Patent attributes
Apparatus and method for motor braking using selectively connectable resistance. The method includes controlling, using a motor controller of the power tool, a power switching network to drive a motor of the power tool in response to actuation of a user input and determining, using the motor controller, a variable tool characteristic. The method further includes determining, using the motor controller, that the user input is de-actuated. The method also includes controlling, using the motor controller, the power switching network to brake the motor when the variable tool characteristic satisfies the tool characteristic threshold and controlling, using the motor controller, a braking circuit to brake the motor when the variable tool characteristic does not satisfy the tool characteristic threshold. The braking circuit includes one or more resistive loads and is selectively coupled to the motor terminals of the motor.