STMicroelectronics Launches Intelligent Motor Controller with High Performance and Simplicity

ST's new STSPIN32F0 motor control system-in-package combines the processing performance and flexibility of a microcontroller-based motor driver with the ease of use and space utilization of a single chip. Target applications include smart manufacturing equipment, power tools and cooling fans, emerging high-end technology products such as drones, robots, and appliances with built-in energy-efficient motors, such as high-performance portable vacuum cleaners or air purifiers.

Domenico Arrigo, General Manager, Industrial Applications and Power Conversion Products, STMicroelectronics explained: "Industrial 4.0 and high-end consumer electronics system designers need to be free and flexible in optimizing motor control strategies while minimizing central controller intervention. Operation requires excellent processing performance. STSPIN32F0 simplifies intelligence and feature enrichment with a convenient and space-efficient system package that meets these trait requirements with our unique feature-rich STM32 ecosystem power control firmware library and algorithms Motor precision control development tasks."

The STSPIN32F0 module integrates a microcontroller and analog chip in a 7mm x 7mm QFN miniature package, providing the flexibility and performance of a microcontroller-based motor driver with the convenience, simplicity and space utilization of a single chip. This solution is equally attractive for developers who already have a self-developed motor control IP or who plan to use off-the-shelf motor control algorithms.

Compared to other brands of microcontroller-based motor drive solutions, the STSPIN32F0 enables a greatly simplified development and design of the feature-rich STM32 ecosystem, including software tools, firmware libraries and middleware, especially popular motor control algorithms. For example, vector control (FOC) and 6-step control help developers simplify firmware development.

The STSPIN32F0 motor control module is available in a 7mm x 7mm QFN system-in-package.

technical details:

• The STSPIN32F0's built-in STM32F0 microcontroller is based on the ARM® Cortex®-M0 core and is capable of running multi-purpose motor control algorithms such as sensor or sensorless vector control, 6-step control and more. Its excellent processing performance can meet the requirements of the motor torque and speed precision control on the execution speed of the algorithm, and the system bandwidth and margin support more functions.

• The STSPIN32F0's built-in highly integrated analog chip implements a three-phase half-bridge driver with a built-in bootstrap diode. A gate drive current of up to 600mA allows developers to select a suitable product for their chosen motor from a variety of power MOSFETs. Internal protection mechanisms include real-time programmable overcurrent protection, transconductance protection to eliminate hazardous through-current problems, undervoltage protection, and overtemperature protection.

• Built-in op amps maximize the flexibility of a cost-effective sensorless feedback system or Hall sensor feedback system design.

• Saves on external components, simplifies system design, and uses internal 3.3V DC-DC buck converters and 12V LDO linear regulators as voltage rails to power microcontrollers, external circuits, and gate drivers. The chip can enter standby mode, shutting down all internal circuitry except the DC-DC converter that powers the microcontroller, minimizing power consumption.