Challenges in precision motor control
The accuracy of motor control is an important factor that directly affects product performance and reliability. In particular, when detecting rotational position, even a slight deviation in the sensor's output timing can cause an error in the control signal, resulting in unstable operation and noise.
This "timing fluctuation" is known as jitter, and it is an issue that cannot be overlooked when achieving precise motor control. In applications that require high-speed rotation and fine position control, the effects of jitter become more pronounced and can limit the accuracy of control. For this reason, the jitter performance of sensors is key to the quality of motor control designs.
What is jitter? — Fluctuations in sensor output affect control accuracy
In this article, jitter is defined as follows:
The cycle-to-cycle fluctuation of the sensor output caused by sensitivity fluctuations of B OP (Operate Point) / B RP (Release Point) and signal path noise is called "jitter".
When a sensor detects a magnetic field and switches its output, ideally the output should always change at the same timing under the same conditions. However, in reality, slight deviations in the output switching timing occur due to factors such as temperature changes, noise, and design variations. If this deviation varies from cycle to cycle, it can cause erroneous recognition of the rotation angle in motor position detection and destabilization of control signals. In applications that require particularly high-precision control, this jitter is a significant factor that determines the limits of control performance.
The APS12203 is designed to minimize this jitter, achieving stable output timing and highly accurate position detection.
Figure 1: Cycle-to-cycle variation (jitter) of sensor output *Provided by Allegro MicroSystems
The impact of jitter on control accuracy and product quality
Accurate detection of a motor's rotational position is essential to ensuring stable and responsive control. In particular, in control that requires precise timing, such as detecting the direction of rotation or recognizing step positions, variation in sensor output (jitter) can be a major issue. If jitter is large, the timing at which the sensor detects changes in the magnetic field will vary from cycle to cycle, resulting in incorrect recognition of the rotation angle and delays in the control signal.
This can have a negative impact on the accuracy and reliability of the entire system, causing the motor to not reach the intended position or generating vibrations and noise.The APS12203 stabilizes output timing between cycles by minimizing the effects of B OP /B RP sensitivity fluctuations and signal path noise.This improves the accuracy of motor position detection and forms the basis for achieving high-precision control.
Adopting a low-jitter sensor like the APS12203 not only improves motor control accuracy, but also has a positive impact on overall product cost and quality. First, low jitter allows for a wider air gap tolerance and relaxes the requirements for magnet and sensor placement accuracy. This allows for the use of lower-cost magnets and simplifies the manufacturing process, leading to a reduction in total manufacturing costs. Furthermore, increased stability of the sensor output improves system robustness and contributes to a reduction in quality complaints from customers. In terms of motor operation, reduced jitter also contributes to improved operating efficiency. Stabilized output improves low-speed torque and enables reduced power consumption.
Furthermore, reduced heat generation not only extends the life of the motor, but also improves the thermal characteristics of the entire system.In addition, improved motor noise reduction is expected to have the effect of increasing user satisfaction with the end product.
Figure 2: Relationship between motor structure and control accuracy *Provided by Allegro MicroSystems
Allegro MicroSystems' Low Jitter Sensor Technology—APS12203/APS11203 Features and Comparison with Other Companies
Technical features and usage of APS12203/APS11203
Allegro MicroSystems' APS12203 (latch) and APS11203 (switch) are magnetic sensors that specialize in low jitter performance and are designed to minimize the effects of sensitivity fluctuations in B OP /B RP and signal path noise. Both products are designed to be selected according to the application, and each has the following features:
APS12203 (latch): Maintains the output state according to the direction of the magnetic field, making it suitable for detecting the direction of rotation and maintaining position.
APS11203 (switch): This switches on/off when the magnetic field exceeds a threshold, making it suitable for instantaneous status detection and passage detection.
APS12203: Jitter performance comparison
The APS12203 employs a unique chopper stabilization technology to improve resistance to temperature changes and external noise, suppressing sensor output variations, resulting in an extremely low jitter value of 375ns, providing high reliability for precision motor control.
The figure below shows a comparison of jitter performance between the APS12203 and other companies' products. The APS11203 is also based on the same design concept, allowing you to select the product that best suits your application.
Figure 3: Jitter performance comparison between APS12203 and other companies' products *Provided by Allegro MicroSystems
APS12203: Air Gap Tolerance Comparison
In a BLDC motor, the distance between the magnetic sensor and the magnet is Air gap This air gap has a significant impact on the operational stability of the sensor. If the air gap is too wide, the magnetic field strength may not reach the sensor's threshold, resulting in unstable output. Conversely, if it is too narrow, it limits the freedom of design and assembly, and can also increase manufacturing costs. The APS12203 has been confirmed to produce stable output even with a wide air gap, and its tolerance range is wider than that of other products.
The video below compares the operation of a BLDC motor with a larger air gap. It shows that the APS12203 has high magnetic field detection accuracy and maintains stable operation even with a wide air gap. This characteristic provides the following benefits:
・Improved design freedom (flexibility of magnet placement)
・Low-cost magnets can be used
- Reduced dependency on assembly precision, simplifying the manufacturing process
・Total manufacturing cost reduction
APS12203: Motor noise comparison
Noise generated during motor operation is greatly affected not only by mechanical vibration, but also by the stability of the sensor output. If there is variation (jitter) in the timing at which the magnetic sensor detects the magnetic field, the motor drive signal becomes unstable, tending to increase electrical noise and vibration. The APS12203's low-jitter design stabilizes output timing, resulting in smoother motor operation.
The video below compares the noise generated during rotation of a BLDC motor using the APS12203 with that of a competitor's product. It can be seen that the APS12203 produces significantly lower motor noise than the competitor's product. This quietness not only improves product comfort and user satisfaction, but also contributes to reducing the need for noise suppression components and simplifying system design. Furthermore, the APS12203 is an important factor in enhancing product value in applications such as home appliances and automotive equipment, where quiet operation is a requirement.
Use cases and benefits
Usage example: Ideal for detecting the rotor position of a brushless (BLDC) motor
The APS12203 is a latching Hall sensor used to detect the rotor position of a BLDC motor. The motor drive circuit controls the timing of energization for each phase based on the accurate position signal output from the APS12203. This sensor is the starting point of control, which can be said to be the "heart" of the motor. Since the accuracy of position detection is directly linked to torque control and rotational efficiency, signal output with little jitter is an important element that supports the core of motor performance.
On the other hand, the APS11203 is a switch-type Hall sensor that is suitable for simpler control applications such as detecting rotating objects and determining ON/OFF position. Unlike latch-type sensors, the output switches the moment the magnetic field exceeds the threshold, making it suitable for use in status detection and event triggers.
Figure 4: Configuration diagram of BLDC motor control using APS12203 *Provided by Allegro MicroSystems
Reasons to choose the APS12203/APS11203: Benefits for designers
■ Advantages of APS12203 (latch)
-Low jitter for improved torque and efficiency
- High voltage (up to 24V) compatible, ideal for industrial use
-High noise resistance and stable operation even in harsh environments
■ Advantages of APS11203 (switch)
- Ideal for simple ON/OFF detection
- Highly cost-effective and suitable for introduction into mass-produced equipment
・Easy to install in small devices or in limited spaces
Expanding use cases
The APS12203 is ideal for industrial equipment and robotics, where high precision and reliability are required, while the APS11203 is used as an option that balances performance and cost in consumer equipment and mass-produced products that require the detection and status determination of rotating objects.
|
Application example |
APS12203 (latch) |
APS11203 (switch) |
|
BLDC Motor Control |
◎ |
△ (auxiliary use) |
|
robotic arm |
◎ |
○ (Status detection) |
|
Door opening/closing detection |
△ |
◎ |
|
Detecting the passage of rotating objects |
○ |
◎ |
|
Home appliances (fans, printers) |
○ |
◎ |
Details of the APS12203/APS11203, which supports high-precision motor control
The APS12203 (latch) and APS11203 (switch) are Hall sensors essential for achieving high-precision motor control. They offer the industry's lowest jitter performance, achieving both stable and responsive control signals. They also offer design flexibility and cost competitiveness, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from industrial equipment to consumer devices.
Product features
■ Industry's highest performance
- Low jitter (375ns) achieves high efficiency and high torque control of DC motors
・High-speed response open-drain output improves control accuracy
・AEC-Q100 certified, suitable for automotive and industrial applications
■ Design flexibility
・Latch (APS12203) and switch (APS11203) are available
Wide range of magnetic threshold (BOP) options: 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 95, 150 G
- Built-in step-down regulator supports a wide range of power supply voltages (2.7V to 26V)
■ Cost competitiveness
- High performance and a small package reduce overall system costs
-Price range and supply system ideal for mass production
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