Drone Motors: A Comprehensive Comparison of Brushless and Brushed Motors

The rapid advancement of drone technology has led to increased demands for motor performance. Motors, often referred to as the heart of a drone, directly impact flight efficiency, stability, and endurance. This article delves into two common types of motors used in drones: brushless and brushed motors, analyzing their pros and cons to assist drone enthusiasts and professionals in making the right choice.

Brushless Motors: The Preferred Choice for Modern Drones

Brushless motors (BLDC) are the power source for most drones today, with several advantages:

  1. High Efficiency and Long Lifespan: Brushless motors use electronic commutation, eliminating physical contact between brushes and commutators, reducing friction and wear, thereby increasing efficiency and lifespan. The service life of brushless motors can typically exceed 20,000 hours, far surpassing brushed motors.

  2. Low Noise and Low Electromagnetic Interference: Due to the absence of spark generation from brushes, brushless motors operate quietly and with minimal electromagnetic interference, which is crucial for the stability of a drone’s electronic equipment.

  3. High Power Density: Brushless motors can provide high power output in a smaller size and weight, which is particularly important for drone designs that require lightweight components.

  4. Precise Control: Brushless motors achieve precise speed and position control through electronic controllers, making drone flight more stable and responsive.

However, brushless motors also have some drawbacks, such as higher initial costs and greater technical complexity, requiring specialized maintenance and support. Additionally, the controllers and sensors in brushless motors can add to the system’s complexity and cost.

Brushed Motors: Traditional Yet Reliable

Brushed motors are the foundation of motor technology, with the following advantages:

  1. Lower Cost: The production cost of brushed motors is relatively low, making them suitable for cost-sensitive applications.

  2. Mature Technology: Brushed motor technology is well-established, with manufacturing and maintenance being relatively simple and accessible.

  3. Good Low-Speed Performance: Brushed motors perform well at low speeds due to the low contact resistance between the brushes and the commutator, allowing for higher current flow.

  4. Quick Start and Prompt Braking: Brushed motors have fast response times and high starting torque, making them suitable for drone applications that require quick responses.

Despite these advantages, brushed motors have some disadvantages that cannot be ignored, such as shorter lifespan, lower efficiency, and higher noise and electromagnetic interference. These drawbacks limit the application of brushed motors in high-performance drones.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Motor

When selecting a drone motor, it is essential to weigh the options based on specific application scenarios and requirements. If you prioritize high efficiency, long lifespan, and low noise, brushless motors are the ideal choice. However, if the budget is limited or there is a higher tolerance for motor maintenance and replacement frequency, brushed motors remain a viable option.

As technology continues to advance, the cost of brushless motors is gradually decreasing, and their performance is continuously improving, making their application in the drone field increasingly widespread. In the future, brushless motors are expected to play a significant role in more areas, bringing more possibilities to the development of drone technology.