Regenerative Power (AFW)

Regenerative power (Active Freewheeling "AFW" or Synchronous Rectification) within a motor controller allows for increased transient response and higher efficiencies when enabled and utilised in a system. It works by diverting energy back to the power source during motor speed reduction events (reducing the target duty cycle, for example). This allows a faster braking force of the motor and load, increasing the transient response speeds of the system. It also allows the full system to operate more efficiently because the energy is diverted back to the power source, rather than the motor controller and motor dissipating this braking energy.

AFW is enabled by default, but should be disabled when the power source cannot handle regenerative power (e.g. tethers, benchtop power supplies). If enabled in these scenarios, there may be unexpected operation or damage caused to the motor controller and system.

Some drive modes and drive topologies do not allow AFW to be disabled. If disabling this is important (e.g. in a tethered application), please refer to the following list.

AFW cannot be disabled if any of the following configurations apply:

Drive Topology: FOCAL
Drive Mode: Reversible