Digital ICs/DSP: Intelligent DC Motor-Control Chip Operates In Multiple Modes

April 12, 2004

Intelligent single-axis control for brushless dc motors is the driving force behind the MC3110 motor controller. The device operates in three modes: internal velocity profile mode, velocity mode with an external command signal, and torque mode with an external command signal. It provides software-programmable velocity and current loops, six-step and sinusoidal commutation, analog or digital command inputs, profile generation, and six-signal symmetric pulse-width-modulation waveform generation. It also can operate standalone using pre-programmed flash-stored parameters or a serial port interface with commands sent from a host. To implement a complete system, only three half-bridge switchers need to be tied to the chip. Housed in a 64-lead PQFP, the controller operates from a 3.3-V supply. Cost is $18 in OEM quantities.

Performance Motion Devices Inc.www.pmdcorp.com (781) 674-9860

About the Author

Dave Bursky

Technologist

Dave Bursky, the founder of New Ideas in Communications, a publication website featuring the blog column Chipnastics – the Art and Science of Chip Design. He is also president of PRN Engineering, a technical writing and market consulting company. Prior to these organizations, he spent about a dozen years as a contributing editor to Chip Design magazine. Concurrent with Chip Design, he was also the technical editorial manager at Maxim Integrated Products, and prior to Maxim, Dave spent over 35 years working as an engineer for the U.S. Army Electronics Command and an editor with Electronic Design Magazine.