ERMs are operated similar to Brushed DC Motors, using a DC voltage to rotate an unbalanced mass. The force created is not directional, and the mass is slow to startup and slowdown. As a result, the sensation created is not as sharp or defined as an LRA. However, ERM's do not have the same resonance restriction as an LRA and can oscillate at higher frequencies to increase the force created. Despite audio being a normally AC-only application, TI Audio Amps can support driving DC signals on their output by disabling the high pass filter.

Figure 2-2 ERM Architecture Courtesy of Precision Motordrives™