The articulated piston compressor utilizes the same operating principle as a conventional car engine piston. The articulated piston transfers rotational energy from a motor/pulley into a reciprocating motion used to compress air in a cylinder. The rotational motion is transferred through an eccentric and bearing assembly (the big end) to the conrod, then through the wrist pin (the little end) to the piston itself.

As the piston moves down inside the cylinder, the air is drawn in through a one-way intake valve. On the upward stroke, this air is exhausted through a one-way exhaust valve. Sealing of the piston to the cylinder is achieved by using two piston rings each backed with a spring to keep them in contact with the cylinder wall. A piston skirt guides the piston in the cylinder.

These compressors are available in AC (single or three-phase), pulley driven, and the smaller sizes are also available in DC motor.