PICmicro µC family simplifies motor control designs
( 01 May 2003 )
Shree Jaisimha
To address the demand for greater software and hardware cohesion in motor control applications, Microchip Technology has unveiled its PIC18F family of four PICmicro flash µCs. The devices utilize Programmable Motor Process Technology (ProMPT) that provides motor control over a range of 0 to 127 Hz and also offers a predefined variable frequency (V/F) curve that can be programmed to suit an application.
The integrated single phase (open loop) motor control kernel provides easy development via an API that simplifies motor control design applications. In addition to the embedded single phase motor control kernel and self-reprogrammable flash memory functions, the µCs feature two 10-bit PWMs, 256 bytes of on-board EEPROM, and offer processing bandwidths of up to 10 MIPs when clocked at 40 MHz. The 2.0- to 5.5-V operational voltage device family also features three 16-bit timers, an 8-channel 10-bit resolution A/D, addressable USART modules supporting RS-232/485, and a programmable 16-level low voltage detection module.
Programming the µCs is easy with In-Circuit Serial Programming technology that also simplifies field calibration. The PIC18F µCs, which are pin- and code-compatible with Microchip’s current 29- and 40-pin portfolio, are supported by the company’s MPLAB IDE tool that assists in flashing and debugging operations. The device family targets applications in industrial, consumer and appliance market segments.
Four devices (PIC18F2439/2539/4439/4539) are available in 28-pin SOIC, SDIP, 40-pin PDIP, 44-lead TQFP and QFN packages.
To address the demand for greater software and hardware cohesion in motor control applications, Microchip Technology has unveiled its PIC18F family of four PICmicro flash µCs. The devices utilize Programmable Motor Process Technology (ProMPT) that provides motor control over a range of 0 to 127 Hz and also offers a predefined variable frequency (V/F) curve that can be programmed to suit an application. 
