IR's Sensorless Motor Control Platform For Variable-Speed Pumps Enables 50 Percent Reduction in Energy Consumption

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Rectifier, IR® (NYSE:IRF), a world leader in power management technology, today introduced a sensorless sinusoidal motor control platform that delivers quieter operation and higher efficiency for variable-speed pump applications up to 300W. By effectively controlling pump operation over a wide range of flow requirements, variable-speed pumps can cut energy consumption by up to 50 percent.

The latest iMOTIONTM integrated design platform consists of a mixed-signal controller, the IRMCF371, and companion intelligent power module for the power stage, as well as algorithms, development software, and design tools. “Because variable-speed motor-driven pumps halve energy requirements, government legislation in many countries is driving the adoption of energy-efficient intelligent pumps, particularly in the water, waste-water, and building automation segments,” said David Tam, vice president of International Rectifier's Energy-Saving Products. “The iMOTION platform achieves higher reliability and system performance by better controlling system load changes, improving control pump operations, and providing control over a wide range of load conditions as well as enabling smooth start-up conditions,” he added.

Mixed Signal Control

The IRMCF371 mixed-signal control IC for pumps integrates all the control and analog interface functions required for sensorless sinusoidal control of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMS) using DC link current measurements. Analog functions on the IC include differential amplifier, dual sample and hold circuits, and a 12-bit A/D converter to sample the low-voltage signal across the DC link shunt. The IRMCF371 incorporates IR's patented Motion Control Engine (MCETM), an algorithm editor that eliminates coding. An integrated 60MIPS, 8-bit, 8051 microcontroller enables application layer software development, operating independently from the MCE, and does not compete for system resources such as interrupts or internal registers. The embedded Analog Signal Engine (ASE™) integrates all the signal conditioning and conversion circuits required for single current shunt, sensorless control of a PMS motor.

Power Stage

The IRAMS06UP60B is a compact, intelligent power module optimized for electronic motor control in appliance applications that features a three-phase inverter with IC driver in a compact single in-line (SIP1) package. The device includes a shutdown function and over-current protection for safe operation. Other built-in functions include current feedback via dedicated internal shunt resistors and a temperature sensing device.

Design Tools

Design tools include communications software running on the 8051 microcontroller that gives the PC-based MCEDesignerTM software access to the control parameters and system variables in the shared memory. This allows modification of the controller set points and control loop gains and other constants without needing to modify or compile software.

Data sheets, application notes, and additional information are available on the Web at http://www.irf.com/whats-new/nr061114.html.

Availability and Pricing

The new iMOTION integrated design platform for pumps is being sampled to qualified users. The platform costs US $12.95 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities. Prices are subject to change. The devices are RoHS compliant. Contact your local International Rectifier sales representative or the International Rectifier Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at http://tac.irf.com for more details.

About iMOTION

International Rectifier's iMOTION integrated design platform consists of a development system, mixed-signal analog chip sets and power stages, which when co-designed together, simplify motion control designs and bring energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions to market faster. More details on the iMOTION platform, as well as links to design assistance, are posted on the iMOTION Web page at http://www.irf.com/product-info/imotion/.

About International Rectifier

International Rectifier (NYSE:IRF) is a world leader in power management technology. IR's analog and mixed signal ICs, advanced circuit devices, integrated power systems and components enable high performance computing and reduce energy waste from motors, the world's single largest consumer of electricity. Leading manufacturers of computers, energy efficient appliances, lighting, automobiles, satellites, aircraft and defense systems rely on IR's power management benchmarks to power their next generation products. For more information, go to www.irf.com.

Trademark Notice

ASE™, iMOTION™, IR®, MCE™ and MCEDesigner™ are trademarks of International Rectifier Corporation. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.