Although motor control technology and circuit will vary according to different types of motors and different application requirements, the ultimate purpose is to operate the motor manually or automatically, such as start stop, advance reverse, speed, twist, and voltage overload protection. That is to say, motor control needs the support of electronic circuits. Previously, these electronic circuits used discrete devices. But now, with the development of semiconductor technology, chip enterprises have provided more integrated solutions. Of course, in addition to these power electronic devices, algorithms and software also need support.

In order to achieve the purpose of motor energy conservation, motor control technology has great potential. Engineers can improve efficiency and save energy by using more integrated devices, devices with better performance, and better software algorithms. That is to say, it can be realized from two aspects.

First, more integrated devices and the third generation semiconductor devices such as SiC and GaN are used. More integrated devices include integrated power MOSFET, IGBT, monolithic motor drive IC, power module, etc. For example, IGBT is now the third generation. It has the basic functions of power control devices and is very suitable for solving complex motor control problems. Under extremely extreme conditions of use, the latest generation of IGBT has established a good relationship between switching speed and behavior stability, and the drive motors in the automobile are mostly the latest IGBT products. Of course, many cars have begun to use SiC devices to replace IGBT.

The use of SiC devices in motor control helps to save energy and reduce size of the motor. In addition, its high integration and reliability are very suitable for use in automotive and industrial automation control applications.

In addition to SiC, there are GaN devices. Because of their better switching performance and outstanding high-frequency characteristics, some manufacturers have introduced motor drive solutions based on GaN devices. However, at present, the cost of SiC and GaN devices is still on the high side, and the EMC and EMI problems are more prominent, which have not been widely promoted.

The second is algorithm and software technology. Motor control needs the support of algorithm. If the algorithm optimization degree is different for the same hardware solution, the efficiency of motor will also be very different.

Source: Electronic enthusiast website

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