Enabling future oriented functionalities for motor control solutions
Smart… home… wireless… connected… IoT… control… opening not only new revenue sources but also new customization skills, adaptation capability and efficiency, high quality, user friendliness and minimized efforts. This is just part of the complex, feature-oriented solution development within the Industry 4.0 and Smart Home world which has already started.
Figure 1. User orientated customized smart home motor-controlled appliances
By Suad Jusuf, Renesas Download PDF version of this article
Welcome to modern, feature-oriented productivity and growth with its own modern functionality like omnipresent wireless communication and IoT ability. This demand has to be considered, added and fulfilled as a requirement automatically within the solution development phase. It’s a mandatory step that enables manufacturers to accelerate the development of new competencies and increase their ability to become more agile, efficient and predictive. Growing innovation, reinforcement of the request-oriented and customer-centric approach are the requirements for rapid return and new revenue sources. The end development of a complete solution also requires simplified but effective maintenance, support and services during the solution warranty and lifetime. Those attributes as a differentiator, combined with the skill of customized and user friendliness, are very important factors that influence the successful outcome of the solution and the satisfaction of the end user and customer nowadays. Renesas provides a reference design that is able to fulfil the needs of fast and cost- optimized solution development. This includes modern state of the art add-on features that enable future oriented functionalities within the motor control solutions area. The attributes of the reference designs delivered include sophistication and complexity moving towards simplicity, targeting higher efficiency, quality and flexibility with the implementation of new modern add-on features. Products include the YROTATE-IT-RX23T, YROTATE-IT-RX24T and YROTATE-IT-S5D9. All three reference design kits are available for single/dual motor control (PMSM, BLDC, AC induction).
Figure 2. YROTATE-IT-Deliverables characteristics
The main characteristic related to the control methodology is as follows: speed and torque control, sensorless Field Oriented Control (one- and three-shunt method), usage of Hall sensors and/or encoder unit ability, auto tuning, identification and calibration functionality, intuitive PC graphical user interface (PC-GUI), interface for an external high voltage/high current power stage (up to 1.5KW), proprietary debug Interface E1, and safety compliance Self-Test library IEC60730, and certificate by VDE.
Included within the control methodology of the available reference designs, the following modules and functionalities expand the development options and enable more agility and smartness: ALSTC (Adaptive Low Speed with maximum Settable Torque Control), ASO (Adaptive Speed Observer), ABC (Adaptive Boost Control (patented method by Renesas)), Wireless PMOD interface enabling usage of BLe, BT and Wi-Fi technology, Smart APP for iOS and Android based devices (YROTATE-IT), Exchange Data by Email, SMS and Cloud Services is also possible. With one of the mentioned reference designs in the laboratory, developers can learn fast and familiarize themselves with the appropriate device as a component and the methodology behind the entire system. The possibility of a rapid prototype development and the ability to concentrate on the specific add-on functions of their own solution automatically lead to faster development and time to market.
Figure 3. YROTATE-IT-RX23T with PMOD adapter board and PMOD BLe G1D module
Moving on to the next step, Renesas provides additional sources of feature sets and functionalities with the YROTATE-IT-XXX reference designs. These enable the implementation of wireless communication ability by enabling rapid test and evaluation through data capturing and sharing. These capabilities are easy to apply within the evaluation process and can be expanded with additional functionalities within the framework and end-development process.
The capability of wireless communication has been accomplished by integrating the PMOD adapter interface. This enables the implementation of PMOD- based devices by supporting one of the wireless communication technologies like BLe, BT or Wi-Fi. The YROTATE-IT- RX23T and – S5D9 reference kit now supports the Bluetooth low energy (BLe) wireless communication technology. The Renesas PMOD BLe module used is the RL78/G1D based on the RY7011 device with 256KB program flash, 8KB data flash, 20KB SRAM and with the lowest power consumption of 4.3mA RF transmission mode and 3.5mA RF receiving mode in the industry.
While this describes the appropriate hardware capability of wireless communication, we can now turn to the next logical step of implementing the appropriate communication protocol and control software. The communication protocol software is based on predefined rules and interface specifications that must be complied with. Renesas protocol stack software takes over and simplifies the implementation of the BLe protocol. It also delivers a standard profile and custom profile mountable API on the top. Selectable configurations like embedded and modem mode (virtual UART) can be used.
It is a good idea to define the approach before starting work on the storyboard. This could involve answering questions on the goal to be achieved and requirements that need to be fulfilled. The target that Renesas aims for, with its wireless capable motor control reference design, is to have a flexible system reference design solution that allows customized and easy start-up, evaluation and development. It does this by incorporating all the attributes and needs of a modern compact motor control solution, offering and keeping in background all the flexibilities and options for further feature implementation and development adaption.
Figure 4. Application development using a host microcontroller
The requirements can be defined by clarifying which features are must-haves and which are nice to have – then finding a balance between the two. This can be clarified from the reference design point of view beforehand. The first step is to select and define the important data and parameters to be shared, monitored and manipulated so that understanding of the overall context of the solution process can be created and followed. The user friendly and customization options also need to be included.
Having done that as a first step, the definition of the main requirements and the characteristic of the smart control software have been delivered. Next comes the definition of the exact storyboard flow with all mandatory selections of the visualization and representation. This includes event processing, state machine flow and error handling. It is important to remember that user friendliness has a high priority as it is one of the main attributes defining the important final touch overall. All in one, a very complex process method with lots of mandatory steps that cannot be ignored or avoided.
Here we come now to the offered wireless motor control capable software as a smart phone APP YROTATE-IT. Based on the defined requirements and characteristic, following attributes and functionalities are available and offered: search and list valid devices, connection with one from the user selected external device available on the list, and menu bar which includes Run page, History page, and Set-Up page. Run page enables to set-up rotational speed, to monitor battery, current, load and actual rotational speed, allows Start/Stop running and changing rotational direction. History page is responsible for monitoring the reactional behavior of the system by visualizing the flow of the parameter: voltage, current, load and speed. Selection between the depicted flows of the parameters is also made as well as amplitude depiction and monitoring selectable Set-Up page. On Set-up page you can get the available motor, current and speed control parameter and set or identify the motor parameter. Set the current and speed control parameter torque response and speed response. Finally, you can save or send the Set-up file via Email or Short Message into the Cloud.
For first impressions and capabilities of the YROTATE-IT-XXX reference design, all developers need is the demo reference kit based on their preferred device from their local supplier. They can then install the available YROTATE-IT smart app for free. It allows for immediate commissioning and provides developers with an initial experience of the reference control system and its characteristics. They can run a first evaluation, test and customization using their own motor with no need to spend time to get familiar with the control hardware system and/or control software. Flexible support before, during and after the development is achievable and executable. Different settings and achieved results are shareable within the team and could be available as a database source of various types of information that can then be used for further tasks like service and maintenance, update, controlling, etc. beforehand and afterwards. The Renesas smart motor control app YROTATE-IT is available and can be downloaded/installed from the appropriate stores like, APP Store and Google Play for IOS and Android based devices accordingly.
Related
The challenges of IoT security and how to harden the edge
Securing data and devices on the IoT is essential but extremely challenging. Assets can be distributed over a large geographical area, left unattended, and subjected to all manner of attacks by deviou...
Five challenges faced by Time Sensitive Networking in supporting the IIoT
This article highlights the contribution Time Sensitive Networking makes towards providing deterministic performance over Ethernet. Based on information from Analog Devices &...
Optimised semiconductors help in making robots collaborative
The robotics revolution has spawned a new type of industrial robot – the so-called collaborative robots. They feature advanced sensor and control components that limit power and force in order t...
New AMD embedded processors attract COM module manufacturers
At the time of the official launch of the new AMD Ryzen Embedded and AMD EPYC Embedded processor families, the company had already garnered support from more than 20 partners. This article explains wh...
In Search of the Best Op Amp for Remote Devices
Portable and remote devices are integral to medical, home, and business systems that manage the collection of analog data. The trend today is to create smaller, more energy efficient devices to shrink...
Solutions for an EMC compliant design in industrial applications
Electromagnetic compatibility is indispensable in today‘s products, and EMC components are the key to ensuring it. This webinar presents individual EMC solutions and shows how support with measu...
Multi-core software design for AURIX™ in combination with EB tresos product line
AURIX™ is a broadly used multi-core architecture for real-time, safety-, and security-critical automotive applications. An efficient software design to utilize up to six cores of AURIX™ TC...
How to lower the technical skills required for API testing by using artificial intelligence
In this paper, we look at how to effectively use APIs in development, the benefits of testing at the API layer, and how to lower the technical skills required for API testing by using artificial intel...
Creative ways to leverage the programmable logic feature of ARM-based LPC804 Microcontrollers
Continuing its history of innovation in MCUs, NXP introduces a programmable logic unit (PLU) to the LPC family for the first time with the LPC804 MCU. Join us for this webinar from NXP and Mouse...
Four Basic Rules for Good Design-In of Environmental Sensors
In a world where everything becomes smarter and more connected the Internet of Things is on the rise. Due to increased demand on mobility and convenience battery-driven devices hold an increasingly im...
Bs&T at PCIM2018
powerlosstester presenting BsT-pulse 3 phase version and BsT-SQ for powerloss measurement of inductive components new findings of tester, the highest Bs ferrite material D9B for SiC application GaN fe...
Würth and AnDAPT describe their new programmable power solution
In this video an engineer from AnDAPT describes their new programmable power solution and their partnership with Würth at the APEC exhibition in San Antonio, Texas. Drawing from Würth&...
MAGMENT: Magnetizable concretes, sole enablers for dynamic inductive wireless charging.
MAGMENT is a patented material technology, engineered from cement and magnetic particles from recycled electronic waste. We are the inventors and sole company worldwide to offer both the concrete mate...
A look at Analog Devices' wireless power demonstration at APEC 2018
In this video Steve from Analog Devices walks us through a wireless power transmission demonstration at APEC 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. The LTC4120 is a constant-current/constant-voltage wireless rec...
Analog Devices talks about their Power over Ethernet solutions at APEC
In this video Analog Devices talks about their Power over Ethernet solutions at APEC 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Their LTC4291 provides four PSE Ports with two power channels per port, and is fully co...
Silicon Labs demonstrates their latest PoE solutions at APEC 2018
In this video John Wilson of Silicon Labs demonstrates their latest Power over Ethernet solutions at APEC 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. The live demonstration shows how a remote device can effectively p...
Vitrek explains their advanced testing solutions at APEC 2018
In this video Vitrek explains their advanced testing solutions at APEC 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. The devices displayed includes their 4700 high-voltage meter, which can measure up to 10kV and can pe...
Dirk Giesen describes the Parasoft tool suite for Embedded Software Development
Are you responsible for embedded software development in your organization? Your goal should be to create safe, secure, and reliable software. To make sure your device will work properly, deploy Paras...
Ross Sabolik of Silicon Labs talks about advanced Power over Ethernet
In this video Ross Sabolik of Silicon Labs talks about smart Power over Ethernet systems with Alix Paultre at their APEC exhibit in San ANtonio, Texas. As PoE migrates to higher power levels and...
Dialog Semi walks through their latest IC solutions for battery chargers
In this video an engineer from Dialog Semiconductor walks us through their latest ICs for battery chargers at APEC 2018. Dialog's Qualcomm Quick Charge adapter solutions offer high efficiency to e...
Steve Allen of pSemi explains their latest LED driver solution
Steve Allen of pSemi explains their latest LED boost product based on Arctic Sand's two-stage architecture. Their PE23300 has a charge-pump, switched-capacitor architecture that offloads most of t...
Teledyne describes their latest 12-bit Wavepro HD oscilloscope
In this video Teledyne LeCroy describes their latest Wavepro HD oscilloscope to Alix Paultre of Power Electronics News at the company's launch event. The WavePro HD high-definition oscilloscope de...
