STMicroelectronics Introduces Sensorless Zero-Speed/High-Torque Motor Control Embedded Software
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Update time : 2024-01-10 16:18:15
STMicroelectronics has released the STM32 ZeST* (Zero Speed Full Torque) software algorithm. The algorithm runs on STM32 microcontrollers and enables sensorless motor drives to produce maximum torque at zero speed. STMicroelectronics is currently sharing this algorithm with selected customers. For the first time, the algorithm provides zero-speed full torque motor control in a general-purpose motor driver, enabling previously unattainable motor operation smoothness and predictability.
Product equipment such as power tools, electric window shades, washing machines, automatic lawn mowers, air conditioning systems, electric bicycles, etc. require motors that start at maximum torque in the correct direction and/or start quickly at maximum load while consuming minimum power. Ordinary sensorless motor drives cannot determine the rotor position of the motor at zero speed and, therefore, cannot meet the requirements of these devices. Previously, additional hardware position sensors or the use of special types of motors were usually required to ensure accurate positioning, high energy efficiency and correct operation. The new STM32ZeST software algorithm is a zero-speed sensorless motor control optimization general-purpose solution that supports any type of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). To achieve optimized control, the STM32ZeST algorithm needs to run in tandem with the newly introduced High Sensitivity Observer (HSO) algorithm, which uses a sensorless, non-inductive mode to control motor operation. As an embedded software solution, no additional hardware or special peripherals need to be added to the STM32 microcontroller (MCU). To ensure that the motor control remains energy efficient, the motor resistance is also estimated at runtime. By using the STM32ZeST and HSO software algorithms, designers can avoid high peak currents during the startup phase and improve the energy efficiency of their applications. Compared to motor drives with Hall sensors, ST's solution reduces the cost of materials (BOM), improves operational reliability and reduces noise. ST has developed a demonstration model to show how a sensorless motor drive can start up and move a load at various speeds and at the lowest speed. The model uses a motorized pedal wheel to demonstrate that the motor always starts in the intended direction and can keep the load stationary at zero speed. To make it easier for developers to evaluate the performance of the two algorithms, STMicroelectronics' STM32ZeST and HSO, and to speed up the development process, ST has developed complementary hardware tools, among which the B-G473E-ZEST1S control board generates the PWM signals for the power supply board STEVAL-LVLP01. The power board drives low-power/low-voltage motors, such as those in ST's B-MOTOR-PMSMA kit. The control board is connected to the power board using the new embedded motor control connector V2. ST offers developers a wide range of additional support services to help them develop drivers for popular motor types that meet a wide range of application requirements and meet constraints such as energy efficiency, size, performance and cost. The STM32 family of microcontrollers meets a wide range of performance requirements, and many integrate features suitable for motor control, such as advanced motor control PWM timers, all of which are supported by ST's Motor Control Software Development Kit (MC-SDK), which includes motor control firmware libraries and a dedicated configuration tool (Motor Control Workbench). Both tools need to be used in conjunction with the STM32Cube Ecosystem and the STM32CubeMX Project Configurator. The HSO algorithm is integrated within the new version of the MCSDK (version 6.2) development kit. The new version of the MCSDK adds a dual-driver solution running on STM32 G4 MCUs and also supports a wide range of STM32 microcontrollers from the cost-effective STM32C0 to the high-performance STM32H5.
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