Texas Instruments (TI) has launched new microcontrollers (MCUs) designed to increase computing power in single motor home appliances from washing machines and dishwashers to vacuum cleaners and power tools.
Called the F28E120SC and F28E120SB, the MCUs are 30% faster than previous MCUs for these appliances. The microcontrollers use TI’s InstaSPIN field-oriented control (FOC) software and algorithms for smoother, quieter and more efficient motor performance, the company said.
Other capabilities include:
- High speed sensorless FOC
- High-torque zero-speed startup
- Vibration compensation
TI said the MCUs eliminate the additional components by integrating digital signal processor core and analog peripherals including a high-speed analog-to-digital converter and programmable gain amplifier.
“Since their introduction in the 1990s, TI C2000 MCUs have allowed designers to control both simple and complex motors with low latency and high reliability,” said Vivek Singhal, VP and GM of application-specific microcontrollers at TI. “Adding fully featured, ultra-low-cost MCUs to the C2000 portfolio enables new markets to access the industry-leading real-time performance that TI is known for. Using this technology, appliance and power-tool manufacturers can deliver seamless, quiet motor operation, previously considered a luxury, at an affordable price point.”
