8bit MCU brings vector control to appliances

The Zilog Z8 Encore! MC is billed as the first 8bit MCU to offer vector control capability.

The Zilog Z8 Encore! MC (FMC16100 Series) is billed as the first 8bit MCU to offer vector control capability, an innovation that significantly lowers the bill of materials (BOM) costs for appliance manufacturers, reduces both energy consumption and, in appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, water usage, factors that benefit both consumers and the environment as well as help extend the life cycle of the product itself.

Vector control was previously claimed to be the domain of digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal controllers (DSCs) and 16 or 32bit microcontrollers.

With the vector control capability developed by Zilog engineers using the award-winning Z8 Encore! FMC 16100 series, the myth that only high-end MCUs or DSPs can perform vector control algorithms has been dispelled.

Combining Zilog's fast CPU (up to 10MIPS), fast analogue to Digital convertor (ADC) and integrated op-amp, and optimised C Compiler, Zilog can provide the equivalent of DSP functionality in vector control, which Zilog estimates can save up to 50% on overall BOM costs compared with 'higher-end' MCU solutions.

In addition to the lower BOM cost to appliance manufacturers, end users also benefit from vector control.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a front-loading washing machine employing vector control consumes significantly less energy and water than a similar machine not using vector control.

Such benefits are likely to make the end product much more appealing to today's increasingly environmentally-sensitive, energy-conscious consumer, and therefore, more commercially competitive and attractive.

Over time, households using vector-control-enabled appliances can significantly reduce their annual energy costs.

According to the 1997 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, around 27% of all energy used in households is consumed by appliances and lighting, accounting for more than 45% of total energy costs.

However, current motor technologies used in large appliances, especially older models, are only 50 to 60% energy efficient compared with newer models.

Appliances using the vector controlled FMC 16100 can improve the energy efficiency of the motor to around 90 to 95% as it replaces conventional motors with brushless DC (BLDC) motors, enabling extremely accurate variable speed control.

The vector control required by today's more advanced appliances enables precise, highly-responsive speed control during changes in the load and optimises motor efficiency during transitional operations.

In front-loading washing machines, for example, where the motor typically runs at up to 18,000rev/min, the fast acceleration possible with vector control reduces power and saves time in the wash cycle.

In addition, precise speed control is required to deliver the necessary clothes agitation that is key to reducing water consumption.

The precise speed control, also a function of vector control, helps to further reduce the energy used during operation.

In addition, by improving overall system efficiency, the designer can minimise wear and tear, helping to extend the overall operation life of the product.

Commenting on the announcement of vector control for the 8bit MCU market, Zilog interim CEO Robin Abrams said: "In today's competitive landscape, commercial advantage is critical to a product's success and the company's bottom line".

"Vector control capability is a key feature that appliance engineers are focusing on, and represents a huge market opportunity for Zilog.

Vector control brings significant commercial benefits, both for manufacturers and end consumers, in terms of overall system cost, power usage and product lifespan".

"The business case for employing vector control right across the spectrum of devices using MCUs for digital power control is compelling".

"As one of the leading suppliers of motor control MCUs, we are extremely proud to have developed an industry 'first' solution which addresses the market demands for power efficient, cost conscious devices that can be readily employed rapidly and cheaply across the motor control market".

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