This project is a typical example of a large project which has progressed from a feasibility study through specification, design, prototyping to final manufacture in-house. This has offered Microchip a seamless route to obtain a product inherently slightly different to its normal area of expertise but which complements its existing extensive range of development tools.




 We are fortunate in having a special relationship with Microchip Technology. Not only are they a key supplier providing us with high quality, cost effective microcontrollers and analogue components used in our own designs, but they have also become a major customer.

We are proud that our applications experience has provided useful input to Microchip engineers developing a new range of peripherals targeted at power applications. These peripherals are used on the new dsPIC™ devices which offer an exciting step forward for cost effective implementation of advanced motor control algorithms.

We have worked closely with two divisions of Microchip to design a motor control development and evaluation system for the dsPIC™ parts. The system comprises an external control board connecting to an enclosed power module. The power module contains internal fault circuitry to protect against damage during code development and passes all required feedback across an isolation barrier to maintain user safety. The system provides a convenient, flexible and low cost method to develop motor control applications using the new parts. We manufacture two variants of the power module, 0-230Vac and 0-48Vdc.