NXP Semiconductors S32M2 PMSM BLDC Motor Control Evaluation Boards

The NXP S32M2 evaluation boards are designed for rapid prototyping and testing of brushless direct current (BLDC) and permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) control systems. These boards, equipped with the S32M24x or S32M27x integrated solutions, offer a comprehensive set of features including a microcontroller, analog components, and software libraries. 

The board features current sensors, gate drivers, voltage regulators, and other essential power electronic components for safe and efficient operations. It also provides an application software featuring Automotive Math and Motor Control Library (AMMCLib) with real-time drivers. This combination enables engineers to quickly evaluate and develop motor control algorithms for various applications such as electric pumps, cooling systems, and actuators.

Designed for Three-Phase BLDC and PMSM Prototyping and Applications

The NXP S32M2 evaluation boards provide a flexible platform for evaluating both BLDC and PMSM motor control algorithms. There is an array of features and sensor options to accommodate different motor types and control strategies.

• S32M24xEVB-C064/S32M27xEVB-C064 - This board is equipped with a connector for external sensors, allowing for the integration of various sensor options such as encoders, Hall sensors, or current sensors. This flexibility enables the evaluation of different motor control techniques and sensor configurations.

• S32M24xEVB-L064/S32M27xEVB-L064 - This board includes an integrated Hall sensor, making it ideal for BLDC motor control applications that rely on Hall sensors for commutation. However, it may not be suitable for PMSM motors that require more precise position and speed information.

The S32M2 microcontrollers on these boards offer powerful processing capabilities and integrated peripherals, including:

• Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) generators - For precise control of motor voltage and current.

• Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) - For accurate measurement of sensor signals, such as encoder position, Hall sensor signals, and current measurements. The board offers a rotary potentiometer for providing analog input to the microcontroller.

• Communication interfaces - For connecting to host computers, data loggers, and other devices for data acquisition and analysis. It provides CAN interface capabilities featuring the CAN TJA1462 transceiver for signal improvement signal capabilities.

Comprehensive Software Suite for Rapid Prototyping

The NXP S32M2 evaluation boards offer a comprehensive suite of software tools and libraries to support the development and evaluation of BLDC and PMSM motor control applications. There are two basic control algorithms such as:

• Field-Oriented Control (FOC) - This advanced control technique is ideal for PMSM motors, providing precise control of motor torque and speed. The boards support FOC with field weakening, allowing for high-speed operation.

• 6-Step Commutation - This simpler control method is suitable for BLDC motors, offering a balance between performance and implementation complexity.

Other than that, the evaluation board also features various software development tools such as: 

• ANSI C Examples - These provide a foundation for developing custom motor control algorithms, offering flexibility and control over the implementation.

• Model-Based Design - This approach enables rapid prototyping and simulation of motor control systems using tools like MATLAB/Simulink. It can accelerate the development process and improve the quality of the final implementation.

Moreover, the AMMCLib provides a set of reusable software components for motor control, including mathematical functions, sensorless control algorithms, field-oriented control algorithms, current control algorithms, PWM generation, and communication interfaces.

Additionally, the FreeMASTER and Motor Control Application Tuning (MCAT) tools enhance engineers’ prototyping and evaluation experience.