International Rectifier Adds Washers to iMotion Platform Appliciations
International Rectifier (IR)(NYSE: IRF) introduced a sensorless control platform for direct-drive Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) washing machines. The new platform, featuring an embedded Field Oriented Control (FOC) algorithm for high-dynamic torque control, improves washing cycles consuming less hot water to save up to 70 percent of energy usage.
This latest addition to the iMOTION™ family features a mixed-signal controller and companion intelligent power modules as well as algorithms, development software, and design tools. Combined in one platform, iMOTION for washers simplifies design of variable-speed motor-control in both horizontal and vertical axis washing machines, accelerating time-to-market and reducing overall system cost.
The high-performance IRMCF341 washer control IC integrates all the control and analog interface functions required for sensorless speed control of PMS motors using DC link current measurements. The analog functions on the IC include differential amplifier, dual sample and hold circuits and a 12-bit A/D converter to sample the low-voltage signal across the DC link shunt. The digital control IC features IR's patented Motion Control Engine (MCE™) that eliminates software coding from the motion control algorithm development process. A co-integrated 60MIPS, 8-bit, 8051 microcontroller enables application layer software development, operating almost independently of the MCE and does not compete for system resources such as interrupts or internal registers. This streamlines application software debugging since the MCE can be treated very much like hardware peripheral with a set of input and output registers. The embedded Analog Signal Engine (ASE) integrates all the signal conditioning and conversion circuits required for single current shunt, sensorless control of a PMS motor. The IRMCF341 control IC is available in a 64-pin QFP package with all the required analog inputs and PWM outputs to control the washing machine motor.
The companion IRAMS06UP60B and IRAMS10UP60B inverter power modules feature an advanced high-voltage gate drive IC for three-phase inverter control. The modules include the DC link shunt used for both motor current measurement and power module protection. Built-in over-temperature/over-current protection, along with short-circuit rated IGBTs, an integrated under-voltage lockout function, and built-in temperature monitor provide a high level of protection and fail-safe operation.
The new iMOTION washer platform is being sampled to qualified users. The IRMCS3041 reference design is US $995 in single unit quantities.
