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

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TI DSP controller for digital motor control enables higher performance, lower system cost New DSP solution brings cost-effective, variable-speed brushless motor control to high-volume applications A new digital signal processor (DSP) from TI is the first designed specifically to improve system performance, lower system cost and reduce component count in digital motor and motion control (DMC) systems. TMS320C240 advantages T320C2xLP 16-bit, fixed-point DSP core 20 MIPS DSP core Event manager Supports up to 12 pulse-width modulation (PWM) outputs with PWM and I/O features that include three timers, nine comparators, dead-band generation logic, and a state-space vector PWM generator. Four capture inputs, two of which can serve as direct inputs for optical-encoder quadrature pulses. Dual on-chip, 10-bit analog-to-digital converters provide precise conversion of information such as current or voltage feedback. Two serial interfaces Two 10-bit A/D converters 28 bits of digital I/O Watchdog timer 16K words of flash memory ('F240 version) The device's DSP core enables the use of modern control algorithms to support a motor-industry trend toward improved control of economical brushless motors in a broad range of products. Migration path through compatibility The TMS320C240 is code compatible with DSPs in TI's TMS320C1x, TMS320C2x, TMS230C2xx and TMS320C5x device families. The device leverages TMS320 fixed-point DSP software development tools and JTAG emulation support to allow developers to easily migrate motor-control applications from microcontrollers to the new DSP. The TMS320C240 is the first in a series of products that will provide optimized motor-control configurations for various end-equipment markets including: Automotive control (electronic power steering, anti-lock brakes) Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) blowers, compressors and heat pumps Factory automation systems (motor drives and power inverters) Major appliances (direct-drive horizontal-axis clothes washers, refrigerator compressors) Office products (printers, copiers, tape drives). DSP solution optimized for digital motor control As the first DSP optimized for digital motor control, the 'C240 supports motor commutation, command generation, control algorithm processing, data communications and system monitoring functions. The combination of a DSP core, the motor-control optimized event manager and dual on-chip A/D converters all working together provides a single-chip digital control solution for motor drive designs. Event manager, DSP core change system design approach DSP-based electronic motor drive systems enable variable-speed direct drive of inexpensive brushless motors, eliminating or reducing the need for belts, gears, sensors, hydraulics, pulleys and counterweights. The processing power of the 'C240 enables more robust system performance through the use of modern intelligent and adaptive control algorithms, which allow the motor to run at precisely the necessary speeds, adapting to loading, temperature and other parameters. This improves the motor's energy efficiency and reliability, reduces noise by improving torque ripple and lowers system cost by reducing parts count and maintenance costs. Samples scheduled in 1997 The TMS320C240 will be priced at less than $10 in high-volume production (100,000 units). Prices for future, reduced-function 'C24x series configurations at high volume are expected to be as low as $5. An identical configuration with on-chip flash memory instead of ROM, the TMS320F240, will be the first device available to allow easy system prototyping. Flash versions ('F240) will be priced slightly higher than ROM versions ('C240), and are scheduled to sample in the first quarter of 1997, with ramp-to-volume production scheduled for late 1997. The 'C240 is scheduled to ship in volume production in the first quarter of 1998.

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