Motor Platform Slices Power By 50%

The latest iMOTION sensor-less, sinusoidal motor control platform promises quieter operation and higher efficiencies for variable-speed pump applications up to 300W. Effectively controlling pump operation over a wide range of flow requirements, variable-speed pumps can reportedly cut energy consumption by as much as 50%. The design platform consists of the IRMCF371 mixed-signal controller, an intelligent power module, algorithms, software, and design tools. The chip integrates all necessary control and analog interface functions for sensor-less sinusoidal control of permanent magnet synchronous motors using dc link current measurements. An intelligent unit, the IRAMS06UP60B power module is optimized for appliance applications. It features a three-phase inverter with IC driver in a SIP1 package and includes a shutdown function, over-current protection, current feedback via dedicated internal shunt resistors, and temperature sensing. Price for the platform is $12.95 each/10,000. INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER, El Segundo, CA. (310) 252-7726.