September 1996, vol.13, no. 6 ASIC news DSP news Networking news Memory news Mixed-Signal news TI news

View your personal Web page, or receive a weekly e-mail newsletter for what's new. Access TI's on-line technical documentation. Register today at TI&ME, and start making the most of your TI&ME.

Energy-efficient, less expensive appliances and factory automation systems on the horizon Maintenance-prone belts, gears and clutches could soon be eliminated from washing machines, heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) systems and industrial control systems, thanks to a powerful new digital signal processing from TI. The new electronic microprocessor combines an extensive set of motor control features with enough processing power to execute complex control equations needed for adaptive and variable speed control of brushless motors. Because these computer chips allow designers to reduce mechanical coupling elements and generate optimized output waveforms to drive the motor, appliances and factory automation equipment can be made smaller, cheaper, quieter and more energy efficient. For example, a horizontal clothes washer using a 'C240 in the motor drive can help facilitate up to 40 percent energy savings. By allowing the use of smaller AC motors, and reducing or eliminating mechanical-linkage and counterweight components, the 'C240 helps enable the production of lighter and quieter washing machines. DSP-based electronic control allows controlled deceleration and acceleration during motor reversals and speed changes, plus about two-thirds less motor torque than fixed-speed DC motors. A 'C240 system can also ramp up more smoothly to fast spin cycles, reducing instances of imbalanced distribution of clothing. In a modern, automated soft drink bottling facility, for example, syrup piped to a bottling unit must be held under constant pressure. DSP control of a variable speed pump motor allows very fine control over this kind of process, with far greater precision and consistency than through mechanical means.

Integration Home

 TI Home     Search     Feedback      Semiconductor Home