DC MOTOR SPEED CONTROL USING PWM

P.MANEESHA - 24RS5A0234
V.VARSHITHA - 24RS5A0243
M.MANJULA - 24RS5A0227
V.RAJ KUMAR - 23RS1A0219
K.BHANU PRAKASH - 23RS1A0206
N.SHANMUKH RAO - 23RS1A0212

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Jawaharlal Nehru

Technological University Hyderabad University College of Engineering

Rajanna Sircilla Agraharam, Rajanna Sircilla Dist. - 505302, Telangana
2025
 A REAL TIME RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT ON

DC MOTOR SPEED CONTROL USING PWM

Submitted to the

JNTUH UNIVERSITY COLLAGE OF ENGINEERING RAJANNA SIRCILLA

In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

By

P.MANEESHA - 24RS5A0234
V.VARSHITHA - 24RS5A0243
M.MANJULA - 24RS5A0227
V.RAJ KUMAR - 23RS1A0219
K.BHANU PRAKASH - 23RS1A0206
N.SHANMUKH RAO - 23RS1A0212

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad

University College of Engineering Rajanna Sircilla
Agraharam, Rajanna Sircilla Dist. - 505302, Telangana
 Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad

University College of Engineering Rajanna Sircilla
Agraharam, Rajanna Sircilla Dist. - 505302, Telangana

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Real Time Research Project work entitled as DC MOTOR SPEED
CONTROL USING PWM is a Bonafide work carried out by, PIDIGI MANEESHA ,VASALA
VARSHITHA, MALOTH MANJULA, VELPULA RAJKUMAR, KAMPATI BHANU
PRAKASH, NAKKA SHANMUHK RAO bearing Roll Nos. 24RS5A0234,24RS5A0243,
24RS5A0227, 23RS1A0219, 23RS1AO206, 23RS1A0212 in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY in ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS
ENGINEERING by the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad during the academic
year 2024-2025

Project guide Mr. D.Bhaskar

Head of the Department, EEE

Dr. T.Venugopal External Examiner

Principal
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We feel ourselves honored and privileged to place our warm salutation to our college
JNTUH UNIVERSITY COLLAGE OF ENGINEERING RAJANNA SIRCILLA and
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering which gave us the opportunity to
have expertise in engineering and profound technical knowledge.
We would like to thank our guide, Dr. P.Pranay Kumar, guest faculty worked in
department Electrical and Electronics Engineering for encouraging us to take up a project on
this subject and motivating us towards the real time research project work.
We express my sincere gratitude to Mr. D.Bhaskar and Head of the Department of
Electrical and Electronics Engineering for inspiring us to take up a real time research project
to this subject and successfully guiding us towards its completion.
We wish to convey gratitude to our Principal Mr. T.Venugopal, for providing us with
the environment and mean to enrich our skills and motivating us in our Endeavor and helping
us to realize our full potential.
 ABSTRACT

This project presents a method for controlling the speed of a DC motor using Pulse
Width Modulation (PWM) without employing a microcontroller. DC motors are commonly
used in numerous applications where speed regulation is crucial. While microcontrollers are
often used for generating PWM signals, this project demonstrates an alternative approach
using analog and discrete components.
The proposed system generates PWM signals using a 555 timer IC configured in
astable mode. The output of the timer produces a square wave with a controllable duty cycle,
which is used to drive the gate of a power transistor or MOSFET that supplies current to the
DC motor. By varying the duty cycle of the PWM signal through a potentiometer, the
average voltage across the motor terminals is adjusted, thereby controlling the motor speed.
This microcontroller-free approach offers a low-cost and easy-to-implement solution
for basic speed control applications. It also provides an excellent educational platform to
understand the principles of PWM and analog circuit design. The system is energy-efficient
and avoids the complexity of programming, making it suitable for simple motor control tasks
in fans, small appliances, and DIY electronics.
CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION....................................1
2. AIM & OBJECTIVE.................................2
3. BLOCK DIAGRAM..................................3
4. CIRCUIT DIAGRAM................................4
5. COMPONENTS......................................6
6. WORKING.............................................11
7. APPLICATIONS......................................13
8. ADVANTAGES.......................................15
9. DISADVANTAGES..................................16
10. CONCLUSION........................................17
11. FUTURE SCOPE......................................18
 INTRODUCTION

Introduction to DC Motor Speed Control Using PWM Without a Microcontroller

Controlling the speed of a DC motor is essential in various applications, ranging from household
appliances to industrial automation systems. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is one of the
most efficient and widely used methods for controlling the speed of DC motors. This method
works by varying the duty cycle of a rectangular waveform to regulate the average voltage
supplied to the motor, thereby controlling its speed.
While microcontrollers are commonly used to generate PWM signals, there are scenarios where a
simpler and cost-effective solution is required. For such cases, analog and discrete electronic
components can be employed to implement PWM-based speed control. This approach
eliminates the need for programming and microcontroller expertise, making it accessible to
those with basic electronics knowledge.
Key Features of PWM Speed Control Without a Microcontroller
1. Analog Components: The circuit uses components such as operational amplifiers
(op- amps), 555 timer ICs, or transistors to generate the PWM signal.
2. Cost-Effective: Avoiding microcontrollers reduces the overall cost of the system.
3. Ease of Implementation: The design relies on straightforward circuitry, making it
suitable for hobbyists and small-scale applications.
4. Adjustability: The PWM duty cycle can be adjusted using variable resistors
(potentiometers), allowing precise control over the motor speed.
Basic Operation
 PWM Signal Generation: A 555 timer IC is often used in astable mode to produce a
PWM signal. The duty cycle is adjusted by changing the resistance or capacitance in
the circuit.
 Motor Speed Control: The PWM signal drives a transistor or MOSFET, which acts
as a switch to control the power supplied to the motor. The average voltage, and
consequently the motor speed, is determined by the PWM duty cycle.

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 AIM & OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

Aim
The aim of the project is to design and implement a DC motor speed control system using Pulse
Width Modulation (PWM) without employing a microcontroller. This system ensures effective,
precise, and cost-efficient control of the motor speed, suitable for various small-scale and
industrial applications.

Objectives
1. Design a Simple Circuit:
Develop a circuit capable of generating a PWM signal using analog components such as a
555 timer IC, operational amplifiers, or discrete transistors.
2. Control Motor Speed:
Utilize the generated PWM signal to regulate the speed of a DC motor by varying the
duty cycle.
3. Cost-Effective Solution:
Eliminate the need for a microcontroller, reducing the overall cost and complexity of the
design.
4. Ease of Use:
Implement a user-friendly interface, such as a potentiometer, to allow smooth adjustment
of the motor speed.
5. Energy Efficiency:
Ensure the PWM-based speed control minimizes energy loss by operating the motor
efficiently.
6. Scalability:
Create a flexible design that can be scaled or modified for different motor specifications
and load conditions.
7. Reliability:
Develop a robust system capable of operating consistently in various environments and
applications.
8. Promote Learning:
Provide an accessible design that helps users and students understand the principles of
PWM and motor control without the need for programming or microcontroller
expertise.

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BLOCK DIAGRAM:

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CIRCUIT DIADRAM:

Circuit Diagram Explanation:

DC Motor Speed Control Using PWM with 555 Timer
The 555 timer is a versatile integrated circuit widely used in timing and waveform
generation. When used in Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode, it allows for efficient
speed control of a DC motor.
Components:
1. 555 Timer IC: Acts as an astable multivibrator to generate PWM signals.
2. Resistors (R1, R2): Determine the frequency and duty cycle of the PWM signal.
3. Capacitor (C1): Works with R1 and R2 to set the timing of the PWM signal.
4. Potentiometer (VR): Allows manual adjustment of the duty cycle, controlling the
speed of the motor.
5. Diodes (D1, D2): Ensure proper charging and discharging paths for the capacitor,
enabling duty cycle adjustment.
6. NPN Transistor or MOSFET (Q): Acts as a switch to drive the motor based on the
PWM signal.
7. DC Motor: The load whose speed is being controlled.
8. Power Supply: Provides necessary voltage and current for the circuit and the motor.

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Circuit Diagram Description:
 Power Supply: Connect the 555 timer's Vcc pin to the positive supply and GND pin
to ground.
 Resistor-Capacitor Network: Connect R1, R2, C1, and the potentiometer in the
astable configuration.
 Diodes (D1, D2): Place them in parallel with R2 to enable independent control of the
charging and discharging times of C1.
 Output Pin (Pin 3): Connect to the base of the transistor/MOSFET through a current-
limiting resistor.
 Motor: Connect the motor between the positive supply and the collector/drain of the
transistor/MOSFET.

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 COMPONENTS:
Here's a detailed explanation of each component used in the DC motor speed control circuit using
PWM with a 555 timer:

1. 555 Timer IC
 Purpose: The core of the circuit, configured in astable mode, generates a
PWM signal.
 Function in Circuit: Produces a square wave whose duty cycle can be adjusted.
The output of the timer (Pin 3) drives the transistor or MOSFET to control the
motor's speed.

2. Resistors (R1, R2)

 Purpose: Set the base frequency of the PWM signal.
 Function in Circuit:
o R1 works with R2 to determine how quickly the capacitor (C1) charges
and discharges, setting the PWM frequency.
o The combination of R2 and the potentiometer allows the adjustment of the
duty cycle.

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3. Potentiometer (VR)
 Purpose: Adjustable resistor for varying the duty cycle of the PWM signal.
 Function in Circuit: By changing the resistance, the charging/discharging time of
the capacitor changes, effectively adjusting the duty cycle. A higher duty cycle allows
more power to the motor, increasing its speed, and vice versa.

4. Capacitor (C1)
 Purpose: Determines the timing of the PWM signal.
 Function in Circuit:
o Charges and discharges periodically to generate a square wave.
o Works with R1, R2, and VR to set the timing characteristics (frequency
and duty cycle).

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5. Diodes (D1, D2)
 Purpose: Enable separate control of the capacitor's charging and discharging times.
 Function in Circuit:
o D1 allows the capacitor to charge through R1 and VR.
o D2 allows the capacitor to discharge through VR only, bypassing R1.
o This setup makes the duty cycle adjustable independent of the frequency.
G

6. Transistor or MOSFET (Q)

 Purpose: Acts as a switch to drive the motor with the PWM signal.
 Function in Circuit:
o Amplifies the low-power PWM signal from the 555 timer to drive the motor.
o The PWM signal controls the transistor's switching action, regulating the
power delivered to the motor.
o NPN transistors or MOSFETs are typically used, depending on the
motor's power requirements.

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7. DC Motor
 Purpose: The load whose speed is being controlled.
 Function in Circuit:
o The motor's speed is proportional to the average voltage it receives.
o The PWM signal effectively varies the average voltage by adjusting the
duty cycle.

8. Power Supply
 Purpose: Provides electrical energy to the circuit and motor.
 Function in Circuit:
o Supplies the necessary voltage and current to the 555 timer and motor.
o It should match the motor's voltage and current requirements for
proper operation.

9. Current-Limiting Resistor
 Purpose: Protects the transistor or MOSFET.
 Function in Circuit:
o Limits the base current (for BJTs) or gate charge current (for MOSFETs)
to prevent damage.

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Summary of Functionality:
1. 555 Timer generates a PWM signal with adjustable duty cycle.
2. The potentiometer modifies the duty cycle, controlling the power sent to the motor.
3. The transistor or MOSFET acts as a power switch driven by the PWM signal.
4. The motor's speed varies based on the duty cycle of the PWM signal.

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 WORKING:
PULSE WIDTH MODULATION TECHNIQUE:

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a technique used to control the amount of power delivered
to a load without dissipating energy in the form of heat. It achieves this by rapidly switching
a signal between an "on" state (full power) and an "off" state (no power). By varying the
proportion of time the signal spends in the "on" state versus the "off" state during a fixed
period, the average power delivered to the load can be adjusted.
Key Concepts of PWM
1. Duty Cycle:
o The duty cycle is the ratio of the "on" time to the total period of the signal,
expressed as a percentage.
o Duty Cycle=(On Time/Period)×100%
o Example:
 50% Duty Cycle: Signal is on for half the period and off for the
other half, delivering medium power.
 75% Duty Cycle: Signal is on for most of the period, delivering higher
power.

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  25% Duty Cycle: Signal is on for a shorter portion of the
period, delivering lower power.
2. Frequency:
o The frequency of a PWM signal is the number of times the cycle (on and
off) repeats per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
o A higher frequency is often used to minimize audible noise and
achieve smoother control.
WORKING:
1. PWM Signal Generation:
 The 555 timer is configured in astable mode, producing a continuous square
wave at its output pin (pin 3).
 The frequency of the square wave depends on the values of the resistors (R1,
R2) and the capacitor (C1) connected to the timer.
 The duty cycle (ON time vs OFF time of the square wave) can be adjusted
using the potentiometer. This is the key parameter for controlling motor
speed.
2. Duty Cycle Control:
 By changing the resistance in the RC circuit via the potentiometer, the
duty cycle is modified.
 A higher duty cycle means more ON time for the motor, increasing its speed.
 A lower duty cycle reduces the ON time, decreasing motor speed.
3. Motor Control:
 The output signal from the 555 timer is fed to the base of a transistor (or gate
of a MOSFET) that acts as a switch.
 The transistor amplifies the PWM signal and drives the motor.
 When the PWM signal is HIGH, the transistor conducts, powering the
motor. When LOW, the motor is off.

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 APPLICATIONS:
Controlling the speed of a DC motor using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) with a 555 timer has
numerous practical applications. Here are some notable examples:

1. Home Appliances
 Fans and Blowers: Speed control in exhaust fans, ceiling fans, or blower motors
for adjustable airflow.
 Blenders and Mixers: Adjusting motor speed to control the consistency of
blending or mixing.
 Vacuum Cleaners: Variable suction power based on motor speed.

2. Robotics
 Wheel Motors: Controlling robot mobility, speed, and direction in wheeled robots.
 Servo Motor Control: Precision movements in robotic arms and manipulators.
 Actuators: Driving linear or rotary actuators for various robot mechanisms.

3. Automotive
 Windshield Wipers: Adjusting the speed of wiper motors based on rainfall intensity.
 Cooling Fans: Regulating the speed of radiator or engine cooling fans for temperature
control.
 Electric Vehicle Drives: Basic speed control of DC motors in DIY or small
electric vehicles.

4. Industrial Applications
 Conveyor Belts: Variable speed control for material handling systems.
 Drilling Machines: Speed variation for precision drilling operations.
 Cutting Machines: Adjusting motor speed to suit the material being cut.

5. DIY and Educational Projects

 RC Cars and Drones: Speed control for motor-driven RC vehicles or drones.
 Prototyping: Simple yet effective way to control motor speed in experimental setups.

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  Educational Demonstrations: Teaching PWM concepts and motor speed control
in schools and colleges.

6. Medical Devices
 Suction Devices: Variable speed for suction power adjustment.
 Pumps: Precise control of flow rates in infusion pumps and other medical equipment.

7. Renewable Energy Systems

 Solar Water Pumps: Speed control for optimizing motor operation based on
sunlight intensity.
 Wind Turbines: Adjusting blade speeds in small-scale wind turbines using
DC motors.

8. Consumer Electronics
 CD/DVD Drives: Speed control in spinning mechanisms.
 Printers: Adjusting motor speed for precise paper feeding or ink dispensing.

The use of a 555 timer for PWM-based motor speed control offers a cost-effective, simple, and
reliable method for achieving variable speed in these applications. The flexibility of PWM
signals makes it adaptable for a wide range of devices.

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ADVANTAGES:
Advantages of Using a 555 Timer for PWM-Based DC Motor Speed Control:
1. Cost-Effectiveness
o Inexpensive and widely available IC.
o Ideal for budget-friendly and hobbyist applications.
2. Simplicity
o Straightforward circuit design with minimal components.
o Suitable for quick prototyping and educational use.
3. Adjustable Duty Cycle
o Flexible speed control by modifying the RC network.
o No need for complex digital logic or programming.
4. Reliability
o Robust and capable of operating in various environments.
o Consistent performance across wide voltage and temperature ranges.
5. Standalone Operation
o Operates independently without a microcontroller or external clock source.
o Reduces system complexity and power consumption.
6. Compact Design
o Small form factor with minimal additional components.
o Fits well in space-constrained applications.
7. High Switching Speeds
o Enables smooth motor operation and reduces noise.
o Improves motor efficiency and minimizes torque ripple.
8. Versatility
o Can be configured in astable or monostable modes for various needs.
o Suitable for controlling small DC motors in fans, toys, and basic systems.

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DISADVANTAGES:
Disadvantages of 555 Timer-Based PWM for DC Motor Speed Control:
1. Limited Features: No feedback, precise speed regulation, or fault
detection; unsuitable for dynamic control.
2. Restricted Scalability: Suitable only for low-power motors; inadequate for large
or industrial applications.
3. Drift Issues: Frequency and duty cycle drift due to temperature or aging;
affects precision.
4. No Feedback: Open-loop operation results in poor speed regulation under load
changes.
5. Low Control Resolution: Imprecise manual duty cycle adjustments; limited by
RC network design.
6. No Digital Integration: Lacks direct compatibility with digital systems or IoT;
needs extra circuitry.
7. Noise and Interference: Generates electrical noise; requires filtering to
avoid interference.
8. Design Challenges: Requires careful component selection and tuning; harder to
stabilize than digital PWM.

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 CONCLUSION:
Using a 555 timer to implement PWM for DC motor speed control offers a simple, cost-
effective, and reliable solution, especially suited for low-power and educational applications.
While it lacks advanced features like feedback control and precise digital integration, its ease
of use and minimal component requirements make it an excellent choice for hobbyists and
basic motor control tasks. With improvements in component quality and potential hybrid
designs incorporating microcontrollers, the 555 timer-based PWM controller can continue to
serve as a valuable tool in niche applications where simplicity and affordability are key
priorities.

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FUTURE SCOPE:
Future Scope of DC Motor Speed Control Using PWM with 555 Timer (Summary)
 Serves as a key educational tool for learning PWM and motor control basics.
 Ideal for low-cost, simple, low-power applications prioritizing affordability
over features.
 Potential for hybrid systems combining 555 timer PWM with microcontroller-
based feedback for better precision.
 Improved components (precision resistors, capacitors, low-noise transistors)
can enhance stability and performance.
 Advanced noise filtering techniques can reduce interference, improving usability in
sensitive electronics.
 Miniaturization enables integration into compact, embedded, and portable devices.
 Suitable for energy-efficient small consumer appliances focusing on cost and
power savings.

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