Phototransistor Circuit for Motor Control

  • Thread starter Thread starter Microhoo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Infrared
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the use of infrared phototransistors for motor control, specifically highlighting the limitations of directly driving a motor with a phototransistor. It is established that phototransistors cannot supply the necessary current for motor operation. Participants recommend using relay contacts to switch the motor and emphasize the importance of including a protective diode in the circuit design. Reference to a previous thread provides additional circuit examples for effective implementation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infrared phototransistors
  • Knowledge of relay circuits
  • Familiarity with motor control principles
  • Basic circuit design skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research relay circuits for motor control
  • Learn about protective diodes in electronic circuits
  • Explore alternative methods for driving motors with low-current sensors
  • Review previous discussions on phototransistor applications in motor control
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists working on motor control projects, and engineers designing circuits involving phototransistors and relays.

Microhoo
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
Your post makes no sense without showing us a schematic.
 
It sounds like you are trying to drive a motor directly with a phototransistor.

This is unlikely to work because the motor needs a lot of current to work and the phototransistor is unable to supply this.

There was a similar thread last year and you might like to have a read through it and a look at the drawings in it. There were several circuits that would possibly help you.

Click on this:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=333127

Your motor would be switched by the relay contacts at the right of the various circuits.
Be careful to include the protective diode where shown in the circuits.
 

Similar threads

Calculate collector current of phototransistor
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Confusion on: High Pass Filter at Op Amp Input
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Relay Control of Induction Motors
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Selection of infrared components and calculation
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Understanding Power Ratings on Resistor: Will 50V DC Harm It?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Help with 5V Circuit & 3x 100 OHM Resistor LED
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Controller for Switched Reluctance Motor
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Need help adding a on off IR LED/Phototransistor as switch
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Choosing the Right Resistor for a 6V DC Motor Running on a 9V Battery?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Can I control a two-speed fan motor with a two-way light wall switch?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K