Does your application really need ultra-fast torque response and layers upon layers of observers to get the job done? Like my taxes, do you really need technology so complex that you have to hire a motor control professional to do it for you? Don't you want technology that allows you to focus completely? Sometimes, simpler is better! That's why I'm so excited about InstaSPIN-BLDC™!
As you know, "InstaSPIN" is TI's new category of motor control solutions. The first of these solutions released is "InstaSPIN-BLDC," which performs sensorless commutation control for brushless DC motors. TI has just launched four new kits powered by the InstaSPIN-BLDC software, which runs on three different TI MCU architectures: one for Stellaris™ microcontrollers, one for MSP430™ microcontrollers, and two for Hercules safety microcontrollers. You can find more information about each kit here. These kits join our existing InstaSPIN-BLDC kits, which are powered by our C2000™ microcontroller family.
Now, before you say "I've been there...and done that," let me tell you why InstaSPIN-BLDC might be superior to your current sensorless commutation solution:
1. Simpler setup. Unlike your newly purchased HDTV, everything you need (including connectors) is included in the box. Simply connect the cables and turn it on.
2. Tuning is extremely simple. Only one parameter needs adjustment: the flux threshold. But even without any adjustment, we found that the default settings used in the GUI interface started approximately 90% of the motors we connected to it on the first attempt!
3. Low-speed stability. This is a significant improvement compared to systems that use only the back EMF signal for commutation. Instead, the InstaSPIN-BLDC uses flux! Flux is a component of the back EMF, offering two distinct advantages at low speeds: a higher amplitude signal and a better-filtered signal. Together, these mean a better SNR for the commutation signal, allowing for sensorless operation at full torque at much lower speeds.
4. Constant Speed Performance. This breaks down the door on any technology that uses back-EMF zero-crossing timing! Imagine being able to drive a car simply by looking in your rearview mirror! Sure, as long as you're driving on a straight road and nothing unexpected happens, everything will be fine. But what if you accidentally encounter a sharp turn? I know it sounds crazy, but that's exactly what most sensorless commutation technologies we currently use do. If you're simply timing the time when the back-EMF signal crosses zero to schedule the next commutation event, you're essentially trying to predict the future by looking back. As long as the speed remains constant, everything is fine. However, if you accelerate or decelerate too quickly, it can lead to incorrect motor commutation or even stalling.
Using InstaSPIN-BLDC, the back EMF signal can be continuously monitored. In other words, InstaSPIN-BLDC uses the latest real-time data to determine when to commutate, rather than just using past data. We are actually calculating the magnetic flux lines passing through the coil in real time. When enough magnetic flux has accumulated, we consider that the rotor must be in a certain position, and the machine must be commutated! The speed of the motor is actually unrelated to this accumulation process; it only affects how long it takes. When I first saw this, I thought, "Of course, that's how you want to do it! This makes perfect sense!"
5. Extremely robust. I think this is my favorite feature! One of the reasons it's so robust is because it's so incredibly simple! I remember early in my career working on a complex medical product where the calculated mean time between failures was around 15 minutes! Seriously! With InstaSPIN-BLDC, almost nothing goes wrong, meaning it just keeps running... and running... and running...
