Voltage-based braking methodology for a power tool

A method for braking a motor in a power tool, the method comprising:

• monitoring, with an electronic processor and during driving of the motor, a phase voltage of the motor;
• receiving, with the electronic processor, an indication to cease driving of the motor;
• determining, with the electronic processor, whether the phase voltage of the motor is equal to or less than a phase voltage threshold;
• controlling, with the electronic processor and in response to determining the phase voltage is greater than the phase voltage threshold, a power switching network to allow the motor to coast, the power switching network including a plurality of high side switching elements and a plurality of low side switching elements;
• controlling, with the electronic processor and in response to determining the phase voltage is equal to or less than the phase voltage threshold, the power switching network to apply a braking force to the motor;
• and
• ignoring, with the electronic processor and after receiving the indication to cease driving of the motor, an indication to drive the motor.

A power tool comprising:

• a motor;
• a power source configured to provide operating power to the motor;
• a power switching network between the power source and the motor and configured to drive the motor, the power switching network including a plurality of high side switching elements and a plurality of low side switching elements;
• an actuator operable to output a signal;
• and
• an electronic controller connected to the actuator and the power switching network, the electronic controller configured to:
• monitor, during driving of the motor, a phase voltage of the motor,
• receive, from the actuator, an indication to cease driving of the motor,
• compare the phase voltage of the motor to a phase voltage threshold,
• control, in response to the phase voltage of the motor being greater than or equal to the phase voltage threshold, the power switching network to allow the motor to coast,
• control, in response to the phase voltage of the motor being less than the phase voltage threshold, the power switching network to apply a braking force to the motor, and
• ignore, in response to the indication to cease driving of the motor, subsequent signals from the actuator.