Integrated Circuit provides complete motion control system.
Share:
Press Release Summary:
Utilizing mixed signal system-on-a-chip architecture, Model M3000 handles time-critical motion and motor tasks to control and position multi-phase step motors. Device combines major motion and motor control building blocks while simultaneously working as high-speed, general-purpose microcontroller, incorporating communication, analog, and system functions. Operating temperature of -40 to +85°C makes M3000 suited for commercial and industrial applications.
Original Press Release:
M3000 Provides a Complete System for Motion Control
New M3000 chip level solution combines motion and motor control, CPU, communications, analog and system functions
MARLBOROUGH, CT - December 4, 2007 - The M3000 motion control IC, from System Semiconductor Inc., provides a complete system for motion control, handling time-critical motion and motor tasks in silicon to control and position multi-phase step motors. The solution utilizes a highly integrated, mixed signal system-on-a-chip architecture combining major motion and motor control building blocks while simultaneously working as a high-speed, general purpose microcontroller, incorporating extensive communication, analog and system functions for general machine control.
"What we did in the M3000 was create a chip you can utilize for general machine control while simultaneously performing time critical motion and motor control operations," says Dave Coutu, president of System Semiconductor Inc. (www.systemsemi.com), a spin-off of Intelligent Motion Systems. "We integrated a custom block of hardware that does two things. It controls the motor itself - current, resonance and power stage - and handles all of the positioning functions such as acceleration, deceleration, velocity, positioning and encoder feedback." This allows the user to create an entire system by using the M3000 chip.
"It becomes a system rather than just a motion controller," says Coutu. "What sets us apart is this unique approach where in other cases you would need to buy multiple ICs to accomplish all these functions. Our approach is to "outsource" all of the motor and motion functions, and then allow the chip to perform machine control tasks simultaneously without actually having to include a second microcontroller."
Incorporation of the M3000's extensive communication and general analog functions provides the user the capability to control a large variety of systems without additional circuits. By integrating all major system's functions into one system-on-a-chip, performance and reliability are greatly enhanced while cost and time-to-market are reduced. A large operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C makes the M3000 ideal for commercial and industrial applications.
Coutu says that integration of the M3000's patented phase current control circuits enables motor performance to reach new limits of increased speed and smoothness while lowering audible noise and vibration. And with advanced acceleration, velocity and position control circuits virtually eliminating corresponding time critical tasks, the CPU is freed to perform other system control functions allowing system throughput rivaling high-end DSPs costing much more. The M3000 is offered in various packages, with either internal or external flash memory.
