Power Integrations updates its MotorXpert Software

The updated software introduces advanced shuntless and sensorless field-oriented control (FOC) technology, enabling support for complex modulation methods and reliable startup under any load condition. The release also delivers a revamped user interface and enhanced debugging capabilities, providing improved usability and functionality for developers.

Cristian Ionescu-Catrina, Product Marketing Manager at Power Integrations said: “MotorXpert simplifies single- and three-phase sensorless motor-drive designs. In this version 3.0 release, we have added a two-phase modulation scheme, which is ideal for applications that work in high temperature environments such as hot-water circulation pumps. The new modulation reduces inverter switching losses by 33 percent. Version 3.0 also features a five-fold improvement to our waveform visualisation tool and an enhanced zoom function, giving developers substantially more information for motor tuning and debugging.” 

MotorXpert 3.0 comprises three main sections:

1. Sophisticated mathematical algorithms resident on the local MCU or DSP construct accurate feedback signals from the BridgeSwitch IC and provide real-time control of the switching patterns
2. A host-side application interprets inverter actions and displays critical data in actionable format for engineering analysis
3. The easy-to-use control interface permits development engineers to experiment and quickly converge to a final product

The MotorXpert suite is designed to be MCU-agnostic, featuring a detailed porting guide that facilitates deployment across a broad range of MCUs. Written in standard C language and adhering to MISRA standards, it ensures compatibility and reliability.

MotorXpert v3.0 includes a host-side application with a graphical user interface, complemented by Power Integrations’ digital oscilloscope visualisation tool. This combination simplifies parameter configuration, operational design, and debugging. Development is further streamlined through features such as parameter tool tips, a tuning assistant, and an intuitive parameter list that supports easy motor tuning. The software also supports both V/F and I/F control, enabling motors to start under any load condition. Developers can choose a two-phase modulation scheme to optimise inverter temperature versus torque ripple, a useful feature for applications like hot water circulation pumps, which reduces the need for large heatsinks and lowers enclosure costs. The inclusion of single- and three-phase code libraries with sensorless support, reference designs, and additional tools – such as a power supply design and analysis tool – significantly accelerates development.

The BridgeSwitch IC, a half-bridge motor driver, integrates low RDSON FREDFET switches, controllers, and drivers in a thermally efficient package. It offers sensorless feedback, fault reporting, and built-in self- and load-protection capabilities, making it suitable for applications ranging from 30W to 1HP (750W).

Target applications include indoor and outdoor air conditioning fans, refrigerator compressors, fluid pumps, washing machine and dryer drums, range hoods, industrial fans, and heat pumps.