Hardware design of electric bike with BLDC motor

A controller for an electric bicycle must deliver power that varies from zero to the rated peak of the propulsion-motor, at motor speeds corresponding to bicycle speeds from zero to 48 km per hour (30 mph). With DC propulsion motors, power can be controlled with pulse-width modulated (PWM) transistors. AC motors need variable frequency. Hardware requirements for design of an electric-bicycle control are postulated and basic blocks along with their usage are shown.

An electric bicycle has a conventional bicycle frame, pedals, cranks, chain, and freewheel assembly. Electric propulsion replaces or supplements muscle power. This adds to the bicycle an electric motor, gear reducer, battery, and power control.

View the PDF document for more information.

Originally published by Texas Instruments Inc. at www.ti.com as "Hardware Design Considerations for an Electric Bicycle Using a BLDC Motor".