FOC-based motor control solution
3 April 2013
Power Electronics / Power Management
Texas Instruments has announced its InstaSPIN-FOC (field-oriented control) motor control solution – a sensorless software-based solution built on its FAST (flux, angle, speed and torque) algorithm.
Embedded in ROM on 32-bit C2000 Piccolo microcontrollers, the new package is intended to slash the time required to spin up motors using FOC techniques – enabling engineers to identify, tune and fully control any type of three-phase, synchronous or asynchronous motor within minutes.
Until now, engineers have had to rely on encoder/resolver sensors or complex software algorithms as observers to generate the precise data about rotor position required to produce maximum torque with FOC methods. Sensor-based solutions have suffered from cost and reliability concerns, while software observers require extensive characterisation of motor properties and are typically challenged by operating modes outside of their primary range of operation.
Even with precise rotor positioning data, however, engineers have still faced difficulties in designing motor control algorithms able to ensure maximum torque through a full range of operating conditions.
Working out of the Piccolo MCU’s on-chip ROM, InstaSPIN-FOC uses TI’s proprietary FAST algorithm to automatically characterise a motor during an initial 90-second identification phase, enabling engineers to start development of any specialised features on a stable, working platform.
The algorithm remains stable through startup, zero speed and stall recovery. Along with the basic information about angle and speed, this algorithmic solution is unique in providing a torque signal that can eliminate the need for separate mechanical torque sensors, further reducing cost and complexity of motor applications.
TI offers InstaSpin-FOC as a ROM-based library in its 90 MHz 32-bit Piccolo F2806xF MCUs which, along with on-chip ROM, include 256 KB Flash, 96 KB RAM, multiple timers, peripherals, 16-channel 12-bit 3 MSps ADC and serial interfaces.
Further reading:
High-precision current transducer
Power Electronics / Power Management
Danisense announces its new high-precision DP12IP current transducer designed for isolated DC and AC current measurement in demanding PCB-mounted power electronics applications.
Read more...
Secure holder for protected 18650 batteries
Power Electronics / Power Management
Designed for protected 18650 batteries up to 70 mm long, the holder offers secure retention for portable, industrial, and embedded applications.
Read more...
More room to scale
Altron Arrow
Power Electronics / Power Management
With the latest STM32H5 lines from STMicroelectronics, you can now scale within the same platform, from a compact 1 Mbyte device to higher-memory MCUs for graphics-rich and feature-heavy designs.
Read more...
Surface mount power amplifier for high-power applications
RF Design
Power Electronics / Power Management
The GNA-63-5W+, from Mini-Circuits, is a GaN MMIC Power Amplifier (PA) designed for demanding RF applications requiring high efficiency, excellent linearity, and a compact footprint.
Read more...
1200 V QSiC modules
Power Electronics / Power Management
SemiQ Inc has launched the QSiC Dual3, a family of 1200 V half-bridge MOSFET modules for motor drives in data centre cooling systems, grid converters in energy storage systems, and industrial drivers.
Read more...
MCOTS transient filter for military applications
RFiber Solutions
Power Electronics / Power Management
SynQor has announced the new MCOTS-F-28-T-HE transient half-brick filter, the latest addition to its MCOTS product family.
Read more...
Expanded range of high-thermal-performance QSiC modules
Power Electronics / Power Management
SemiQ’s half-bridge series for data centre power converters and industrial motor drives features low RDSON SiC MOSFETs and parallel SBD diodes for best-in-class power density and conversion efficiency.
Read more...
Transporting lithium batteries and IoT devices
Power Electronics / Power Management
With billions of rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium cells and batteries powering most of the world’s consumer and industrial electronic devices, shipping them to customers through vast global logistics chains is often an overlooked topic.
Read more...
Setting a new benchmark for high-power DC load testing
Conical Technologies
Test & Measurement Power Electronics / Power Management
The new ITECH IT8900G/L high-speed, high-power DC electronic load offers a powerful combination of speed, scalability, precision and high-power density.
Read more...
Quality batteries are critical for IIoT
Uniross Batteries
Power Electronics / Power Management
Batteries intended for use in industrial operations must indeed offer complete reliability under extreme environmental conditions, resistance to vibration and harsh environments.
Read more...
printer friendly version