Trinamic Servo Drive TMCM-1636 - The ideal platform for three-phase BLDC and DC motors

TRINAMIC Motion Control, now part of Maxim Integrated, announces the launch of the TMCM-1636. Developed for drives up to 1000W and 60A RMS, the TMCM-1636 is ideal for use in robotics, laboratory and factory automation, manufacturing, patient care equipment such as motorized beds and chairs, and industrial drives.

By embedding Trinamic's TMC4671 and TMC6100 integrated circuits, the new module achieves high current loop frequencies to minimize current ripple and achieve powerful drives with extremely high dynamic characteristics. Communication is carried out via a CAN interface with TMCL or CANopen protocol, where the TMCL version provides memory for up to 1024 independent operation commands. All of this can be programmed using the simple and intuitive TMCL-DIE, Trinamic's free programming environment, to quickly set up and adjust the design, reducing development time.

Michael Randt, founder of Trinamic, explains: “Field Oriented Control, or vector control, has proven to be an effective method for driving motors with optimum torque and speed. Implementing FOC used to be a very difficult task, but today more and more engineers are using dedicated servo controller ICs like the TMC4671. The TMCM-1636 further reduces development time and costs by providing a highly dynamic solution for powerful servo drives with integrated FOC.”

With the dedicated FOC servo controller IC TMC4671 on the mainboard, the TMCM-1636 supports a variety of feedback systems, including two times ABN incremental encoders, analog encoders, digital HALL sensors, and SPI-based or RS422-based absolute encoders, depending on the firmware options. The module also supports +5V DC power supply for external sensors. Further custom firmware options support specific absolute encoder types via SPI or RS422 interface.

The stacking board features an aluminum base plate with a total of seven M4 screw terminals for effective cooling. Its top features an IO and interface connector and a brake control output connector, allowing for a compact design with clean lines. An integrated overvoltage protection output is also added to increase the safety of the device.

The TMCM-1636 will be available through Trinamic’s distribution channels starting in early July and is available in 24V and 48V versions with CANopen or TMCL firmware. Different driver stages are available and both firmware and hardware can be customized.

Features and Benefits:

Servo drives for BLDC and DC motors with +24V and +48V supplies

Up to 1000W continuous current and 60A RMS phase current maximum.

CAN and UART interfaces

Supports a variety of feedback systems including 2 incremental encoders, digital HALL sensors and analog encoder options

Absolute SPI and SSI based encoder support

Various GPIOs

Motor brake control and overvoltage protection