Programmable motor controllers combine MCU and gate driver

Infineon Technologies AG has launched two fully programmable motor controllers – the MOTIX IMD700A and IMD701A – for brushless DC (BLDC) motors, targeting battery-operated motor products such as cordless power tools, gardening products, drone, e-bikes, and automated guided vehicles. The MOTIX IMD70xA controllers combine the the MOTIX 6EDL7141 3-phase gate driver IC features with an additional XMC1404 microcontroller (MCU), optimized for motor control and drives in a 9 × 9 mm2, 64-pin VQFN package.

(Source: Infineon Technologies)

The XMC1404 MCU includes a MATH coprocessor clocked at 96 MHz to enhance calculations commonly used in sensorless field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms for higher system performance. The MCU also inherits most of the high-end peripherals found in the XMC4000 family, said Infineon, including PWM timers, position interface (POSIF), and serial communication modules (including CAN).

The IMD70xA controllers support adjustable gate drive supply voltage even at low battery voltage levels thanks to built-in high- and low-side charge pumps, as well as other adjustable gate driver parameters. They also feature controllability of the gate drive slew rate to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI). Both controllers offer motor-drive-specific system protection features, including OCP, UVLO, over-temperature, and locked rotor detection.

The new devices offer integrated precision power supply and current-sense amplifiers, which further reduces the need for peripheral circuitry, delivering lower bill-of-materials and assembly costs, while saving board space and improving system packaging in space-constrained applications. The operating temperature range is – 40°C to 125°C.

IMD70xA simplified block diagram. Click for a larger image. (Source: Infineon Technologies)

In addition, thanks to the 6EDL7141 gate driver, said Infineon, the devices also can set highly-configurable functions from a GUI tool, which interfaces with a PC through an SPI interface connected via a USB port.

The MOTIX IMD700A and IMD701A 3-phase motor controller ICs can be ordered now. Infineon is showcasing it products at the Embedded Show, June 21-23, in Hall 4a, both #138.