PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) is a technique used to control the amount of power delivered to electrical devices, particularly in applications involving motors, lights, and heating elements. It works by varying the duty cycle of a square wave signal, which is defined as the percentage of one period in which a signal is active. For instance, a 50% duty cycle means the signal is on for half the time and off for the other half, effectively providing half the power. This can be mathematically represented as:
By adjusting the duty cycle, PWM can control the speed of a motor or the brightness of a light with great precision and efficiency. Additionally, PWM is beneficial because it minimizes energy loss compared to linear control methods, making it a popular choice in modern electronic applications.
Start your personalized study experience with acemate today. Sign up for free and find summaries and mock exams for your university.