Micronas, a member of the TDK Group, introduces new embedded motor controllers

     Micronas, a member of the TDK Group, introduces a new embedded motor controller, the HVC 4420F, featuring extended memory for driving small brushed, stepper or brushless motors. The product is designed to meet the new requirements of intelligent actuators in the automotive industry for providing diagnostic functions. Samples available from March 2019. Mass production is planned for 2020.

     The expanded 64 KB flash memory and 4 KB SRAM meet the additional functionality and diagnostic needs of Oems. At present, Oems take different ideas and means to achieve diagnosis. This includes sensor data fusion strategies, actuator status, and result diagnostics. To ensure the required data analysis, common software capable of activating the underlying hardware diagnostic capabilities must be implemented and in line with the OEM framework for proper integration. Thanks to its large memory and built-in diagnostic components, the HVC 4420F provides storage capabilities and enables diagnostic functions in the unique environment of intelligent actuators.

     The HVC 4420F is a product in the Micronas High Pressure Controller (HVC) family for intelligent actuators. HVC products combine an ARM® standard microcontroller core with a wide range of additional features to achieve compact and cost-saving system designs specific to automotive applications and beyond. Powered by a 32-bit CPU (ARM® Cortex-M3) with 64 kB of flash memory, the HVC 4420F includes a timer/counter, interrupt controller, multi-frequency ADC, SPI, and enhanced PWM with diagnostic capabilities that are important for implementing security-related applications.

     An advanced LIN UART, LIN 2.x transceiver and regulator are all directly connected to the board and network for integration. Multiple power management modes help reduce power consumption. The product incorporates a variety of integrated digital and analog circuit components, such as comparators with virtual origin references, current scalers, and embedded programmable gain amplifiers, which are used to eliminate the need for many external components.

     Due to its handling of high voltages, the HVC 4420F supports complex motor control algorithms such as permanent magnet synchronous motor space vector modulation (SVM), sensor-feedback or sensorless control of six-step commutation, and multiple stepper configurations.

     The HVC 4420F is available with production-ready and highly flexible firmware with adjustable parameters, mature communication, monitoring and power management capabilities (ASIL A), and configuration tools. Based on this firmware, customers can quickly and efficiently develop application software, optimize the combination of motor and control, and reduce time to market.