Microchip Technology Inc. has recently unveiled an advanced motor control software plug-in called motorBench Development Suite. It’s a Graphical User Inreface (GUI)-based tool carrying auto tuning and self-commissioning capabilities. In other words, it automatically tunes feedback control gains and accurately measures critical motor parameters like resistance, inductances and the back electromagnetic force (EMF) constant. 

 

 

The plug-in collects all the relevant information regarding the motor control system and then the algorithm gains are tuned automatically. The software utilises this information to generate MPLAB X IDE project code which is ready to run on Microchip’s dsPIC33EP range of Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). Finally, the code is reviewed and edited as per the requirements and flashed as motor control firmware. 

 

 

“Developing solutions with Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), including tuning the control loops for speed and torque, can be time consuming and complicated to get the motor spinning reliably,” said Joe Thomsen, vice president of Microchip’s MCU16 business unit. “With the motorBench Development Suite this process is automated so customers can focus on other parts of firmware development and speed their time to market. This initial launch is just the start of what we expect will be a game changer for our motor control customers.”

 

 

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