AC motors are a key component of modern industrial processes. They are usually powered by a constant-frequency power source that controls their rotational speed. Variable-frequency drives are electronic components that adjust the rotational speed of an AC motor. Our goal was to make a variable-frequency drive prototype at a price lower than or equal to that of variable-frequency drives available on the market. We examined the basic control capabilities of the Arduino Uno microcontroller and the more advanced settings of the microchip that provides the basis of its architecture. We have written a program that enables the generation of high-frequency PWM signals. Through the constructed logic circuit, the control signal switches the supply voltage on a specially designed inverter system that drives our three-phase AC motor. We successfully controlled the AC motor within the working range, but failed to meet our goals as far as the variable-frequency drive affordability is concerned.
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