Technology Concept

To achieve high efficiency in DC motors using motor driver ICs, it is important to generate motor torque with a small current. To achieve this, we are developing products based on the idea that technology that automatically matches the BEMF (back electromotive force) and motor current phase is important under various environments.

The following three motor control technologies achieve high efficiency, long life, compact size, low vibration and low noise.

Technology 1: APC (Auto Phase Control)

Nuvoton Technology's "APC" technology is a unique technology that achieves highly efficient drive. The IC constantly monitors the motor current phase and automatically adjusts and optimizes it.

By utilizing this technology, you can enjoy the following benefits:

No parameter adjustment required for any motor ⇒ Realizes highly efficient, long-life motor drive

From two-phase half-wave to single-phase full-wave drive

Using "two-phase half-wave" has the advantage of simplifying the circuit configuration, but it also has the disadvantage of reducing the power conversion efficiency to less than 50%. Therefore, in order to achieve low power consumption, we recommend a "single-phase full-wave" motor drive method. By using Nuvoton's driver IC with APC function, you can easily transition to single-phase full-wave.

Technology 2: APRaS (Advanced Phase & Rapid Softswitch)

Nuvoton Technology's "APRaS" technology is a proprietary technology that efficiently achieves high-speed motor rotation (up to 100,000 rpm). It optimizes the motor current phase and waveform during high-speed rotation.

By utilizing this technology, you can enjoy the following benefits:

Easy settings allow you to increase motor speed ➡ Contributes to high motor airflow

Technology 3: A2PRaS (Advanced Auto Phase & Rapid Softswitch)

Nuvoton Technology's "A2PRaS" technology is a unique technology that enables high-speed, high-efficiency motor drive. It optimizes the motor current waveform across the entire rotation range.

By utilizing this technology, you can enjoy the following benefits:

Automatically optimizes the current waveform in high-speed, high-output motors where motor torque fluctuations are an issue ⇒ Achieves low power consumption and low vibration

Product Summary

Nuvoton Technology offers the "KA44370A," which is capable of direct 48V drive. The KA44370A is a gate driver IC for driving single-phase motors. The output stage, which can directly drive an external power MOSFET at 48V, is housed in a small 4mm x 4mm QFN package, making it possible to mount it on small motors despite the 48V. The "KA44370A" incorporates A2PRaS technology, and its unique current feedback control technology enables high-speed rotation and high-efficiency drive. The diagram below shows a motor drive configuration using the "KA44370A."

KA44370A motor drive configuration diagram (provided by Nuvoton)

By using "KA44370A", the following benefits can be enjoyed, and the effects compared to conventional technologies are shown in the figure below.
-Low power consumption: 28% less power consumption than conventional technology
-Low vibration/low noise: 20dB less vibration than conventional technology
・Stable start-up: Compared to conventional technology, start-up from reverse rotation is twice as fast as possible under harsh conditions.

Courtesy of Nuvoton

Product features

• Recommended power supply voltage range: 8.0V to 76V (absolute maximum rating: 100V)
• Supports external Nch + Nch power MOSFET
• Lead angle function and soft switching function realize high efficiency and low vibration motor drive
• Various parameters can be set by writing to the built-in memory (speed feedback control, advance angle, motor lock protection time, etc.)
• Supports speed control via PWM/DC input
• FG (rotation speed signal)/LD (motor lock detection) output function
• Achieves high safety through various protection functions (VCC undervoltage protection (UVLO), overheat protection, motor output current limit, motor lock protection)
• QFN: 4.0mm x 4.0mm 32pin (0.4mm pitch)

Target application

• Single-phase fan motors for servers, base stations, industrial and home appliances

Evaluation kit/evaluation board

■ KE-K44370USB: Evaluation kit

KE-K44370USB is an evaluation kit that includes an evaluation board (KE-KA44370A) and an interface board that connects to a PC via USB. It also provides a GUI for PC use, which allows you to configure various settings for the KA44370A, providing strong support for motor evaluation and development.

■ KE-K44370A: Evaluation board

KE-KA44370A is an evaluation board equipped with KA44370A and peripheral circuits for external MOSFETs. This board can supply a peak current of 1.3A with a 48V DC power supply and can drive a single-phase brushless DC motor.

Manufacturer site

For more information about KA44370A, please visit the manufacturer's website below.

Nuvoton Technology Manufacturer Information Top

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