The MotorCell is an ultra-compact, shaftless PCB motor designed for high-speed, low-torque applications, featuring a planar open-source PCB stator, an integrated sensorless driver, and a unique pancake-style rotor.
By integrating the rotor, stator, and driver into a single flat PCB, MotorCell achieves an incredibly thin form factor while maintaining speed control via PWM, with optional speed feedback. Its shaftless design allows for direct attachment of parts to the rotor’s teeth, making it easy to integrate into robotics, kinetic art, and DIY projects. Operating without external sensors and using back-emf control, it simplifies setup and reduces components, offering a lightweight and efficient solution for small, dynamic applications.
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 this PCB motor is coreless and its poles are optimized for high-speed applications, making it inefficient at low speeds.
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.
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!
