What Is Electronic Speed Control?

Radio-controlled or remote-controlled model cars are driven using electronic speed control.

Radio-controlled models are powered by small electronic motors. These motors must use a device to control speed and braking. An ESC, or electronic speed control, is used for this purpose.

Definition

An electronic speed control is a circuit utilized to manipulate an electronic motor's direction and rate of speed. Electronic speed controls can also be used as a dynamic brake, or a means of slowing a motor by returning its energy or power to the supply line.

Process

An electronic speed control receives control information and uses it to manipulate the switching in its network of transistors, which controls the motor via electricity. Electronic speed devices use a BEC, or battery eliminator circuit, to regulate voltage for the receiver, an electronic circuit that receives its input from a radio-signal antenna.

Applications

Electronic speed control is often used in radio-controlled car and aircraft models. Electronic speed control for cars sends voltage to the motor, forcing it to act as a generator. When the car brakes, the electrical load is returned to the vehicle's drive batteries, allowing them to recharge. In the case of a helicopter aircraft model, no braking feature is typically used, but the electronic speed control uses a governor mode to allow the motor RPM to run at a constant speed.

References

• RC Universe: ESC
• "The R/C Car Bible: How to Vuild, Tune and Drive Electric and Nitro-Powered Radio Control Cars on and Off-Road"; Robert H. Schleicher; 2006

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• "Radio-Control Car Manual"; Matt Benfield; 2008