Sensorless Controller minimizes electrical losses.
Press Release Summary:
Model TG2601 vControl improves open-loop, ironless core, brushless motor system efficiency at all speeds and torque levels via sinusoidal current waveform output that is in phase with sinusoidal back EMF waveform during each commutation cycle. Product minimizes high current ripple and additional losses by operating at PWM frequency of 120 kHz and commutates motor without need for position sensors. Product also utilizes Diagnostic/Mode indicators and thermistors.
Original Press Release:
ThinGap Motor Technologies Announces: Sensorless High Frequency Velocity Controller for Ironless Core Brushless Motors
Improves System Efficiency and Minimizes Electrical Losses in Open Loop Ironless Core Brushless Motor Applications
VENTURA, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20, 2003 - ThinGap Motor Technologies today has announced the new TG2601 vControl for significantly improving ironless core brushless motor system efficiency at all speeds and torque levels. The vControl minimizes high current ripple and additional losses by operating at a PWM frequency of 120 kHz, which is significantly higher than most PWM drives.
"With the sensorless vControl, we have minimized losses attributed to low frequency controls used in open loop ironless core brushless motor applications," said Greg Graham, Chief Technology Officer, ThinGap Motor Technologies. "Our customers can minimize the cost and weight of motors and controls, while utilizing the higher system efficiency of 92% or better over a very broad speed and torque range."
Efficiency improvements are achieved at all speeds and torque levels because the vControl's sinusoidal current waveform output is in phase with the sinusoidal back EMF waveform during each commutation cycle. This provides maximum power to the shaft while minimizing losses. In fact, the vControl will improve the efficiency of any controller/BLDC motor system, because switching losses are significantly lower than in other controllers.
The vControl commutates the motor without the need for position sensors, eliminating leads and components. The motor is accelerated open loop until the back EMF is high enough (approx. 500 RPM) to provide commutation data. Then the motor operates as a commutated brushless motor in a velocity mode with an inner current loop.
The vControl features Diagnostic / Mode indicators, which make troubleshooting and monitoring much easier and faster. Thermistors are utilized to provide thermal protection for the controller and the motor. The 8.3-oz vControl is a lightweight solution. An unpackaged ultra-lightweight 5.5-oz board is available for OEMs. The three-phase vControl was designed to maximize system efficiency with ironless core brushless motors.
For more information, contact ThinGap Motor Technologies, 2140 EastmanAvenue, Suite 112, Ventura, California 93003, Phone: (805) 477-9741, Fax: (805) 477-7535, www.ThinGap.com.
About ThinGap
ThinGap Motor Technologies makes a revolutionary line of brush and brushless DC motors without wire windings. These motors are utilized for industrial applications including robots, wafer handling, medical instrumentation and devices, power and machine tools, air bearing spindles, factory automation, material handling, packaging equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles and fuel cells. Motors are manufactured in ThinGap's Ventura, California facilities.
ThinGap® is a Registered Trademark of G&G Technology, Inc, a California Corporation.
