The act of reversing or switching the direction of current flow in electrical machines or power electronic converters. In a traditional DC motor, mechanical commutation happens as brushes slide across the segmented commutator, keeping the motor spinning in one direction. In solid-state converters, electronic commutation transfers the load current between semiconductor switches. Poor commutation in mechanical systems causes sparking and excessive brush wear.
Heard on the job
We're seeing heavy sparking on the DC drive due to poor commutation at high loads.