8-Bit Flash MCUs Provide Low-Cost Motor Control

Designed for cost sensitive motor control applications, the 40-pin PIC18F4331/4431 and 28-pin PIC18F2331/2431 8-bit flash microcontrollers (MCUs) are said to provide advanced motor control peripherals that deliver high efficiency, quiet operation, and extended motor life. They are also designed to work with three motion and power control modules. The power control module has a three-phase PWM structure, while the motion feedback module includes a quadrature encoder interface. The third module includes an a/d converter that operates at a 200-ksample/s pace and can be synchronized with the PWM. Other features of the PIC18Fxx31 devices include up to eight PWM channels with a 14-bit resolution, center alignment, programmable dead-time, two external fault-protection inputs, two capture/compare/PWM modules, and an internal RC oscillator with eight selectable frequencies ranging from 8 MHz to 31.25 kHz. MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC., Chandler, AZ. (888) 628-6247.