SDK Simplifies Motor-Control Design Chores

STMicroelectronics pairs the latest STM32 PMSM FOC Software Development Kit (SDK) with the STM32Cube ecosystem. The marriage helps users build sophisticated drives for equipment such as air conditioners, home appliances, drones, building automation, industrial machinery, medical devices, e-bikes, and many others, without needing specialized experience.

 

Building on previous generations of the company’s Field-Oriented Control (FOC) of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) SDK, the new version 5.0 firmware libraries align with the STM32Cube Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) and Low Level (LL) architectures, which eases development, customization, and debugging. In addition, free access to source code gives developers extra flexibility, control, and customizability.

 

New with MC-Workbench version 5.0, the Graphical User Interface (GUI) leverages the STM32CubeMX workflow to set up the project, configure microcontroller peripherals, and generate initialization code automatically. It also lets users monitor and change control loop parameters in real time, as they develop or debug their projects.

 

A wide selection of algorithms are included implementing popular PMSM-control techniques such as Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) to maximize efficiency and handle varying load conditions. Flux-Weakening control for extended speed range and feed-forward control for enhanced stability at high speeds are also included. Further features include “start-on-the-fly” to ensure smooth drive insertion when the rotor is already turning, which is often needed for outdoor fans such as in air conditioners or smoke extractors.

 

The latest STM32 PMSM FOC SDK is available free of charge.