Latest Micronas controller with NewTec's production-ready firmware enables cost-efficient realization of compact high-performance motor control
About Symmetry Electronics Team
Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics is a focused global distributor of wireless connectivity solutions, sensors, and audio-video technologies. Offering comprehensive design support and available-to-ship inventory, Symmetry is committed to helping engineers accelerate time to market, reduce costs, and offer modern solutions for their IoT designs. Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company, TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is part of the Exponential Technology Group (XTG) – a supergroup of electronic component distributors and engineering services firms working together to advance the electronics industry. For more information, visit www.symmetryelectronics.com.
TDK Corporation has announced that TDK-Micronas, recognized vendor of fully integrated Embedded Motor Control devices, and NewTec GmbH, specialized in safety-related electronic systems start co-marketing the new motor controller HVC 4223F flex servo-drive. The HVC 4223F permits the direct control of brush-type, stepper, or brushless motors without the need for external driver components. NewTec contributed by developing a production-ready and highly flexible, parameterizable firmware with sophisticated communication, monitoring and power management functions (ASIL A ready) as well as a configuration tool.
The new HVC 4223F is part of the Micronas high-voltage controller family (HVC) for smart actuators. The HVC family combines an ARM® standard microcontroller core with a wide range of additional functions in order to enable particularly compact and cost-efficient system designs for use in automotive applications and beyond. Powered by a 32-bit CPU core (ARM® Cortex®-M3) with 32 kB flash memory, the HVC 4223F contains, amongst others, timers/counters, interrupt controllers, multichannel ADC, SPI, and enhanced PWMs with diagnosis functions, relevant for utilization in ISO26262 applications. An advanced LIN UART with a LIN 2.x transceiver as well as voltage regulators to connect the device directly to the automotive board net (5.4 V – 18 V) do round up the all-in-one approach. Several power management modes help in reducing the current consumption. Various integrated digital and analog circuit units, such as comparators with virtual star point reference, current scaling and an embedded programmable gain amplifier allow users to minimize the number of external components.
Due to its high processing power, the HVC 4223F allows complex motor control algorithms such as Space Vector Modulation (SVM) for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), six-step commutation with sensor feedback or sensorless control, as well as various stepper configurations.
“Our approach to software development provides users with the highest flexibility possible in terms of code development, ramp-up, and in-system firmware updates,” says Thomas Mack, senior safety consultant and product manager at NewTec. “At the same time, we are particularly proud of not having been forced to compromise on safety. Our software complies with the requirements of the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) A classification. Hence, we are able to offer flexibility, cost cutting and future-proofing all in one stroke.”
“This strategic partnership in the field of embedded motor control enables us to take full advantage of HVC 4223F’s performance and flexibility in smart actuating applications. Our customers can now develop application software, based on the production-ready firmware, that is both more efficient and effective and thus optimally design the combination of motor and control by gaining significant reduction in their time to market. It is also possible now to flexibly use the software for different types of applications and motors. As one of the target requirements was the firmware support of the HVC 4223F ISO26262-related features, our customers in addition can take advantage of this winning combination and develop their ASIL-compliant application on a ready-to-go basis. For TDK-Micronas, this opens up new business in application fields where developers have so far refrained from substituting classical brush-type DC motors with BLCD motors. Supported by the HVC family concept, the amount of applications for HVF 4223F will therefore be extended considerably,” explains Ruediger Laschewski, Product Manager of embedded motor controllers at TDK-Micronas.
About Symmetry Electronics Team
Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics is a focused global distributor of wireless connectivity solutions, sensors, and audio-video technologies. Offering comprehensive design support and available-to-ship inventory, Symmetry is committed to helping engineers accelerate time to market, reduce costs, and offer modern solutions for their IoT designs. Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company, TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is part of the Exponential Technology Group (XTG) – a supergroup of electronic component distributors and engineering services firms working together to advance the electronics industry. For more information, visit www.symmetryelectronics.com.