Industry's first DSP controller with flash memory and CAN interface to hit the market
ITH new integrated digital signal processors (DSPs) from Texas Instruments, designers of closed-loop motor control applications can gain flexibility, reduced system costs, increased performance ratios and an affordable, easy-to-use alternative to traditional microcontrollers (MCUs).
Four new devices, complementing the TMS320F240/C240 series, are designed for digital control systems (DCS) that include power conversion and motion control systems such as AC induction motors and DC brushless motors. Other applications include robotics, transmission/hydraulic systems, power supply inverters, uninterrup-tible power supplies (UPS), computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines and automotive systems.
Devices can connectmultiple motors
The TMS320F241 and TMS320F243 are the only DSP controllers that offer industrial motor designers control area networking (CAN) and 8K of reprogrammable flash memory. The TMS320C241 offers CAN and 8K of read-only memory (ROM). The TMS320F243 also provides an external memory interface.
Complex machines that use multiple electric motors of various sizes can be interconnected using the CAN bus to link the DSP controllers within each motor for smoother, more accurate motor driver control.
The TMS320C242 offers 4K of ROM, a serial communication interface (SCI), 10-bit A/D converters and pulse width modulations (PWMs) for controlling a power inverter. The selection of peripherals and software gives motor control system designers a way to optimize the power factor and minimize motor drive harmonics and noise with plenty of performance bandwidth to spare. The 'C242 is well-suited for use in consumer goods such as home appliances and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
The 'F241 and 'F243 DSP controllers are scheduled to begin sampling in 2Q98 and the 'C241 and 'C242 in 3Q98. Pin-to-pin-compatible 68-pin PLCC and 64-pin PQFP packages are planned for the 'F241, 'C241 and 'C242, and a 144-pin TQFP package is planned for the 'F243. Volume pricing for orders of 100K units is expected to be approximately U.S. $7 for the 'C241, less than U.S. $5 for the 'C242 and from U.S. $10 to $12 for the 'F241 and 'F243.
