COBROS™ (Calibration and Operation Based on ROtational Symmetry) is a PCB-based magnetic sensor module that enables full vector control of synchronous electric motors, such as PMSMs, in real-time.
COBROS™ employs multiple industry standard magnetic sensors to directly measure the magnetic B-fields generated by the stator and rotor of the electric motor, rather than inferring the magnetic states from independent current and position measurements.
Performing multi-dimensional magnetic field decomposition directly at the rotor and stator, COBROS™ eliminates signal estimation errors and ensuresthat no data is lost. COBROS™ directly outputs physical characteristics such as torque and rotor angle position or inferred ones like individual phase currents. All information is fed to the motor control unit, allowing it to operate at greater efficiency, e.g., dispensing power more appropriately, smoothening acceleration and deceleration in electric vehicles and enhancing regenerative braking functionalities. At the same time, COBROS™ will enable smaller and lighter system designs as it makes external current sensors and associated wiring redundant.
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Accurate motor position sensing is paramount for any vector-controlled electric motor, as precise angular information will help the motor control unit synchronize the stator's magnetic field to the rotor for the best possible performances. Traditionally, the magnetic field states are inferred using indirect information from encoders or resolvers mounted on the rotor shaft. While effective, these approaches have their limitations and downsides whether that would be less-than-optimal accuracy, fragility, taking up valuable system space or simply being costly.
COBROS™ takes a fundamentally different approach to electric motor position sensing by measuring the magnetic B-fields of the stator and rotor directly, rather than inferring them from indirect measurements. This method offers multiple distinct advantages:
The field-based control of COBROS™ eliminates signal estimation errors, leading to greater control accuracy for a smoother torque response and better dynamic behaviour.
Weight, Space and Cost Reduction
COBROS™ removes the need a traditional position sensor and external current sensors, enabling lighter, more compact system designs with fewer constituent parts.
Improved Robustness
The reduced amount of connectors and external elements will lower the risk of operational failure, improving robustness and reliability.
The COBROS™ PCB sensing module is easily integrable in existing electric vector-controlled motors and will enable new smaller and more effecient system architectures for applications such as electric vehicles and industrial drives. The technology has
Direct magnetic b-field sensing for full, real-time vector control
Improved accuracy and efficiency for better system performances
Data redundancy for enhancement of additional functionalities
PCB-based module for seamless system integration
Reduced number of required parts for smaller, lighter and less costly designs
Improved sensing robustness for greater reliability
Confirmed scalability from low- to high-power motor platforms
CTS COBROS™ technology will be applicable and beneficial to all manner of electric vector-controlled motors. It is suited for a range of markets where size, efficiency and precision are critical factors:
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electrified Micromobility
Aerospace Actuators
Marine Propulsion Systems
Industrial Drives
Military and Defense Applications
Results Updated
Technical overview of the COBROS magnetic field-based vector control technology from CTS Corporation.
Application Notes / Tech Briefs
Application Note for the COBROS magnetic field vector control technology from CTS Corporation
Brochures / Catalogs, Corporate Documents
Application Notes / Tech Briefs, Brochures / Catalogs
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