The reference design board provides an integrated solution for creating 3-phase PMSM water pumps with sensorless FOC dual shunt control, offering key functional, interface, and power features for efficient, reliable, and safe performance.
The 3-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) water pump is a critical component in modern fluid management systems, known for its efficiency, reliability, and precision. Utilising the advanced technology of PMSM, these pumps offer superior performance in speed control and torque management, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. From industrial processes and HVAC systems to automotive cooling and agricultural irrigation, the versatility and energy-saving capabilities of 3-phase PMSM water pumps make them an essential choice for various sectors seeking sustainable and effective fluid handling solutions.
The S12ZVM-EWP reference design board by NXP Semiconductor is engineered explicitly for 3-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) water pump applications that utilize sensorless field-oriented control (FOC) with dual shunt control. This design is based on the 16-bit S12 MagniV S12ZVM mixed-signal microcontrollers, providing a comprehensive hardware and software solution for PMSM electrical water pump electronic control units (ECUs). The primary aim of the S12ZVM-EWP is to expedite the development and production process of water pump products.
The reference design’s functional features include a sensorless field-oriented control (FOC) algorithm, a key innovation that enables efficient motor control without the need for physical sensors. This not only simplifies the design but also enhances the overall performance and reliability of the water pump. The design also incorporates comprehensive protection software, ensuring safe operation by providing overcurrent, stall detection, undervoltage, overvoltage, and overtemperature protection. For precise speed control of the water pump, the design utilizes pulse-width modulation (PWM) duty cycle and FreeMASTER. Additionally, it features automatic fault recovery, with the ability to clear faults and restart in auto-mode if the corresponding macro is enabled, thereby enhancing reliability and reducing downtime.
The design’s interface features integrate PWM and LIN functions into a single wire, simplifying communication and control. The board features consolidated connectors, integrating BDM (background debug mode) and SCI (serial communication interface) into one plug, facilitating ease of programming and communication. Additionally, the design employs a four-layer PCB with components mounted on one layer, ensuring compactness and ease of assembly.
The power features of the design are tailored for 12 V system applications, with a flexible supply voltage range from 9 V to 18 V to accommodate various operating conditions. It supports an input current of 7 A and an input power of up to 80 W, making it suitable for a wide range of water pump applications. The design incorporates dual shunt current sampling for accurate current measurement and control. Additionally, it includes hardware-based overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection to safeguard the system against electrical anomalies.
NXP has tested this reference design with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, and other data. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.
