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Commutation was conceived over a century ago through the invention of the direct-
current (dc) motor. When direct current is supplied to a winding on a rotor that is
subjected to a stationary magnetic field, it experiences a rotational force and resulting
output torque. As the stator north and south poles are reversed relative to the rotating
winding, the rotor current is reversed by a commutator in order to maintain the
unidirectional torque required for continuous motor action. See also Direct-current motor;
Windings in electric machinery.
The principle is illustrated in Fig. 1. In its simplest form, a single rotor winding is
connected between two segments of a cylindrical copper commutator which is mounted
axially on the rotor. Connection to the external dc supply is through sliding carbon
contacts (brushes). The segments have small insulated gaps at A and B. As A and B pass
the brushes, the current in the rotor winding reverses. In the short interval where the
brushes short-circuit the segments, the rotor current decays before building up in the
reverse direction. The angular position of the brushes is selected to reverse the current at
the appropriate rotor position. See also Commutator.
The same principle of commutation applies to the ac commutator motor and universal
ac/dc motor, which are common in variable-speed kitchen appliances and electric hand
tools. See also Alternating-current motor; Universal motor.
Three-phase converter.
Commutation:
n.