DC motor controller is precise about velocity

A Performance Motion Devices product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team May 6, 2005

New from Performance Motion Devices, the MC73110 motor control IC features a precision velocity loop for brushless DC motors.

New from Performance Motion Devices (PMD), the MC73110 motor control IC features a precision velocity loop for brushless DC motors.

This compact and intelligent single-axis IC operates in internal velocity profile mode, velocity mode with an external velocity command signal, or torque mode with an external torque command signal.

The MC73110 is ideal for use in applications such as semiconductor automation, medical automation and applications with high-performance low-cost brushless motor amplifiers.

The MC73110 uses velocity feedback from either an encoder or via a direct-input analogue tachometer signal.

A velocity scalar term, along with a sophisticated averaging velocity estimator, enables precision velocity control of motor speed and acceleration across a wide range of profiles.

The MC73110 can also be combined with a velocity integrator loop when position loop control characteristics are required.

Using an on-chip A/D convertor, the MC73110 digitises analogue current feedback and provides multiple current sensing methods to maximise motor performance.

Only a MOSFET or IGBT triple half-bridge is needed to implement a full-featured controller.

In addition to velocity loop, the MC73110 performs all other functions including PID current loop compensation, trajectory generation, commutation, encoder input and Hall sensor input.

Other features include: six-step and sinusoidal commutation, analogue or digital command input, profile generation and six-signal symmetric PWM (pulsewidth modulated) waveform generation.

It can be operated as a stand-alone intelligent motion IC or via serial commands as a programmable axis controller.

Chuck Lewin, CEO and President of PMD comments: "Accurately controlling the velocity of a brushless motor is one of the most important applications in motion today".

"Doing this at a low cost, and in a convenient 64-pin package, has made the MC73110 one of our hottest new products".

The MC73110 is packaged in a compact 64-pin TQFP (thin quad flatpack) and operates from 3.3V.

Prices start at $18.00 in OEM quantities.