11-05-2021 | Power Integrations | Subs & Systems
Power Integrations has released its Motor-Expert software, an embedded 'C' code application, library and control GUI that allows designers utilising the company’s BridgeSwitch BLDC motor driver ICs to accurately control and tune single-phase motors.
BLDC motors often use three windings (phases), needing six high-voltage IGBTs or MOSFETs to operate. This software supports the cost-effective single-phase motor architecture, cutting the amount of high-voltage devices, system complexity, associated costs and inventory burden. It supports sensor and sensorless operation, giving developers extra system cost-reduction options and is transportable to many commonly embedded microcontrollers.
Cristian Ionescu-Catrina, senior marketing manager, said: “BLDC motors are experiencing exponential growth in home appliances and other markets due to new energy efficiency regulations. The BridgeSwitch Motor-Expert software reduces the cost and complexity of BLDC drives. The new software comes with ready-to-use application examples for constant-speed and constant-torque operation, all of which are IEC6730 Class A-ready. Power Integrations created Motor-Expert with the design engineer in mind – it can radically streamline the design process and reduce time to market.”
Motor tuning is performed through the software user interface, with new control loop coefficients being updated in real-time without having to recompile code. The interface also allows users to visualise system operation, displaying the status of data, including current, speed, status, current error, and speed error. A diagnostics field within the software interface offers insight into inverter and motor operation.
