The Best Field-Oriented Control (FOC) Servo Motion Controller IC over EtherCAT | Symmetry Blog
About Symmetry Electronics
Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics, a Division of Braemac, is a global distributor of electronic components and systems. Combining premier components and comprehensive value-added services with an expert in-house engineering team, Symmetry supports engineers in the design, development, and deployment of a broad range of connected technologies.
Exponential Technology Group Member
Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is a proud Exponential Technology Group (XTG) member. A collection of specialty semiconductor distributors and engineering design firms, XTG stands alongside industry leaders TTI Inc., Mouser Electronics, and Sager Electronics. Together, we provide a united global supply chain solution with the shared mission of simplifying engineering, offering affordable technologies, and assisting engineers in accelerating time to market. For more information about XTG, visit www.xponentialgroup.com.
Pushing the limits of robotics means using the most advanced technology available. While intelligent design and proper planning is crucial for innovation, we wouldn’t be where we are now if the technology to achieve it wasn’t available. Sometimes, even a simple upgrade in hardware can make a big difference as we head towards more decentralized systems that demand more power and precision.
To achieve high performance in robotic designs, a field-oriented control (FOC) servo controller with a dedicated CANopen over EtherCAT® protocol stack can provide the best in real-time critical tasks handling – faster than any software-based solution. This is exactly what Trinamic provides with their newest innovation, the TMC8670.
While being the ideal solution for small, decentralized robot, the chip is also prepared for typical encoders used in robotics and industrial automation, lab automation, IIoT Applications, as well as embedded motion control systems to make them more versatile.
Features and benefits:
- Field-oriented control (FOC) servo controller
- Torque control (FOC), velocity control, position control
- Sensor engine (Hall analog/digital, encoder analog/digital)
- Support for 3-phase PMSM and 2-phase stepper motors
- PWM engine including SVPWM
- EtherCAT® interface with CoE protocol CiA 402 drive profile
- UART interface
For any engineer working in robotics and automation, Trinamic’s TMC8670 is an attractive solution to add to their latest design. This is one product worth taking a look at.
See the official press release below:
TRINAMIC Motion Control GmbH & Co. KG combines the best of both worlds in the TMC8670. It integrates all algorithms for a high-end, fast field-oriented control and high-performance real-time fieldbus interface. Suitable for 3-phase BLDC and BLAC motors as well as 2-phase stepper motors, the TMC8670 embodies decades of experience with motor control.
“We see EtherCAT gaining relevance in the embedded automation domain, where tight space constraints drive miniaturization,” explains Michael Randt, Founder and CEO of Trinamic. “This component is designed with precise and dynamic robot drives in mind, where controllers and servo drives are distributed in the joints. Since we’ve built the drive electronics for KUKAs youBot several years ago, more and more small, decentralized robot designs appear on the market demanding space saving and performant solutions.”
A single axis embedded servo controller for robotics, manufacturing, and automation, the TMC8670 is designed for an operating voltage of 1.2V… 3.3V. Having an SPI-ADC interface, position interpolators, and different position sensor interfaces, the TMC8670 is a high-performance building block that enables a real-time servo controller with only a couple components. it is prepared for typical encoders used in robotics and industrial automation as well as embedded motion control systems.
With a PWM engine including space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM), the IC is suitable for demanding, low inductance motors and highest dynamic positioning tasks. With all the control loops implemented in dedicated hardware, the TMC8670 executes the real-time critical tasks faster than any software-based solution and reduces the development time to a minimum.
The TMC8670-BI comes in a FCSG325 (11x11) package. The component and the evaluation board TMC8670-EVAL are available for shipment from September 2018. The device meets the -40°C to 125°C automotive grade temperature specification.
Features and benefits:
- Field-oriented control (FOC) servo controller
- Torque control (FOC), velocity control, position control
- Sensor engine (Hall analog/digital, encoder analog/digital)
- Support for 3-phase PMSM and 2-phase stepper motors
- PWM engine including SVPWM
- EtherCAT® interface with CoE protocol CiA 402 drive profile
- UART interface
Looking to integrate Trinamic products with your design? Our Applications Engineers offer free design and technical help for your latest designs. Contact us today!
About Symmetry Electronics
Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics, a Division of Braemac, is a global distributor of electronic components and systems. Combining premier components and comprehensive value-added services with an expert in-house engineering team, Symmetry supports engineers in the design, development, and deployment of a broad range of connected technologies.
Exponential Technology Group Member
Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is a proud Exponential Technology Group (XTG) member. A collection of specialty semiconductor distributors and engineering design firms, XTG stands alongside industry leaders TTI Inc., Mouser Electronics, and Sager Electronics. Together, we provide a united global supply chain solution with the shared mission of simplifying engineering, offering affordable technologies, and assisting engineers in accelerating time to market. For more information about XTG, visit www.xponentialgroup.com.