. Once printed, press your part onto the rotor's teeth to secure it. If needed, superglue can be applied to the rotor's teeth for additional security.
MotorCell uses a BD67173NUX chip as its three-phase back-EMF controller with a sensorless drive system, eliminating the need for a Hall sensor. By using the PID library (available in the MotorCell library for CodeCell and other ESP32 devices), the speed can be controlled in 1,000 RPM increments.
MotorCell is designed for low-torque, high-speed applications. It can achieve up to 30,000 RPM at no load, with speed decreasing as the load increases. MotorCell has a minimum speed of 2,000 RPM, with a sensing resolution of 1,000 RPM increments. Unfortunately, this motor is not suitable for lower speeds because coreless PCB motors are not very efficient at low speeds and require high pole counts.
MotorCell is suitable for anyone curious about electronics! It come with well-explained Arduino examples that make it easier for kids and teenagers to get started. For children under 12, we recommend opting for pre-soldered connectors or ensuring soldering is done under proper adult supervision and guidance. Please also note that the package will include small parts, like screws, so care should be taken when handling them.
To install the MotorCell library, go to 'Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries' - the 'Library Manager' should open up. Just type "MotorCell " and click 'Install' to download the latest version of the MotorCell library.
We are continuously updating and adding new features to this library, so make sure you're using the latest version. To quickly get familiar with this library, go to 'File > Examples > MotorCell , where you'll find multiple examples you can use and modify for your projects.
Everything you need to know about MotorCell is described here: MotorCell Tutorials
We understand the wish for the MotorCell to be more affordable, but its price reflects the extensive prototyping and development efforts that made it possible. This is an innovative motor, utilizing new technology to integrate the stator, rotor, and electronics onto a single board. We hope its unique design inspires you to bring your project to life. To make it even more accessible, we’ve open-sourced the PCB stator, allowing you to easily incorporate it into your custom circuit boards!
