February 25, 2014, Seoul — NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI) has launched the LPC1500 microcontroller series, optimized for fast, simple, and precise motor control. This product is equipped with all the features required for high-accuracy motor control, regardless of the presence of sensors. This enables the simultaneous control of two motors in various configurations. Furthermore, by utilizing the ultra-efficient motor control firmware provided by the NXP LPC1500 microcontroller, the easy-to-use GUI-based tuning tool, and two new motor control solution kits, the evaluation and development of motor control applications can be simplified, even for those without extensive knowledge of motor control.

The LPC1500 MCU is optimized for use in a wide range of motors commonly utilized in large home appliances, HVAC, industrial pumps, and generators, such as BLDC (brushless DC) motors, PMSM (permanent-magnet synchronous motors), and ACIM (AC inductor motors). It is also highly suitable for industrial applications requiring highly precise data sampling and real-time control, such as digital power and metering devices.

Ross Bannatyne, General Manager of Mass Market Microcontrollers at NXP Semiconductors, said, “Currently, many industrial designers are facing the difficulty of having to proceed with design work using different types of motors, regardless of the presence or absence of sensors. “The LPC 1500 series provides MCUs, firmware, software development tools, and easy-to-use solutions optimized for BLDC and PMSM motors, which will shorten the time from product development to market,” he mentioned.

Based on the ARM® Cortex™-M3 processor, the LPC1500 microcontroller series is optimized for use in a wide range of motor control applications. Equipped with two 12-bit, 12-channel, 2Msps ADCs and an on-chip QEI (quadrature encoder interface), it enables high-accuracy motor control with or without sensors. Four on-chip comparators support high-speed response overcurrent/voltage monitoring and protection, while four flexible SCTimer/PWM timers provide up to 28 PWM channels within a tightly coupled analog and timing subsystem, minimizing the load on the CPU.

The LPC1500 series microcontrollers are supported by the LPC software ecosystem as well as a wide range of tools, drivers, and middleware. Developers can choose to utilize the NXP LPCXpresso development platform, which combines all the features of a free C/C++ toolchain and IDE, or other popular tools provided by Keil and IAR.