In a major technological breakthrough, Renesas Electronics Corporation, a leading name in advanced semiconductor solutions, has unveiled its inductive position sensor (IPS) technology. Designed with precision in mind, this technology is poised to revolutionize motor position sensor ICs, especially for sectors like robotics, industrial setups, and medical equipment.
Traditionally, motor control systems have relied heavily on expensive magnetic and optical encoders to cater to absolute position sensing, coupled with accuracy, speed, and reliability. Renesas’ IPS technology, in contrast, employs non-contact coil sensors. This contemporary solution is not only cost-effective but also challenges the current norms of position sensing.
The unique approach by Renesas involves the use of sensing elements made of copper coils on a printed circuit board (PCB). This design effectively detects the position of a metallic object. Offering enhanced operational advantages, IPS products can achieve 600 Krpm (electrical), with a swift position detection right from startup. These are complemented by a minimal propagation delay, under 2μs, making them apt for high-speed motors. Additionally, with features like auto-calibration and linearization, the consistency in performance throughout the motor’s life cycle is guaranteed.
Rooted in the Vernier principle, the dual-coil sensor technology boasts an impressive resolution of up to 19 bits and accuracy reaching 14 bits. This stands out, making it considerably superior to other available market solutions. Renesas’ sensor technology is designed for resilience, capable of enduring challenging conditions, including extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, vibrations, and even electromagnetic interference (EMI). Another noteworthy feature is its immunity to stray fields, reduced maintenance needs, and fewer error probabilities compared to magnetic sensors.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the technology, Jan Leuckfeld, Senior Director, HPC Analog (Sensor) Division at Renesas, commented, “Our induction position sensor technology marks a monumental progression in motor position sensors. It presents a unique blend of robustness, accuracy, and affordability.”
Ulrich Marl, from Lenord+Bauer, a renowned manufacturer of encoders for industrial systems and a valued customer of Renesas, underscored the reliability of this technology. He mentioned their successful collaboration with Renesas, integrating the IPS-based tech into their encoder range. The result? Enhanced reliability and safety, coupled with minimized operational downtimes.
With compatibility for UART, ABI, and I2C communication interfaces, this sensor technology promises smooth integration with industrial networks. It also accentuates real-time data monitoring and analysis. Backed by a comprehensive toolchain, the technology also comes with dedicated user-customizable software. As a future strategy, Renesas is set to pair this innovative sensor with numerous devices from its assortment, aiming to deliver multiple Winning Combinations. These combinations promise a synergized, risk-reduced design approach, fast-tracking market launch times.
