Motor Control Kit from STMicroelectronics Provides Easy-to-Use Design Solution for 3-Phase Drives up to 3kW

Reusable reference design handles a range of configurations for different applications

Geneva, February 27,2006 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) has released a Motor Control Reference Design Kit which will simplify the evaluation and implementation of practical 3-phase BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) and AC drive applications across three power ranges, up to 3kW. The dedicated ST chipsets used in the design provide smooth, quiet and efficient motor operation, yet the kit is quick and easy to set up, and CAD files are available to enable the layout to be reused directly in the production application.

The modular four-board kit consists of a control board, the STEVAL-IHM001V1, and three power boards – the STEVAL-IHM003V1/004V1/005V1 – which are designed for 300W, 1kW and 3kW motors. Its hardware architecture is based on an inverter topology designed for a range of 3-phase applications, including AC Induction Motor, PMDC/AC or BLDC/AC (6-step sensorless) control, and PMAC or BLAC (sinusoidal driven, with Hall sensors), as well as for single and 3-phase UPS (Uninterriptible Power Supplies).

The inverter stages of the power boards consist of six rugged, short-circuit protected IGBTs, with current capability determined by the board’s power rating. The 300W and 1kW boards can operate directly from an AC or DC power supply, while the 3kW board uses only DC power; all provide an auxiliary power supply, and are host to the Control board via in-line connectors. The partitioned design between power and control boards provides highly effective system noise immunity.

Control of the reference design kit is based around an ST7FMC microcontroller, which is designed specifically for motor control applications and offers significant performance benefits compared to DSP-based MCUs. A dedicated graphical user interface enables easy configuration, with firmware libraries enabling customization to meet particular user requirements. The physical design of all of the boards is reusable in the target application, aided by free availability of the OrCAD source files.

The Motor Control Reference Design Kits are available now, and US pricing for the 300W, 1kW and 3kW kits is $38, $45 and $55, respectively.

Further information is available at www.st.com/rdk.

About ST’s Microcontroller, Linear & Discrete Group
STMicroelectronics is a world leader in offering complete system solutions that leverage its rich portfolio of Microcontroller, Linear, and Discrete products, advanced process and design technologies, and applications expertise. This emphasis on solutions allows the Company to minimize time-to-market for all customers worldwide in existing and emerging applications.

About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today’s convergence markets. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company�s net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
Information last updated Jan 2006

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Michael Markowitz

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STMicroelectronics

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