Renesas Electronics introduces sensorless motor driver ics for brushless BLDC motor applications

     Renesas Electronics announced the introduction of the first sensorless motor driver IC family for brushless direct current (BLDC) motor applications, which uses a new, patent-pending technology from Renesas that enables the motor to achieve full torque at zero speed without sensors, a first in the industry. The new motor driver IC enables Renesas customers to design sensorless BLDC motor systems with greater horsepower and speed for a given torque. In addition, power consumption is reduced, reliability is improved, and cost and board space are reduced by reducing the number of components that designers need to use.

     Renesas has announced three new motor driver ics with new technology. The RAA306012 is a standalone 65V, 3-phase smart drive that can be paired with Renesas or various other MCUS. The RAJ306101 integrates the Renesas RX13T 32-bit MCU with the RAA306012 in a single package, reducing board space and cost and improving reliability. The RAJ306102 integrates the Renesas RL78/G1F 16-bit MCU with the RAA306012, bringing similar integration benefits.

     The ability to achieve full torque at zero speed without a sensor is thanks to two innovations from Renesas: Enhanced inductive induction (EIS) for stable position detection when the motor is completely stopped; When the motor is running at very low speeds, the motor rotor position identification (MRI) method is used. At higher speeds, the new motor driver IC uses the traditional method. Both the new EIS and MRI algorithms include cutting-edge technology developed and patent-pending by Renesas.

     Davin Lee, Vice President of the Advanced Analog Division at Renesas, said: "The new sensorless design motor driver IC offers many advantages in terms of cost, space, power consumption and reliability. Now, our customers can enjoy these benefits in systems that require zero speed full torque. This industry first is an example of Renesas combining its technical strength with deep application knowledge to create a solution that meets a clear market need."

     Peter Korowitz, President and CEO of Domel Inc, a global supplier of motors, vacuum cleaner motors, blowers and components, said: "We are very much looking forward to adopting sensorless technology in new products that used to have to use sensors. This breakthrough from Renesas will allow us to build new products for our customers based on the best size, cost and reliability."