To provide an easy bridge between a motor and a DSP, Apex Microtechnology's motion-control modules contain three independent IGBT or MOSFET half-bridges with drivers in a single package. These Easy Bridge devices generate three-phase control for brushless dc, stepper, or ac motors. The first three modules in this family can accept CMOS or H-CMOS level logic and drive most motor types.
Compatible with PWM frequencies up to 50 kHz, they offer a continuous output current of up to 20 A per phase, with 40-A peak pulses. They deliver a maximum of 10 kW per phase to the load. For driving a dc signal with a grounded load, the units furnish a floating supply that allows unlimited on-time for high-side IGBTs or MOSFETs. Other features include a sleep mode for reduced power consumption and a common shutdown input for safety.
The EB01/02/03 come in a 24-pin flat-pack plastic package with an under-mount heat tab. The EB01 dissipates up to 179 W, whereas the EB02 and EB03 are rated for 51 W and 40 W, respectively. The EB01's motor supply ranges from 50 to 500 V. The EB02 and EB03 offer 10- to 100-V and 10- to 200-V voltage outputs, respectively. In lots of 100, the EB01 costs $244, and the EB02/03 cost $234.
Apex is developing brushless controllers that accept both analog and digital/Hall-sense signal inputs. Unlike the Easy Bridge family, which re-quires software design to generate the PWM signals for the motors, these will simplify software writing. They're specifically designed for brushless motors. Apex's smart brushless controllers will provide easy conversion from brush to brushless types.
Apex Microtechnology Corp., 5980 N. Shannon Rd., Tucson, AZ 85741; (520) 690-8600; www.apexmicrotech.com.
