A fully integrated, HiRel hybrid motor control module from International Rectifier provides digital, sensor-free vector control for permanent magnet motors over a wide speed range (20:1). Based on the iMOTION™ platform and its simplified approach to code development, the new module combines digital control, analog interface and power stage into a single package for aircraft and military vehicles applications, both on the ground and in the air.
“This product is a first for us because it combines our chip sets and building blocks such as MOSFETS, drivers and dedicated control hardware into one motion control module,” says Robert Gendron, executive director for International Rectifier's HiRel Business Unit. “It's a feat for us to have all of this technology in a very small, all-inclusive package.”
Gendron says the product is unique because all of the silicon in the module is IR's intellectual property, including the power components and the engine smarts. He says the packaging leverages the HiRel's group specialization in hybrid products and the motion module offers an all-in-one package to replace chipset boards and hybrid products that utilize DSP boards.
The IRMCT3UF1 module offers a complete motor drive. The iMotion controller includes IR's proprietary vector control algorithm ASIC and sensorless control. The analog interface provides over-current and under-voltage protection, plus serial (RS-232 or RS-422) or parallel communications. An integrated gate drive offers shoot-through protection and the power stage utilizes a three-phase MOSFET bridge using HEXFET technology and offers 500 Va maximum output. Everything is combined into a high-density plastic ring frame package, and screened to various test methods of MIL-STD-883 for operation in severe environmental conditions. Less than half the size of a discrete solution, the module combines digital controller, memory, external interface, gate drivers and six power MOSFETs into an 8 sq inch, 2.5-oz package.
No software is required because a Motion Control Engine (MCE) is embedded in the ASIC device, and can be configured using the company's ServoDesigner software package. This software provides tools for changing drive parameters using memory-mapped registers, and new configurations are reduced to simple menu selections.
The controller supports most BLDC or PMAC motors, and the motion engine tolerates wide variations in motor parameters. Sinusoidal commutation and Field Oriented Control (FOC) combined with low loss PWM minimizes torque ripple.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 New International Rectifier HiRel digital sensorless motor drive module. |
|
|
Tweet This
1 
