TDK extends the range of embedded motor controllers to accommodate high temperature environments

     TDK Corporation extends its Micronas family of embedded motor controllers for high-temperature environment applications. The HVC 4222F and HVC 4422F have been developed specifically for the operation of intelligent actuators in applications requiring ambient temperatures up to 150 °C. The HVC 4222F has 32k flash memory, while the HVC 4422F has 64k flash memory, which can be used in more complex software. These high-temperature units are mainly used in internal combustion engine drive systems, as well as emerging thermal management systems for electric and hybrid vehicles.

     Both new high-temperature devices are part of the automotive motor controller family of LIN bus-connected actuators. The HVC 4xxxF series integrates the Arm standard microprocessor with six separate 500mA half-bridge drivers and a range of additional features, making compact and cost-effective motor control applications possible. The device is capable of driving small brushed (BDC) and brushless (BLDC) stepper motors in power applications requiring up to 1A peak current.

     With its powerful processing power, the HVC series enables complex motor control algorithms, such as space vector modulation (SVM) for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), sensorless commutation (BEMF) with counter electromagnetic force, and various stepping algorithms with current limiting and stall detection. Eleven general purpose input/output pins (GPIOs) enable the integration of a large number of Hall switch combinations or 2D/3D sensors for more precise motor control.