Toshiba Introduces Single-Chip, Low Pin-Count MCUs for Control of Multiple Motors

Toshiba Electronics Europe has developed a new range of microcontrollers that allow a single-chip, with a low pin-count (32 to 64 pins), to control multiple motors. The MK4 group is the second offering in Toshiba’s TXZ™ family of high-speed, low power consumption microcontrollers that incorporate the ARM® Cortex®-M core.

The new MCUs meet the need to reduce energy and save space in motor control applications ranging from home appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators to power tools, ventilation fans, electric bicycles and industrial motion control.

Until now, driving two motors typically required an MCU[1] in a 100-pin type package. Toshiba’s 64-pin TXZ family products, however, can control two motors thanks to the ability to detect motor position via an integrated, high-speed AD converter with a 0.5μs conversion speed.

The new devices are based on the ARM® Cortex®-M4F operating at up to 80MHz and incorporating a floating point processing unit. As well as the high-precision ADC, the devices feature high-speed Flash memory with 80MHz operation, a co-processor for Toshiba’s original vector engine, and 3-channel op-amps with selectable gain. Together, they ensure the new products realize efficient motor control while improving the power factor and system control.

Devices in the TXZ family support the RAMScope interface, which can confirm parameters in real time without stopping motors by loading parameters relevant to motor control to RAM. A self-diagnostic function that confirms the reference voltage of the ADC, and a CRC arithmetic circuit that identifies incorrect detection for every read operation of the memory are also incorporated. These support load mitigation of the software process required for functional safety[2].

Offering pin counts from 32 pins to 64 pins, the new devices are available with flash memory capacities from 64KB to 128KB. Communication options comprise UART, TSPI and I2C interfaces, while I/O ports range from 24 to 52. Operating voltage range is from 4.5V to 5.5V. Toshiba’s integrated Advanced Vector Engine Plus (A-VE+) supports vector control and dead-time compensation, while an advanced programmable motor control (A-PMD) circuit delivers 3-phase output and supports 3-phase interleaved PFC.

Products with a wide pitch for flow mounting and a fine pitch for reflow mounting are included in the line-up. Operating temperature is from -40 to +105°C.