A Closer Look at STMicroelectronics' AI-Powered Motor Control Software

[Ahmet Ö.]

STMicroelectronics has announced an AI-powered motor control software development package for low-voltage three-phase brushless motors. This package offers designers the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning without requiring years of experience.

The FP-IND-MCAI1 software package is optimized for the EVLSPIN32G4-ACT evaluation motor driver board, designed to drive three-phase low-voltage brushless motors. This package enables easy implementation of intelligent driving features in industrial, commercial, and robotic applications.

### FP-IND-MCAI1 and EVLSPIN32G4-ACT Board

The EVLSPIN32G4-ACT board drives three-phase BLDC motors up to 250 W. Servo motors typically use parameters with tuning algorithms and user settings to bring the axis to the correct position. But why is AI used in driver software? Because parameters determine the motor's speed of movement and precision; if set incorrectly, the system's lifespan is shortened.

Thanks to AI, motion parameters and PID gains can be dynamically adjusted using historical data, creating more efficient motion profiles that extend system life.

As a motor wears down over time, its performance decreases; the FP-IND-MCAI1 software can dynamically adjust the motion profile over time and predict the motor's lifespan.

### FP-IND-MCAI1 Features

• Low-voltage three-phase BLDC motor control
• Field-oriented control
• Dedicated drivers for the EVLSPIN32G4-ACT board
• Machine learning feature for automatic detection of normal, high-vibration, and unstable motor conditions
• Optional vibration sensor support
• Collection of motor current data and analysis with ML model
• Motor parameter tuning with STMicroelectronics' STM32 motor control SDK
• Ability to customize the ML model with NanoEdge AI Studio

### Application and Use Cases

Servo drivers may not always be plug-and-play devices; some require software integration by the user. The EVLSPIN32G4-ACT, with its soldered PCB structure, is suitable for product and device manufacturers to integrate servo control. The FP-IND-MCAI1 software package is a development package and requires user interface development.

Although this integration requires programming knowledge, it offers system integrators the opportunity to develop their own solutions in a wide range of application areas.

For example, when a small pick-and-place robot is used in automatic assembly machines, EVLSPIN32G4-ACT and AI tools enable machine manufacturers to create advanced systems that can be easily configured by the user and reused in multiple projects.