Our latest motor winding current phasing Guided Test is now available in PicoScope 7 Automotive for all users of the PicoScope 4000 Series Automotive oscilloscopes. This essential test helps technicians assess motor winding health, current phasing, and control signal integrity in electric vehicle (EV) motors.
Inverter-driven EV motors rely on precisely timed AC currents to generate torque. These currents are switched at high speed by IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors), which regulate the magnetic field within the stator to stay ahead of the rotor. PWM or variable frequency modulation ensures smooth motor operation, while resolvers, encoders, or back-EMF sensing handle position tracking.
By using current clamps on motor phase cables, technicians can visualize these switching events. Waveform analysis reveals key characteristics of the motor’s operation, such as slight distortions caused by IGBT transitions. In a healthy motor, all three-phase currents should be equal in amplitude and phased correctly, typically 120° apart—although other phasing is used. Identifying inconsistencies in current waveforms can help pinpoint faults in the motor windings, insulation, or control electronics.
The motor winding current phasing Guided test walks technicians through setup, waveform acquisition, and analysis, complete with connection diagrams and real-world waveform examples. If irregularities are detected, follow-up testing with either the MT03A milliohm & motor tester to confirm winding resistance or the TA467 Pico insulation tester to confirm insulation integrity can help determine whether the issue lies within the motor or the inverter.
Get the Update—Free of Charge!
This latest Guided Test is available now as part of PicoScope 7 Automotive—and like all our software updates, it’s completely free. Stay ahead of evolving diagnostic challenges and ensure your workshop is equipped to handle the latest Battery Electric Vehicle diagnostics.
Download the update today and put the power of PicoScope to work in your diagnostics!