Microchip Launches New dsPIC® DSC-Based Integrated Motor Drivers that Bring Controllers, Gate Drivers and Communications to a Single Device
- None.
- None.
Microchip Technology's launch of a new family of dsPIC Digital Signal Controller (DSC)-based integrated motor drivers represents a significant advancement in the embedded motor control systems market, particularly for space-constrained applications. This move aligns with the growing demand for compact and efficient motor control solutions across various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics and industrial machinery.
From a market perspective, the integration of multiple device functions into a single chip can be seen as a strategic effort to capture more market share by offering a product that promises to reduce system-level costs and board space. This could potentially lead to an increase in competitive advantage for Microchip Technology, especially if the cost savings are passed on to customers, leading to increased sales volumes.
The announcement also indicates an ongoing trend towards system integration and miniaturization in electronics design. Companies that can provide comprehensive solutions, such as the development boards and software support tools accompanying these integrated motor drivers, are well-positioned to meet the needs of developers looking to streamline the design process and speed up time to market.
The introduction of Microchip Technology's integrated motor drivers with a reduced component count and smaller PCB dimensions could have a favorable impact on the company's financials. Reducing complexity and the number of components in a system design can lead to lower manufacturing costs, which could improve gross margins over time if production scales efficiently.
Investors should monitor the adoption rate of these new integrated motor drivers, as a successful market penetration could lead to an increase in revenue for Microchip Technology. However, it's important to consider the R&D and marketing expenses associated with launching such innovative products and the time it might take for these expenses to translate into tangible financial gains.
Additionally, the stock market often reacts positively to technological innovations that have the potential to disrupt existing markets or create new ones. If Microchip Technology's new product line gains traction, it could positively influence the company's stock price and market valuation.
The technical benefits of Microchip Technology's dsPIC DSC-based integrated motor drivers are clear: the reduction in component count and PCB size could lead to more efficient designs and potentially improve the reliability of motor control systems by minimizing points of failure. The high CPU performance operating between 70—100 MHz is suitable for executing sophisticated motor control algorithms like field-oriented control (FOC), which is essential for achieving high efficiency and precision in motor operations.
Furthermore, the ability to power these devices with a single power supply and the inclusion of an internal 3.3V LDO voltage regulator simplifies power management within the system. This design choice not only reduces the need for additional components but also eases the design and implementation process for engineers.
The technical implications of these integrated motor drivers could lead to broader adoption in industries where space and power efficiency are critical. This could eventually result in a higher demand for Microchip's products among OEMs and system integrators, potentially increasing the company's market share in the embedded motor control segment.
A corresponding ecosystem of support tools will help simplify motor control system development and accelerate time to market
CHANDLER, Ariz., Feb. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To implement efficient, real-time embedded motor control systems in space-constrained applications, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has launched a new 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 optional LIN or CAN FD transceiver into one package. A significant benefit of this integration is reduction in component count of the motor control system design, 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.
“Automotive, consumer and industrial designs are evolving and require higher performance and reduced footprints. These expectations often come at a higher expense and increase in dimensional size,” said Joe Thomsen, vice president of Microchip’s digital signal controllers business unit. “By integrating multiple device functions into one chip, the dsPIC DSC-based integrated motor drivers can reduce system-level costs and board space.”
The integrated motor driver devices can be powered by a single power supply up to 29V (operation) and 40V (transient). An internal 3.3V low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator powers the dsPIC DSC, which eliminates the need for an external LDO to power the device. Operating between 70—100 MHz, the dsPIC DSC-based 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 webpage.
Development Tools
An extensive ecosystem of motor control software and hardware development tools help make the design process faster and easier, reducing the customer’s time to market.
The dsPIC33CK Motor Control Starter Kit (MCSK) and the 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 fast prototyping of motor control applications that operate between 12 and 48 VDC with up to 10 Amps of continuous current. The MCLV-48V-300W development board enables fast prototyping of three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motors that are rated between 12 and 48 VDC and capable of delivering up to 25A RMS continuous 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 particular dsPIC DSC or MCU.
The motorBench Development Suite is a free GUI-based software development tool for FOC that accurately measures critical motor parameters, automatically tunes feedback control gains and generates source code by utilizing the motor control application framework (MCAF). The latest version, v2.45, includes a powerful new feature called zero-speed/maximum torque (ZS/MT), which enables designers to eliminate Hall or magnetic sensors while maximizing the torque output from the motor, from start-up and at 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 supporting 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 includes an automotive cooling fan, low-voltage ceiling fan and a drone propeller controller. These reference designs shorten the time to market by providing a production-ready solution for various motor control applications. Typically, the board design files include schematics and a BOM, a board user’s guide and motor control source code that are available for download.
Pricing and Availability
For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.
Resources
High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):
- Application image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/53077288882/sizes/o/
- Block diagram: https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/53078367608/sizes/l/
About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve approximately 125,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, MPLAB and dsPIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. motorBench is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
| Editorial Contact: | Reader Inquiries: |
| Amber Liptai | 1-888-624-7435 |
| 480-792-5047 | |
| amber.liptai@microchip.com |
FAQ
What new product has Microchip Technology launched?
What are the key features of the integrated motor drivers?
How do the integrated motor drivers benefit motor control system design?
What support tools are available for the integrated motor drivers?
What voltage range can the integrated motor drivers operate within?
