Case Study: Kappa Electronics achieves robust sensorless field-oriented drone motor control with Altair’s solidThinking Embed

Innovative Drone Propulsion Design using Model-Based Development

Kappa Electronics, a motor-control consulting firm with 70+ years of cumulative experience, was asked to develop robust motor control for a new drone where weight and cost ruled out a shaft sensor. To meet the challenge they selected Altair’s solidThinking Embed (Embed) model‑based development environment for its fast simulation, parametric data entry and 2D/3D plotting capabilities.

Using Altair Embed, Kappa developed a multi‑mode, sensorless field‑oriented observer and ran extensive virtual tests (over 600 plots) across motor frequencies from 40–2000 Hz and wide torque/parameter variations. The observer’s predicted flux‑angle errors matched real‑world tests, maintained angle‑lock under adverse conditions, shortened development time and increased product quality — validating Altair’s Embed as the enabling tool for the project.

Kappa Electronics

David Wilson

Owner