“ST Motor Solutions, Various Combination Configurations Possible”

MCU·Gate Driver Independent and Integrated…Provides High Autonomy
Implement sophisticated drives for various motors without motor development experience

[Editor's Note] Brushless motors have been used in various industrial and home appliance products such as servo drivers, power tools, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and air conditioners, and their uses are gradually diversifying. STMicroelectronics will hold a webinar on the topic of 'Brushless Motor Control using ST Motor Control SDK' at the e4ds webinar on February 28. This webinar will cover the features of brushless motors, 6-Step control, and FOC control. It will also show how to set parameters and drive an actual brushless motor using ST MC Workbench. Accordingly, our magazine has arranged an opportunity to hear about ST's solutions through an interview with ST Manager Hyunwoo Choi, who is hosting this webinar.

▲Choi Hyun-woo, Manager of ST Microelectronics

■ Please introduce MCCC (Motor Control Competence Center)

MCCC provides control solutions for a variety of motor applications.

In order to control the motor, various products must be combined. From basic components such as MCU, Gate Driver, MOSFET, to other surrounding circuits, they are combined and used.

MCCC provides integrated solutions for the optimal products, topologies, and control methods applicable to applications. From the process of establishing product concepts to performance evaluation through ST demos, we support the mass production process including product selection, PCB review, SW, firmware review, and debugging.

■ What solutions will be introduced in the e4ds webinar on February 28th?

I will explain about ST's SDK, Software Development Kit for motor control. I will first explain the brief theory of driving a brushless motor and then explain how to apply it in the SDK.

ST MCSDK automatically generates codes that match the motor control and hardware firmware set by the user based on the ST demo board. Most of the generated codes are open source and provided in a ready-to-run state, and UART protocol and GUI for motor control are also provided.

In some cases, the motor control method of the demo board or SDK provided by ST may not be suitable. In such cases, MCCC provides motor control solutions and assists in development.

MCCC also has solutions that can control two or three motors with one MCU, and also has solutions for brushless motors other than IPMSM and SPMSM.

We also have solutions tailored to specific applications, such as sensorless solutions for continuous or low-speed use in power tools, motor control solutions for hair dryers, and solutions for high-voltage or low-voltage servo drives.

I'll explain some of these solutions and give you some easy-to-follow examples.

■ What are the main application applications?

We are responsible for all industrial applications that require motors, including air conditioners, home appliances, drones, automated industrial machinery, medical devices, electric bicycles, and golf carts.

■ What are the main benefits and special features?

ST's broad product portfolio allows for a variety of motor control combinations.

The MCU, gate driver, and power switch can be used independently, or the MCU and gate driver can be integrated into a single IC to significantly save space, and an IPM with integrated gate driver and MOSFET are provided in a wide range of specifications, providing developers with a high degree of autonomy.

Not only does it offer a high degree of freedom in circuit design, but most of the appropriate motor control codes are also provided as open source. MCSDK has a high level of code completeness that is suitable for mass production, and there are cases where code generated through MCSDK has actually been applied to mass production.

Developers can shorten the development period for peripheral settings, control algorithms, etc. through the SDK provided for free.

■ What are the differences compared to competitors’ products?

ST has an ecosystem for motion control.

All necessary tools, from product selection to motor operation, are organized into a single chain, so the entire process can be assisted by ST's own tools. The advantage of using the ecosystem is that engineers can implement sophisticated drives for various motors even without professional motor development experience.

I think the difference from other brands is that developers can drive the motor by changing the topology, motor specifications, control mode, etc. to the product they want, rather than simply downloading and using the provided firmware.

Additionally, ST has application engineers based in Korea who develop motor applications.

If the ST solution we are introducing does not fit the product you are developing, we will suggest a solution for the product you are developing and provide direct assistance in development.

■ Please say a word to e4ds readers regarding the content introduced today.

I think MCSDK will be of great help in studying and developing motor control.

We appreciate your interest in MCSDK and ST products, and hope that they will be helpful to developers who need motor control solutions.