Toshiba To Strengthen Vector Engine Embedded Microcontroller Range

Currently, AC motors are commonly used in consumer and industrial motor applications but there is strong demand in the market, especially in consumer products, for more energy efficient DC motors. However, efficient control of DC motors requires high-level technical skills and a more simple solution is demanded.

Toshiba was one of the first companies to introduce co-processor-based vector control (vector engine) to improve the energy efficiency of motor applications. The M370 group of microcontrollers, containing the Vector Engine, was developed as part of the energy efficient Toshiba Cortex-M3 core-based microcontroller series.

Toshiba is currently developing products incorporating the New Vector Engine (Tentative name, under development), which will handle more applications and further improve efficiencies in motor design. Development will start with the TX03 series, followed by the TX04 series (Cortex-M4F core-based). The company will also increase the number of new products in the TX00 product line (Cortex-M0 core-based) that incorporate a new Programmable Motor Driver circuit, in order to create cost-competitive 8-bit microcontroller based solutions. These product groups will be further reinforced by a wide range of embedded memory sizes, peripheral IPs, and packages for application development, including home appliances, office equipment and factory automation equipment.

Toshiba will continue to actively promote the development of new technologies and products and to offer optimal solutions for motor applications.