Apex Enters Brushless Motor Drives with the SA305
Apex Microtechnology Corp.'s first product targeted at the brushless motor market is the new SA305. This IC features pulse-width modulation (pwm) operation for thermal efficiency and it offers the designer their choice of digital interface, DSP or MCU.
The SA305 is targeted at brushless motors in the fractional one-third horsepower range. It utilizes three independent half bridges to deliver up to 5A output current, or 10A peak, using industrial voltage supplies of 60V. This independent half-bridge operation provides separate high and low MOSFET control and allows the SA305 to be used wherever three high current outputs are required. All six FETs in the device can be accessed independently to control the pwm and commutation.
An important design note for the SA305 is the potential for overall savings on system size, weight and design based on the devices pwm efficiency. The SA305 also uses smaller filter components because it switches at frequencies of up to 100 KHz. The SA305 is offered in a 23-pin staggered lead IC package.
These three-phase drivers are designed for use in industrial controls, aerospace and military systems. Typical applications for the SA305EX include: dc brushless motor drives up to 1/3-HP, factory automation, robotic controls, and positioning controls.
In production quantities, the SA305EX three-phase drivers cost $13.10 per unit. Sample units for evaluation are available now. Full-qualified release is scheduled for 2nd quarter 2006.
