Measurement Minute: Episode 1

This episode of Measurement Minute explores why common measurement matters in electric motor systems: torque, inverter and drivetrain insights.

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Why common measurement matters in electric motor systems

When it comes to electric motor systems, what you don’t measure, you can’t truly understand – and that means you’re never seeing the full picture. Motors rarely operate alone. They’re powered by inverters, connected to gearboxes, and integrated into larger drivetrains. Each component influences the next, creating a complex chain of events that unfolds across very different time scales.

Let’s break down why synchronised measurement is critical for engineers.

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From microseconds to minutes: a chain reaction

It begins with the inverter. Switching happens in microseconds, generating currents that produce torque. That torque drives mechanical motion, which creates vibration, then acoustic noise, and eventually heat.

Each of these effects unfolds on its own timescale. When measurements are taken in isolation, the connections between them are hidden, and the root cause of system behaviour can easily be missed.

The power of a common measurement platform

The solution is to measure everything on a common data acquisition platform. Same time step. Same filters. Same location. Why? Because this unified approach allows you to capture the true cause-and-effect relationships across your system.

Here’s why it matters:

High sample rates capture fast events like inverter switching
Synchronised signals let you correlate electrical and mechanical behaviours
Integration with CAN bus helps track electric-to-mechanical delays

Even slow signals matter

Temperature changes might seem too slow to be relevant – but when measured alongside fast signals, they become part of the story. This unified timeline gives you confidence in your analysis and helps predict system behaviour under real-world conditions.

Why engineers should care

Understanding the “if-then” of your motor-inverter system isn’t just academic – it’s essential for:

Optimising performance
Reducing noise and vibration
Preventing overheating
Improving system reliability

By adopting a holistic measurement strategy, you’re not just collecting data – you’re unlocking insights that drive smarter design and better control.

Want to see how this works in practice?

Explore our Electric Powertrain Measurement application page to learn how synchronised data acquisition improves performance, reduces noise, and ensures reliability in complex systems.

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