MCUs Simplify Design Of Motor Controls

The PIC18FXX39 family is designed to meet the demand for integrating hardware and software intelligence into simple-to-implement motor controllers. It melds on-chip: a single-phase (open loop) motor control kernel that uses standard application programming interfaces (APIs); pulse-width modulation (PWM) to provide speed control for single-phase induction motors; and flash memory that, together with In-Circuit Serial Programming technology, allows on-board programming of the controllers. The flash MCUs also employ Programmable Motor Process Technology (ProMPT), which provides modulated output over a 0 to 127 Hz range and has a pre-defined variable frequency curve programmable to suit the application. By using the defined APIs, as well as ProMPT, powerful motor controllers reportedly can be realized with little or no previous experience in dealing with motor control techniques. In addition to the motor control kernel, self-programmable flash and two 10-bit PWMs, the new µCs also pack 256 bytes of EEPROM, three 16-bit timers, and an a/d converter. Performance-wise, the MCUs can deliver up to 10 MIPS at 40 MHz. The PIC18FXX39 family is also available in 28-pin SOIC and SDIP, 40-pin PDIP, and 44-lead TQFP and QFN packages and is priced from $4.28 to $5.15 each in volume quantities. For more details, contact MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC., Chandler, AZ. (480) 792-7668.