Which processor to use

[Carl]

So Ive decided to make the final plunge and build an inverter. I'm looking at using a IRAM for the final stage H-bridge.

I'ts a pretty smart device with loads of built in functionality.

 

My problem at the moment is the choice of processor to use.

 

I bought a book but it is commercially biased. I need a processor that not going to break the bank. The choice of processors seems to be large some pretty good ones are out there with built in motor control engines.

 

But the software is dear with a choice of so many software versions "lite", "enterprise" etc etc. Spoiled for choice but not spoiled with a large bank balance. I just get the feeling that if I buy product xx I'll need such and such add on and when I get to the next hurdle I'll need the next add on.

 

Could anybody give me some guidance please.

 

Thanks

[marke]

Hi Carl

 

That is a very open ended question as it really depends on what you want to do, what tools you have available and what experience you have.

You are right, there are very many options available and there are a wide variety of tools available also.

 

If you are building an inverter for motor control with any form of flux vector control, then you really need to look at aprocessor with good DSP capabilities for doing the number crunching. If you are after a simple inverter using a space vector modulation, then this can be achieved with a simple processor like one of the 51 core processors, so that leaves things wide open for you.

 

Essentially, you have three core tasks to consider, one is the real time activity that actually generates the output signals to control the output devices, another is the "crunching" where the numbers are processed to implement your required algorithms, and the third is the general housekeeping, looking after I/O protection etc.

This can be implemented in separate processors on a common bus, or it can be done on a single slab of silicon. The multi processor approach actually simplifies things and you can use seriously reduced processors for some activities.

 

Sorry, I have'nt given you the answer that you want, but perhaps some food for thought.

 

Best regards,

[Carl]

Hello Mark,

 

Thanks for the reply; All I want to do is build a squirrel cage three phase ±2.2Kw 220 volt inverter. Initially I want to use a simple volts frequency control but I do want to move on to the more sophisticated control algorithms.

 

International rectifiers have a smart device that I plan to use; it will save me a bit of work. Ideally the processor will have a built in motor control section as I believe this will free a lot of the processor time as well as save me the development of the motor control algorithm. An alternative approach could be a dedicated motor control chip that interfaces with a processor. At the moment I have no µP tools so I want to get good value for my money in what I decide to buy. I do have measurement studio, LabView and visual C++. This can assist me in developing of the system. I just want to make a good choice of the type of the type of circuitry to use, namely the µP and if there is a dedicated motor control chip.

 

Thanks