Texas Instruments (TI) introduced the industry’s first functionally isolated modulators, helping designers achieve more precise motor control in compact robot designs. The new AMC0106M05, AMC0136 and AMC0106M25 isolated modulators enable increased precision and higher resolution of 12 to 14 effective number of bits (ENOB) for accurate and reliable phase current sensing and DC voltage sensing measurements. Offered in a small leadless package, the new products in TI’s isolated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) portfolio help designers achieve smooth torque operation and fine motor control, while decreasing size and cost in low-voltage (<60V) robotics designs.
Why it matters
Engineers today are challenged to design smarter robots to perform more detailed tasks. The galvanically isolated modulators enable robotics engineers to achieve precise motor control and system protection in smaller, more sophisticated designs. This precision makes it possible for robots to complete a variety of complex tasks, such as threading a needle or handling small nuts and bolts. In addition, the small size of the new modulators—measuring just 3.5mm x 2.7mm—requires 50% less board space than competing reinforced isolation solutions. With this decrease in size, designers have more space to incorporate additional features that support precise control and reliable operation in compact robot applications.
“These modulators from TI enable designers to increase robotics accuracy and productivity in new use cases and smaller form factors, from the factory floor to the operating room,” said Karthik Vasanth, vice president and general manager of Data Converters and Clocks at TI. “For example, where humanoid robots could previously only complete simple tasks, our new functionally isolated modulators now allow them to carry out more dexterous and precise jobs.”
