Microchip (PWM) - difference between duty cycle and frequency

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between duty cycle and frequency in Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for microchip programming. Duty cycle refers to the proportion of time the signal is high during a single cycle, while frequency is the number of cycles per second. PWM can operate at a fixed frequency with varying duty cycles or at variable frequencies with fixed off times. Understanding these concepts is crucial for effectively controlling motor speeds using PWM.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
  • Familiarity with microcontroller programming
  • Knowledge of motor control principles
  • Basic concepts of signal frequency and duty cycle
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implementation of PWM in specific microcontrollers, such as PIC or AVR
  • Learn how to configure PWM registers for fixed and variable frequency operation
  • Explore motor control techniques using PWM for speed regulation
  • Investigate the effects of duty cycle adjustments on motor performance
USEFUL FOR

Electronics engineers, embedded systems developers, and hobbyists interested in motor control and PWM applications.

LM741
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Hey guys.

Just trying to program a microchip.

Trying to grasp the concept of PWM.

I know that varying the duty cycle will vary the speed of my motors...but there are other registers that allow you to set the frequency of the PWM peripheral...NOw I'm getting confused...isn't the duty cycle the frequency because essentially you're adjusting the time that the wave is on or off...?? hence your adjusting the frequency...?

Thanks
 
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PWM can be done at either a fixed frequency (where you vary the on time and off time both to maintain the same total time for each cycle), or with variable frequency (like with a fixed off time and variable on time).
 
Duty cycle is the pulse duration divided by the pulse period. Frequency equals the reciprocal of the period.
 

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