Three-phase BLDC pre-driver IC offers sensorless sine-wave motor control

Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH has released a three-phase BLDC motor control pre-driver IC for motors that need high rotation speeds, such as those employed for server fans, pumps, blowers and suction motors for cordless and robotic vacuum cleaners.

The new TC78B011FTG includes a sine-wave drive method reducing vibration and noise. Its sensorless design saves the space and expense of a Hall sensor. The built-in closed-loop speed control regulates and maintains the motor's rotational speed through dynamic power supply fluctuations and load variations without requiring an external MCU. The precise setting of a speed profile can be programmed into the built-in NVM.

The feature-rich device incorporates selectable closed-loop or open-loop speed control, operating from a supply voltage ranging from 5.5V to 27V. Speed can be controlled through a PWM signal, analog voltage or the I2C interface. The I2C interface is also employed to control various settings within the device. A standby function further enhances overall system efficiency.

The device is provided in a P-WQFN36-0505-0.50-001 package with a footprint of only 5mm x 5mm and a height of 0.8mm.

Also available is the company's existing TC78B009FTG device, which utilises trapezoidal control, enabling designers to choose the most appropriate product depending on their preferred motor drive method.