Microchip debuts advanced motor-control tool with auto-tuning and self-commissioning capability

Microchip announces the immediate availability of their advanced motor-control software plug-in for the MPLAB^® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with auto-tuning and self-commissioning capability.

The plug-in, called motorBench^™ Development Suite, is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based tool with automatic tuning of feedback control gains and offline accurate measurement of critical motor parameters such as resistance, inductances and the back Electromagnetic Force (EMF) constant.  This plug-in collects all the information relevant to the motor-control system and auto-tunes the control algorithm gains. The software then uses this information to generate MPLAB X IDE project code ready to run on Microchip’s dsPIC33EP family of Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). The generated code can then be reviewed and edited as needed and Flashed as motor-control firmware.

motorBench automates the time-consuming and complicated process of tuning the control loops for speed and torque to ensure that Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) spin reliably.  This initial launch is a game-changer for customers, allowing them to focus on other parts of firmware development and speed their time-to-market.

The motorBench Development Suite is currently available using Microchip’s dsPICDEM^™ MCLV-2 Development Board (DM330021-2) with a dsPIC33EP256MC506 External Op Amp Motor Control Plug-in-Module (PIM) (MA330031-2) and a 24V 3-phase Brushless DC Motor with Encoder (AC300022).

The motorBench Development Suite is a free software plug-in for MPLAB X IDE.  The dsPICDEM^™ MCLV-2 Development Board (DM330021-2), motor control PIM (MA330031-2), and a 24V 3-phase Brushless DC Motor with Encoder (AC300022) are available today for $199.99, $25.00 and $160.00, respectively.

For more information, visit Microchip’s Web site at www.microchip.com/motorBench.