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0919 Allegro White Paper v1 Aug 19
0919 Allegro White Paper v1 Aug 19
0919 Allegro White Paper v1 Aug 19
Brushless DC [BLDC] motor control has been gaining traction across all markets, replacing DC and stepper motors.
The primary driver is the demand for increased efficiency and lower noise. Just a decade ago, BLDC motors used in
systems that required high performance also required software-based microcontrollers to create efficient and quiet
commutation. Today Allegro offers solutions with embedded commutation, bringing low noise and efficient drive with
no microcontroller or custom software. Allegro’s sensorless sinusoidal BLDC motor drivers set a new standard in quiet
and efficient drive and deliver them in a simple single package solution with no programming required.
INTRODUCTION
Even though the fundamentals of BLDC motor control remain constant, BLDC motor characteristics vary widely across
applications. For example, a server fan requires a high speed in excess of 30k rpm and server suppliers want to capitalize on
incremental cost savings by being more efficient than their competitors when scaled to thousands of individual fans. In contrast,
a personal computer fan requires a lower speed and needs to be exceptionally quiet when starting and running so as not to
disturb a studying student.
Addressing differing requirements may be the biggest challenge in developing motion control algorithms. Allegro meets
this challenge with solutions that integrate the motor control algorithm. By embedding the motor commutation algorithm
in hardware, the customer only needs to select the parameters for startup and running conditions with a simple-to-use graphical
user interface (GUI). These parameters are stored in the on-chip EEPROM and are used by the hardware-based algorithm.
There is no programming required, reducing overall development resources significantly. With one device, multiple motors
for different applications can share the same hardware, reducing the burden on software teams while simplifying and reducing
development time. This paper will focus on the basics of the sensorless control algorithm, the advantages of different sensing
techniques, and how the GUI can drive a full-featured sensorless sinusoidal BLDC motor with no software programming required.
position. See Figure 1. The windowless method gets rid of the “observation
window”, reducing the acoustic noise by maintaining
The windowed method is simpler than the windowle
WINDOWED VERSUS WINDOWLESS continuous current in all windings.
of
current
efficiency phase advance to to
is used the BEMF
align by advancing
the phase current to the phase v
the BEMF by advancing θ. the phase voltage by angle θ.
he
are
on,
ept of id equal to zero is only true for an ideal Initial position detection (IPD) is one way to prevent this.
n the real world there are second order effects Allegro’s intelligent algorithm can detect initial motor position
action of theApermanent by injecting high-frequency pulses before the rotor is spinning.
FLEXIBLEmagnet and the WITHOUT
SOLUTION iron in
h generates SOFTWARE
detent torque. To negate the detent This is useful for fan-type motors which have exposed blades.
ould be someMoresmall amount
demanding of current
customer in thehave created aEven
requirements shift though IPD does
by injecting not causepulses
high-frequency the rotor
beforeto
themove
rotor isinitially,
spinning.the
relates to in
themotion
leadcontrol
angle. process This
design that favors flexibility and improved
Allegro’s phase of high-frequency injection
is useful for fan-type can have
motors which cause acoustic
exposed noise
blades.
time to market. Using Allegro’s hardware-based algorithm, the Even though IPD does not cause the rotor to move initially,
thm takes into in some motor designs. Those applications that require
simple toaccount
use
solution theand
Graphical
is “plug-in total effects
User
spin”, in thethe cycle
Interface
eliminating (GUI). Now, high
of software the process of high-frequency injection can cause acoustic
development
adjusts performance
the lead angle and debug and significantly
to providesensorless reducing extremely
time to
highest control is just a few quiet
noise operation
in some may want
motor designs. Thoseto applications
disable thethat
IPD. This is
require
and full-featured
market. Flexibility is achieved by implementing a simple to use extremely
a configurable quiet operation
option mayGUI.
in Allegro’s want to disable the IPD. This is
ency. mouse-clicks away.
Graphical User Interface (GUI). Now, high performance and a configurable option in Allegro’s GUI.
full-featured sensorless control is just a few mouse-clicks away.
e Solution Without
Briefly, the Software
functions included in the GUI, Figure 4, that
Briefly, the functions included in the GUI, Figure 4, that makes
makessensorless
ng customer sensorless
requirementscontrol
control have so easy
created
so easy are are described
below. below.
a shift
described
Also, s
Also,sps
Also,
The startup current parameter determines the maximum require
Thestartup
startup current parameter determines the maximum
maximum require
requirem
Figure 4 – Allegro GUI Software A5932 The
The startup
torque. Higher
current
currentparameter determines
startupparameter
the maximum
current candetermines the
potentially improve
torque.
startup
Figure 4 – Allegro GUI Software A5932 torque.
Higher Higher
startup startup
current current
can can potentially
potentially improve
improve startup
startup time,
torque. Higher
time, but it alsostartup
causescurrent
startupcan potentially
acoustic noise.improve startup
but
time,itbut
time, also
butititcauses
also startup
alsocauses
causes acoustic
startup
startup noise.
acoustic
acoustic noise.
noise.
3.1 Selection of Parameters
SELECTION OF PARAMETERS
The greatest challenge for sensorless BLDC control is at
The greatest challenge for sensorless BLDC control is at startup,
startup, because
because BEMFBEMF is proportional
is proportional tospeed.
to the motor the motor speed.
Allegro’s
GUI software
Allegro’s addresses
GUI software this challenge
addresses this for all motor types
challenge for allbymotorAfter pulling the motor to a certain speed, the BEMF
After After pulling the motor to a certain speed, the BEMF
pulling the motor to method
a certain
providing configurability for key parameters that govern how measurement or estimation willspeed,
be thethen
used, BEMF the 4. Co
types by providing configurability for key parameters that After pulling or
measurement theestimation
motor tomethoda certain
will speed,
be used, the
then BEMF
the 4.Con
Co
the motor starts up. measurement or estimation
system will goortoestimation method
closed loop. will
Set thewillbe used,
threshold then
as thenthe
low as 4.
measurement method be used, lowasasthe
govern how the motor starts up.
At startup, when motor speed is low or zero rpm, the BEMF is
systemwill
system
possible
willgo
so
gototoclosed
that the
closedloop.
motor
loop.
will
Setthe
Set
run
thethreshold
threshold
quickly under as
an
aslow
efficient
We ca
system will go to closed loop. Set the threshold as low as WeWecanca
possiblesosothat
possible thatthethe motorwillwillrun
run quicklyunderunderananefficient
efficient DC mo
small and hidden by measurement noise. One way to generate closed-loop
possible so that themotor
condition. motor will runquickly
However, it quickly
is not reliable
under an to efficient
go to DCmo mo
At startup, when motor speed is low or zero rpm, the BEMF closed-loop isclosed-loopcondition.
condition.However,
However,ititisisnot notreliable
reliabletotogo gototo DCdrive
BEMF is to control the motor in open loop until the speed is closed-loop
closed loop condition.
if the motorHowever, it is nottransition
BEMF is low—the reliable will
to go fail to drive
closedlooploopififthe themotor
motorBEMF
BEMFisislow—the
low—thetransition
transitionwill
willfail
fail drive is
small able
andto hidden by measurement
generate enough noise. However,
BEMF to be detected. One way toclosed
closed
and the loop
motorif thewill
motor BEMF is
be stuck. low—thethe
Therefore, transition will fail and
open-to-closed
deliver
deliver
andthethemotor
motorwill willbe bestuck.
stuck.Therefore,
Therefore,the theopen-to-closed
open-to-closed deliver
require
when an open loop startup method is used, the
generate BEMF is to control the motor in open loop until the alignment of and
the
loopmotor will
threshold be stuck.
parameter Therefore,
must be the
set. open-to-closed
Typically, one tenthloop
of require
requirem
the rotor to the stator can cause the rotor to move slightly either loopthreshold
thresholdparameter
parametermustmustbe beset.
set.Typically,
Typically,oneonetenth
tenthofof allows
threshold
loop
the full speedparameter must be set. Typically,
is recommended, depending one ontenth of the
motor allowsa
speedforward
is able to generate
or reverse, enough
and the rotor BEMF slightly
can oscillate to bebefore
detected.the full speed
speed is recommended,
recommended, depending on motor
motor allows
to set
full
the speed
full
parameters. is recommended,
is depending on
dependingmotor onparameters.
However, when
it comes to restan open
due to theloop
inertiastartup method is used, the
of the load. parameters. toto set
set
sensor
parameters.
sensor
sensorle
alignment of the rotor
Initial position to the
detection (IPD) stator
is one can cause
way to thethis.
prevent rotor to Allegro
Allegro’s intelligent algorithm can detect initial motor position Allegro
Allegro
move slightly either forward or reverse, and the rotor can unique
unique
3.2 Integrated Closed Loop Speed Control unique
perfor
of3.2Integrated
oscillate slightly before it comes to rest due to the inertia 3.2 IntegratedClosed
ClosedLoop
LoopSpeed
SpeedControl
Control perfor
perform
955 PERIMETER ROAD • MANCHESTER, NH 03103 • USA Applications require different speed control methods, so it is progra
the load. Applicationsrequire
+1-603-626-2300 • FAX: +1-603-641-5336 • ALLEGROMICRO.COMApplications requiredifferent
differentspeed
speedcontrol methods,sosoititisis 4
controlmethods, progra
program
important to have a flexible GUI that allows for speed control
importanttotohave
important haveaaflexible
flexibleGUI
GUIthat
thatallows
allowsfor
forspeed
speedcontrol
control
Initial position detection (IPD) is one way to prevent this.configuration.
configuration.
configuration.
configuration.
The first speed control option in Allegro’s GUI is speed open WHITE PAPER
loop or speed closed loop. Speed open loop is like the “gas Sources
ut the adjustable
pedal” acceleration
of a car—it controls the speed but doesn’t directly [1] James P. Johnson M. Ehsani Yilcan Giize
Sensorless Methods for Brushless DC”, Co
es too long
relate or hastothe
the speed
INTEGRATED risk
theCLOSED
depthofofLOOP
pedal pressure. Ramping up
SPEED CONTROL
a hill or heavy load
Applications will
require slowspeed
different down the methods,
control car evenso when the 1999
the to have a flexible
it is important IEEE
GUI that Industry
allows Applications
for speed control Confe
configuration.
same amount of pedal pressure is given. The closed loop IAS Annual Meeting (Cat. No.99CH36
The first speed control option in Allegro’s GUI is speed open loop or speed closed loop.Volume:
Speed open loop is like
1 Pages: 143 the–“gas
150pedal”
mode ofisa like “navigation” mode—speed will be locked to a
car—it controls the speed but doesn’t directly relate the speed to the depth of pedal pressure. Ramping up a hill or heavy
reference and
load will slow the power
down the iswhen
car even the sameAlso,
adjusted basedspeed
amount of on curves
pedalroad
pressure are The
is given. [2]closed
N. Matsui,
provided looptomode“Sensorless
meet PM applicatio
is likedifferent
“navigation” Brushless
mode—speed will be locked to a reference and the power is adjusted based on road IEEE
conditions.
Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vo
conditions. requirements.
r determines the maximum
300-308, 1996
an potentially improve startup
The next option is speed input mode. Normally, analog mode,
coustic noise.
The next option
PWM mode, is speed
or CLOCK input mode.
mode Normally, analog
are provided. mode, mode,
For analog
PWM mode, or CLOCK mode are provided. For analog mode,
speedspeed
demand is analog
demand is analogvoltage. For
voltage. For PWM
PWM mode,
mode, PWM duty
PWM duty
determines
determines thethe speed
speed demand. For CLOCK
demand. Formode, the frequency
CLOCK mode, the
of the input signal determines the speed.
frequency of the input signal determines the speed.
Also, speed curves are provided to meet different application
requirements.
The information contained in this document does not constitute any representation, warranty, assurance, guaranty, or inducement
by Allegro to the customer with respect to the subject matter of this document. The information being provided does not
guarantee that a process based on this information will be reliable, or that Allegro has explored all of the possible failure modes.
It is the customer’s responsibility to do sufficient qualification testing of the final product to insure that it is reliable and meets all
design requirements.
AM010- 08.19