Microchip Unveils Integrated Motor Drivers with Embedded Digital Signal Controller Technology
Microchip Unveils Integrated Motor Driver Solutions for Space-Constrained Designs
Microchip Technology introduces a new family of dsPIC Digital Signal Controller (DSC)-based integrated motor drivers, empowering developers to create efficient and compact motor control systems.
These new devices integrate a dsPIC33 DSC, a three-phase MOSFET gate driver, along with an optional LIN or CAN FD transceiver - all encapsulated within a single unit. This integration significantly decreases the number of components, which in turn minimizes the physical footprint, simplifies design complexity, and allows for smaller PCB designs. The devices come with full support, including development boards, reference designs, application notes, and integration with Microchip’s motorBench Development Suite for field-oriented control (FOC) software development.
Joe Thomsen, Vice President at Microchip’s digital signal controllers’ division, emphasizes that as automotive, consumer, and industrial products evolve, there is a pressing need for high performance within small spaces, often leading to increased costs and sizes. The dsPIC DSC-based integrated motor drivers counter these challenges by consolidating several functionalities into a single chip, hence reducing system costs and conserving board space.
These integrated motor drivers, requiring a single power source of up to 29 V for normal operation and tolerating up to 40 V in transients, are designed with an internal 3.3 V LDO voltage regulator, negating the need for an external LDO. Their operational capabilities range from 70 to 100 MHz, ensuring robust CPU performance and compatibility with FOC and other advanced motor control algorithms.
With the available suite of motor control software and hardware tools, developers can accelerate the design process, thus shortening time-to-market.
BonChip Electronics, a trusted distributor of the entire Microchip product line, offers the complete dsPIC motor driver portfolio alongside a wide range of development tools and expert technical support. Contact us today to explore how these solutions can streamline your next motor control project.
Unveiling Performance and Efficiency in a Compact Footprint:
Microchip's innovative motor driver solutions integrate essential components into a single package:
- dsPIC33 Digital Signal Controller (DSC): Provides high processing power for advanced motor control algorithms.
- Three-phase MOSFET gate driver: Simplifies motor control implementation.
- Optional LIN or CAN FD transceiver: Enables seamless communication capabilities (select models).
This integration offers significant benefits:
- Reduced component count: Lower system cost and bill of materials (BOM).
- Smaller PCB footprint: Ideal for space-constrained applications.
- Simplified design process: Shortens development time and effort.
Enhanced Features and Development Support:
- Single power supply support (up to 29 V operation, 40 V transient).
- Internal LDO regulator: Eliminates the need for an external LDO.
- High-performance dsPIC DSC (70-100 MHz): Enables efficient execution of complex motor control algorithms.
- Extensive development ecosystem:
- Development boards (e.g., dsPIC33CK Motor Control Starter Kit, MCLV-48V-300W)
- Reference designs (e.g., automotive cooling fan, low-voltage ceiling fan, drone propeller controller)
- Application notes
- motorBench Development Suite (free GUI-based software for FOC, includes ZS/MT feature for sensorless operation)
- MPLAB Discover integration with dsPIC DSC-based MATLAB Simulink models
Ideal Applications:
- Automotive (e.g., cooling fans)
- Industrial automation (e.g., pumps, power tools)
- Consumer electronics (e.g., ceiling fans, drones)
Embrace Next-Generation Motor Control Solutions with BonChip Electronics and Microchip. Contact us today to learn more!
