Motorola is introducing products targeting embedded motor control which include application-specific microcontrollers and digital signal processors (DSPs) for control of DC, brushless DC, brushless permanent magnet servo, AC induction, and switched reluctance motors. This is a comprehensive and aggressive strategy that includes a core and product roadmap, a library of algorithms, application-specific tools, distributor training, and a customer support network.

Embedded motor control applications are expected to reach 7.3 billion units by 2001 (source: Motion Tech Trends). Motor control is a significant, but often ignored, segment of embedded applications. Motor control applications span everything from washing machines to fans, hand-held power tools, and automotive window lift and traction control systems. In most of these applications there is a move away from analog motor control to precision digital control of motors. Digital control of motors permits a much more efficient operation of the motor, resulting in longer life, lower power dissipation, and a lower overall system cost.

Both microcontrollers and DSPs are presently used in motor control; however, because of the real-time control algorithms that must be processed, the majority of these applications are driven by microcontrollers. This is partially due to engineers' comfort with microcontrollers and lack of familiarity with programming DSPs; however, DSPs are expected to surpass microcontrollers in the precision control of motors by 2003. Motorola is positioning itself to be the only vendor to offer both microcontroller & DSP solutions.

Strategy
Motorola's strategy involves a product mix that involves application-specific products, development tools, evaluation boards, an extensive library of drivers and algorithms, and distributor training.

Products
The product mix includes the 8-bit 68HC08 core and Motorola's DSP56800 DSP. The 68HC08 solutions are targeted towards low-cost systems that utilize sensor control and use a UART-based system bus. They include a 15-bit PWM module specific to motor control, as well as integrated fault pins and a 10-bit A/D (accurate to ±4 LSB) The DSP56800 solutions are for higher-performance systems that utilize sensorless control and use a CAN communications bus. It sports a 12-bit A/D (accurate to ±1 LSB), an integrated quadrature encoder and a JTAG interface. The DSPs also have the same motor control PWM module as the 68HC08, insuring code compatibility between 68HC08 and DSP56800 solutions. Some products will be designed to meet Automotive quality standards.

* data not available at press time

Development Tools
A fully-featured C compiler is available from Metrowerks (a Motorola Company - see related story) for both Motorola's microcontrollers and DSPs. A 30-day trial version is available for download. In-circuit emulators are also available from Motorola.

Evaluation Boards
A modular development environment allows developers to quickly produce turnkey prototype systems to speed development of many motor control systems. A system of modular hardware boards scale from one motor control application to another, and powerful visual software generation tools that integrate included APIs and drivers with the developer's custom software. 

Developers choose a microcontroller or DSP EVM board and interconnect the board to one of Motorola's modular control boards. Control boards include motor control sub-assemblies, motor control development systems, and power stage boards. Evaluation support is available for popular motor types.

Drivers and Algorithms
Motorola is providing for developers over 61 free algorithms, as well as device drivers, to speed software development. Application software is also available for many common motor control systems.

Distributor Training
Motorola's extensive distributor network of Field Applications Engineers (FAEs) will be trained on the new devices, as well as receiving training on Motorola's 56800 line of DSPs. Distributor FAEs will also be trained on the competitive advantages of Motorola's DSP motor control solutions as compared to Infineon, ST-Microelectronics, Texas Instruments, and Analog Devices. The DSP56800 is being positioned as the highest performance motor control solution.

What This Means - Editorial Comment
Motorola Semiconductor is  positioning itself to dominate the motor control marketplace. Part of the difficulty of precision motor control is understanding the characteristics of the target motor and constructing an appropriate control algorithm while also performing the real-time control tasks necessary to monitor and respond to external control inputs, including switch detection, status signal detection, and display control. In order to meet time-to-market demands, developers often must go with a more expensive solution that may not efficiently perform the required job. Motorola is providing significant development support in the form of tools and, most importantly, algorithms and software applications. Software support in the form of drivers and APIs are becoming more and more in demand from development engineers in order to speed development of common applications. This latest move from Motorola shows that they have finally decided on a target market for the 56800 DSP and that they are finally getting serious on development tools for DSPs.

About Motorola
As the world's No. 1 producer of embedded processors, Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector offers multiple DigitalDNA™ solutions, which enable its customers in the consumer, networking and computing, transportation, and wireless communications markets, to create new business opportunities. Motorola's worldwide semiconductor sales were $7.3 billion (USD) in l998.

Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1998 were $29.4 (USD) billion.