Highly integrated device saves space and system costs in pump, fan and automotive body control applications
Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH ("Toshiba") has launched a motor control controller IC that implements a gate driver and CPU core along with a comprehensive set of functions and capabilities to control three-phase brushless DC (BLDC) motors and permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) more efficiently. Focused on performance, flexibility and ease of integration, the TB9M003FG is the first device in Toshiba's Smart Motor Control Driver (SmartMCD™) family. Typical applications include electric pumps, fans, chassis control and automotive thermal management systems.
The SmartMCD TB9M003FG uses Toshiba's advanced mixed-signal processing technology, combining an Arm® Cortex®-M0 CPU with a vector motor coprocessor and pre-drivers to drive external B6 N-channel MOSFETs. Housed in an enhanced 48 mm × 9,0 mm HTQFP9,0 thermal package, this level of device integration enables smaller, simpler and more economical 30 – 1000 W BLDC motor systems. The device connects directly to the battery and local interconnection network (LIN) bus, which incorporates a wake-up call for energy-efficient operation and communication.
The implemented vector motor coprocessor enables precise field-oriented control, essential for effective motor control, especially in applications requiring precise positioning, torque or speed control. Speeds up necessary math operations and reduces CPU load. High-speed PWM frequency and advanced control algorithms contribute to smooth and quiet operation, reducing vibrations and noise. Features such as 1-lead sensorless measurement, reduced component count, and reduced program code length help reduce overall system costs.
The operating temperature range (Ta) of the AEC-Q100 (Grade 0) approved device is from – 40°C to +150°C, ensuring reliability in harsh automotive environments. The SmartMCD incorporates protection circuits against current limiter, overcurrent, VBAT overvoltage and overtemperature, as well as fault detection for undervoltage, open/short circuit fault of the external power MOSFET and overheating. This eliminates the need for multiple external circuits, further reducing system cost and saving space and design effort.
The SmartMCD Motor Studio PC tool enables easy parameter configuration, drive control, real-time logging and diagnostics via a high-speed UART. Together with MIKROE's TB9M003FG SmartMCD board, it enables quick and easy system evaluation and development and prototyping of BLDC motor applications. Flexible licensing options for device development tools and software libraries make it easy for developers to access and implement the full capabilities of the motor control system.
Series production of the SmartMCD TB9M003FG begins today. You will find more information on the Toshiba website: https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/eu/semiconductor/product/automotive-devices/automotive-brushless-motor-driver-ics.html
