To implement efficient, real-time embedded motor control systems in space-constrained applications, Microchip Technology has released a family of dsPIC digital signal controller (DSC)-based integrated motor drivers. These devices incorporate a dsPIC33 digital signal controller (DSC), a three-phase MOSFET gate driver, and an optional LIN or CAN FD transceiver in one package. A significant benefit of this integration is a reduction in engine control system design component count, smaller printed circuit board (PCB) dimensions, and reduced complexity. The devices are supported by development boards, reference designs, application notes, and Microchip's field-oriented control (FOC) software development suite, motorBench Development Suite V2.45.
Integrated motor driver devices can be powered by a single power supply of up to 29V (operation) and 40V (transient). An internal 3.3V low dropout voltage regulator (LDO) powers the dsPIC DSC, which eliminates the need for an external LDO to power the device. Operating between 70 and 100 MHz, the DSC-based dsPIC integrated motor drivers provide high CPU performance and can support efficient deployment of FOC and other advanced motor control algorithms.
To learn more about Microchip's growing portfolio of integrated motor drivers, visit the dsPIC DSC-based integrated motor drivers web page.
A broad ecosystem of motor control software and hardware development tools helps make the design process faster and easier, reducing time to market for the customer.
The dsPIC33CK Motor Control Starter Kit (MCSK) and MCLV-48V-300W are two new dsPIC33-based integrated motor driver development boards that provide rapid prototyping solutions with flexible control options. The MCSK includes a dsPIC33CK low-voltage motor control development board, a 24V three-phase BLDC motor, an AC/DC adapter, a USB cable, and other accessories. This cost-effective kit supports rapid prototyping of motor control applications operating between 12 and 48
VDC with up to 10 Amps of direct current. The MCLV-48V-300W development board enables rapid prototyping of three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motors rated between 12 and 48
VDC and capable of delivering up to 25A RMS direct current per phase. This inverter board introduces a new modular concept where a separate dual-in-line module (DIM) is inserted into the board to configure it for a specific dsPIC DSC or MCU.
motorBench Development Suite is a free GUI-based software development tool for FOC that accurately measures critical motor parameters, automatically adjusts feedback control gains, and generates source code using the Motor Control Application Framework (MCAF ). The latest version, v2.45, includes a powerful new feature called maximum torque/zero speed (ZS/MT), which allows designers to eliminate Hall or magnetic sensors while maximizing the motor's torque output, from start-up and onwards. low speeds. This feature can be used in pumps, power tools, e-mobility and many other applications.
MPLAB Discover now contains many dsPIC DSC-based MATLAB Simulink models that support various motor control algorithms and development boards. Microchip also provides free device blocks for Simulink that can be used to generate optimized code from models for dsPIC DSCs and other Microchip MCUs.
The growing number of dsPIC DSC-based motor control reference designs now include an automotive cooling fan, a low-voltage ceiling fan, and a drone propeller controller. These reference designs shorten time to market by providing a production-ready solution for various motor control applications. Typically, board design files include schematics and a BOM, a board user guide, and motor control source code that are available for download.
