Motor drive and control method thereof, and motor drive system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor driver, a control method thereof, and a motor driving system. The motor driver includes a rotation information pin for receiving a reference signal, an analog detection circuit electrically connected to the rotation information pin, and a mode switching circuit electrically connected to the analog detection circuit. The analog detection circuit is configured to determine whether the reference signal is an analog signal. When the reference signal is not the analog signal, the motor driver is maintained in a host mode. When the reference signal is the analog signal, the mode switching circuit determines whether the analog signal is noise. When the analog signal is not the noise, the motor driver is switched from the host mode to a slave mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a motor driver and its control method, as well as a motor drive system, and particularly to a switchable master-slave mode motor driver and its control method, as well as a motor drive system. Background Technology

[0002] As computers nowadays boast ever-increasing processing speeds and storage capacities, using multiple fans for cooling is a common practice. A common control method involves a master-slave system with a single controller, which effectively monitors the rotation status of each fan and thus controls its speed.

[0003] In current master-slave motor systems, the master motor chip and the slave motor chip are usually made of different materials or of the same material, with extra pins used for external control to define the differences between the master and slave motor chips. In addition, the master motor chip and the slave motor chip usually use two or more communication pins to provide each other with real-time status information for communication and appropriate rotational response. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a motor driver that addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies. The driver comprises: a rotation information pin, an analog detection circuit, and a mode switching circuit. The rotation information pin is used to receive a reference signal. The analog detection circuit is electrically connected to the rotation information pin, and the mode switching circuit is electrically connected to the analog detection circuit. The analog detection circuit determines whether the reference signal is an analog signal. When the reference signal is not an analog signal, the motor driver remains in master mode. When the reference signal is an analog signal, the mode switching circuit determines whether the reference signal is noise. When the reference signal is not noise, the motor driver switches from master mode to slave mode.

[0005] Preferably, the analog detection circuit is an analog-to-digital converter.

[0006] Preferably, the analog detection circuit is a comparator.

[0007] Preferably, the mode switching circuit includes a potential judgment circuit, which is used to determine whether a potential of the reference signal remains unchanged. If the potential of the reference signal remains unchanged, the reference signal does not belong to the noise. If the potential of the reference signal does not remain unchanged, the reference signal belongs to the noise.

[0008] The present invention also discloses a control method for a motor driver, characterized in that it includes: receiving a reference signal via a rotation information pin; determining whether the reference signal belongs to an analog signal via an analog detection circuit; when the reference signal does not belong to the analog speed signal, the motor driver maintains a master mode; when the reference signal belongs to the analog signal, determining whether the reference signal is noise via a mode switching circuit; and when the reference signal does not belong to the noise, switching the motor driver from the master mode to a slave mode via the mode switching circuit.

[0009] Preferably, determining whether the reference signal is noise through the mode switching circuit includes: determining whether a potential of the reference signal remains constant through a potential determination circuit; if the potential of the reference signal remains constant, the reference signal does not belong to the noise; and if the potential of the reference signal does not remain constant, the reference signal belongs to the noise.

[0010] This invention also discloses a motor drive system, characterized in that it includes: a first motor driver, comprising a first control command pin, a first rotation information pin, a first analog detection circuit, and a first mode switching circuit, wherein the first control command pin is used to receive a control command, the first rotation information pin outputs a rotation speed signal according to the control command, the first rotation information pin is electrically connected to the first analog detection circuit, and the first mode switching circuit is electrically connected to the first analog detection circuit; and a second motor driver, comprising a second control command pin, a second rotation information pin, a second analog detection circuit, and a second mode switching circuit, wherein the first... Two control command pins are electrically connected to the first rotation information pin, and the second rotation information pin is used to receive a reference signal. The second rotation information pin is electrically connected to the second analog detection circuit, and the second mode switching circuit is electrically connected to the second analog detection circuit. The second analog detection circuit is used to determine whether the reference signal is an analog signal. When the reference signal is not an analog signal, the second motor driver maintains a master mode. When the reference signal is an analog signal, the mode switching circuit determines whether the reference signal is noise. When the reference signal is not noise, the second motor driver switches from the master mode to a slave mode.

[0011] Preferably, the motor drive system further includes a first motor and a second motor, which are electrically connected to the first motor driver and the second motor driver, respectively. When the control command received by the first control command pin is a rotation command and the first motor stops abnormally, the first motor is locked.

[0012] Preferably, the motor drive system further includes a first motor and a second motor, which are electrically connected to the first motor driver and the second motor driver, respectively. When the control command received by the first control command pin is a rotation command and the first motor does not stop abnormally, the first motor rotates normally.

[0013] Preferably, the motor drive system further includes a first motor and a second motor, which are electrically connected to the first motor driver and the second motor driver, respectively. When the first motor rotates normally and the second motor stops abnormally, the rotational speed of the first motor increases.

[0014] Preferably, the motor drive system further includes a first motor and a second motor, which are electrically connected to the first motor driver and the second motor driver, respectively. When the first motor stops abnormally, the speed of the second motor increases.

[0015] Preferably, the motor drive system further includes a first motor and a second motor, which are electrically connected to the first motor driver and the second motor driver, respectively. When the control command received by the first control command pin is a rotation command and the second motor stops abnormally, the second motor is locked.

[0016] One of the beneficial effects of this invention is that, through the motor driver, its control method, and the motor drive system of this invention, the user only needs to provide a reference signal to the rotation information pin of the motor driver to set the motor driver to master mode or slave mode. In this way, each motor driver can share a single material type, achieving cost reduction. Furthermore, using a single communication transmission line to connect each motor driver allows the master mode motor driver to communicate instantly with multiple slave mode motor drivers, and the slave mode motor drivers can also communicate with each other in real time. Moreover, when a motor paired with any group of motor drivers experiences an abnormal stop, other groups of motor drivers are notified of the abnormal stop via the communication transmission line and increase the speed of the paired motor to achieve speed compensation.

[0017] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of a motor driver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2This is a flowchart of a motor driver control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a motor drive system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4A for Figure 3 Functional block diagram of the first motor driver.

[0022] Figure 4B for Figure 3 Functional block diagram of the second motor driver.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a motor driver in host mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a slave-mode motor driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the "motor driver and its control method, and motor drive system" provided by the present invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of the present invention from the content provided in this specification. The present invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of the present invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of the present invention are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions; this is stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of the present invention in detail, but the content provided is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] It should be understood that while terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this document to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein should be interpreted to include, as appropriate, any combination of one or more of the related listed items.

[0027] To address the limited number of pins on a motor driver and enable rapid master-slave mode setting, this invention provides a motor driver, its control method, and a motor drive system. The user simply sends a reference signal externally to the motor driver's rotation information pin. The analog detection circuit and mode switching circuit then determine whether the reference signal is an analog voltage signal with a fixed potential. When the reference signal is confirmed to be an analog voltage signal with a fixed potential, the motor driver switches from master mode to slave mode. Conversely, when the reference signal is confirmed not to be an analog voltage signal with a fixed potential, the motor driver remains in master mode.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of a motor driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the motor driver 1 includes a control command pin 11, a rotation information pin 12, a first motor drive pin 13A, a second motor drive pin 13B, an analog detection circuit 14, and a mode switching circuit 15. The initial mode of the motor driver 1 is the host mode, and the rotation information pin 12 is used to receive a reference signal S. The first motor drive pin 13A and the second motor drive pin 13B are used to connect the motor. The analog detection circuit 14 is electrically connected to the rotation information pin 12, and the mode switching circuit 15 is electrically connected to the analog detection circuit 14. The analog detection circuit 14 and the mode switching circuit 15 can have various implementations. For example, the analog detection circuit 14 can use a comparator or an analog-to-digital converter to determine whether the reference signal S is an analog signal. The mode switching circuit 15 can include a potential judgment circuit 151 and a time counter 152. The potential judgment circuit 151 is electrically connected to the time counter 152 and the analog detection circuit 14, and the time counter 152 is also electrically connected to the analog detection circuit 14. When the analog detection circuit 14 confirms that the reference signal S is an analog signal, the potential judgment circuit 151 further determines whether the potential of the reference signal S remains unchanged. If it is confirmed that the potential of the reference signal S remains unchanged, it means that the reference signal S is not noise, and the mode switching circuit 15 switches the motor driver 1 from the master mode to the slave mode.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a motor driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See also: [link to related document]) Figure 1 and Figure 2Regarding step S201, the motor driver 1 is in host mode. Regarding step S203, the analog detection circuit 14 determines whether the reference signal S received by the rotation information pin 12 is an analog signal. Specifically, the rotation information pin 12 serves as the input pin of the motor driver 1 to receive the external reference signal S, and the analog detection circuit 14 determines whether the reference signal S is an analog signal. When the analog detection circuit 14 confirms that the reference signal S is not an analog signal, it returns to step S201. When the analog detection circuit 14 confirms that the reference signal S is an analog signal, it proceeds to step S205.

[0030] Regarding step S205, the potential of the reference signal S is determined by the potential judgment circuit 151 of the mode switching circuit 15 to see if it remains constant. If it is confirmed that the potential of the reference signal S remains constant, it is determined that the reference signal S is not noise, and step S207 is then executed. For example, if the reference signal S is an analog voltage signal with a fixed potential (e.g., 1.2V), it means that the reference signal S is not noise. Regarding step S207, the motor driver 1 is switched from master mode to slave mode, and then the process returns to step S203. If it is confirmed that the potential of the reference signal S does not remain constant, it is determined that the reference signal S is noise, and the process returns to step S201.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a motor drive system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3As shown, the motor drive system 2 includes a first motor driver 21, a second motor driver 22, a controller 23, a communication transmission line 24, a first motor 25, and a second motor 26. The first motor driver 21 includes a first control command pin 211, a first rotation information pin 212, a first motor drive pin 213, and a second motor drive pin 214. The first control command pin 211 is electrically connected to a first pin 231 of the controller 23, and the first rotation information pin 212 is electrically connected to a second pin 232 of the controller 23 via the communication transmission line 24. The first motor drive pin 213 and the second motor drive pin 214 are electrically connected to the first motor 25, and the first motor 25 is connected to the first fan F1. The second motor driver 22 includes a second control command pin 221, a second rotation information pin 222, a third motor drive pin 223, and a fourth motor drive pin 224. The second control command pin 221 of the second motor driver 22 is electrically connected to the first rotation information pin 212 of the first motor driver 21 and the second pin 232 of the controller 23 via a communication transmission line 24. The second rotation information pin 222 is used to receive a reference signal S. The third motor drive pin 223 and the fourth motor drive pin 224 are electrically connected to the second motor 26, and the second motor 26 is connected to the second fan F2.

[0032] Figure 4A for Figure 3 The functional block diagram of the first motor driver 21 is as follows: Figure 4A As shown, the first motor driver 21 further includes a first analog detection circuit 215 and a first mode switching circuit 216. The first analog detection circuit 215 is electrically connected to the first rotation information pin 212, and the first mode switching circuit 216 is electrically connected to the first analog detection circuit 215. The first analog detection circuit 215 and the first mode switching circuit 216 may have various implementations. For example, the architectures of the first analog detection circuit 215 and the first mode switching circuit 216 are respectively the same as... Figure 1 The architecture of the analog detection circuit 14 and the mode switching circuit 15.

[0033] Figure 4B for Figure 3The functional block diagram of the second motor driver 22 is shown below. In fact, the circuit architecture of the second motor driver 22 is the same as that of the first motor driver 21, wherein the second motor driver 22 further includes a second analog detection circuit 225 and a second mode switching circuit 226. The second analog detection circuit 225 is electrically connected to the second rotation information pin 222, and the second mode switching circuit 226 is electrically connected to the second analog detection circuit 225. After the first control command pin 211 of the first motor driver 21 receives a rotation command from the controller 23, the first rotation information pin 212 of the first motor driver 21 outputs a speed signal to the second pin 232 of the controller 23 and the second control command pin 221 of the second motor driver 22, and the first motor driver 21 drives the first motor 25 to rotate according to the rotation command. The second rotation information pin 222 of the second motor driver 22 is used to receive a reference signal S, and the second analog detection circuit 225 of the second motor driver 22 is used to determine whether the reference signal S is an analog signal. When the second analog detection circuit 225 of the second motor driver 22 confirms that the reference signal S is an analog signal, the second mode switching circuit 226 of the second motor driver 22 further determines whether the potential of the reference signal S remains constant. If the second mode switching circuit 226 confirms that the potential of the reference signal S remains constant—for example, if the reference signal S is an analog voltage signal with a fixed potential, indicating that the reference signal S is not noise—then the second motor driver 22 switches from the initial master mode to the slave mode. When the second motor driver 22 switches to slave mode, the first motor 25 and the second motor 26 rotate at the same speed. Conversely, if the second analog detection circuit 225 of the second motor driver 22 confirms that the potential of the reference signal S cannot remain constant, indicating that the reference signal S is noise, the second motor driver 22 remains in master mode.

[0034] The number of motor drivers in the motor drive system 2 of the present invention is not limited to two, but can also be three or more. Its operating principle is the same as that of two motor drivers. The control methods of the motor driver in master mode and the control methods of the motor driver in slave mode will be described later.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a motor driver in host mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, regarding step S501, it is determined whether the first motor driver 21 has received a rotation command. When it is confirmed that the first motor driver 21 has received a rotation command, step S503 is executed. In step S503, it is determined whether the first motor 25 has abnormally stopped.

[0036] When it is confirmed that the first motor driver 21 has not received a rotation command, step S505 is executed. In step S505, the first motor 25 stops rotating. Specifically, when the first motor 25 stops rotating, the voltage level of the first rotation information pin 212 of the first motor driver 21 and the second control command pin 221 of the second motor driver 22 are both pulled high to a high voltage level.

[0037] When it is confirmed that the first motor 25 has stopped abnormally, step S507 is executed. For example, the abnormal stop of the first motor 25 may be caused by external force or overheating. In step S507, the first motor 25 is locked, and then the process returns to step S501.

[0038] When it is confirmed that the first motor 25 has not stopped abnormally, step S509 is executed. In step S509, the first motor 25 rotates normally. Specifically, when the first motor 25 rotates normally, the voltage level on the first rotation information pin 212 of the first motor driver 21 continuously switches between a high voltage level and a low voltage level over time.

[0039] Following step S509, step S511 continues. In step S511, it is determined whether the second motor 26 has abnormally stopped. If it is confirmed that the second motor 26 has not abnormally stopped, the process returns to step S501. If it is confirmed that the second motor 26 has abnormally stopped, step S513 is executed. In step S513, the speed of the first motor 25 is increased to compensate for the insufficient speed. Specifically, when the second motor 26 abnormally stops, the voltage levels on the second control command pin 221 of the second motor driver 22 and the first rotation information pin 212 of the first motor driver 21 are both pulled down to a low voltage level.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a slave-mode motor driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, regarding step S601, it is determined whether the first motor 25 has abnormally stopped. When it is confirmed that the first motor 25 has abnormally stopped, step S603 is executed. In step S603, the speed of the second motor 26 is increased, and then the process returns to step S601. Specifically, when the first motor 25 abnormally stops, the voltage level of the first rotation information pin 212 of the first motor driver 21 and the voltage level of the second control command pin 221 of the second motor driver 22 are both pulled down to a low voltage level.

[0041] If it is confirmed that the first motor 25 has not stopped abnormally, proceed to step S605. In step S605, determine whether the first motor driver 21 has received a rotation command. If it is confirmed that the first motor driver 21 has received a rotation command, proceed to step S607. If it is confirmed that the first motor driver 21 has not received a rotation command, proceed to step S609.

[0042] In step S607, it is determined whether the second motor 26 has stopped abnormally. In step S609, the second motor 26 is stopped, and then the process returns to step S601. If it is confirmed that the second motor 26 has stopped abnormally, step S611 is executed. If it is confirmed that the second motor 26 has not stopped abnormally, step S613 is executed.

[0043] In step S611, the second motor 26 is locked, and then the process returns to step S601. In step S613, the second motor 26 rotates normally, and then the process returns to step S601.

[0044] [Beneficial Effects of the Examples]

[0045] One of the beneficial effects of this invention is that, through the motor driver, its control method, and the motor drive system provided by this invention, the user only needs to provide a reference signal to the rotation information pin of the motor driver to set the motor driver to master mode or slave mode. In this way, each motor driver can share a single material type, achieving cost reduction. Furthermore, using a single communication transmission line to connect each motor driver allows the master mode motor driver to communicate instantly with multiple slave mode motor drivers, and the slave mode motor drivers can also communicate with each other in real time. Moreover, when a motor paired with any group of motor drivers experiences an abnormal stop, other groups of motor drivers are notified of the abnormal stop via the communication transmission line and increase the speed of the paired motor to achieve speed compensation.

[0046] The above-described content is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent technical changes made based on the description and drawings of the present invention are included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A motor driver, characterized in that, include: A rotation information pin is provided, which is used to receive a reference signal. An analog detection circuit is electrically connected to the rotation information pin; as well as A mode switching circuit is electrically connected to the analog detection circuit; The analog detection circuit is used to determine whether the reference signal belongs to an analog signal. When the reference signal does not belong to the analog signal, the motor driver remains in a host mode. When the reference signal belongs to the analog signal, the mode switching circuit determines whether the reference signal is noise; When the reference signal is not the noise, the mode switching circuit switches the motor driver from the master mode to a slave mode.

2. The motor driver as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The analog detection circuit is an analog-to-digital converter.

3. The motor driver as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The analog detection circuit is a comparator.

4. The motor driver as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mode switching circuit includes a potential judgment circuit, which is used to determine whether a potential of the reference signal remains unchanged. If the potential of the reference signal remains unchanged, the reference signal does not belong to the noise. If the potential of the reference signal does not remain unchanged, the reference signal belongs to the noise.

5. A control method for a motor driver, characterized in that, The control method includes: A reference signal is received by a rotation information pin; A simulation detection circuit is used to determine whether the reference signal is an analog signal; When the reference signal does not belong to the analog signal, the motor driver remains in a master mode; When the reference signal belongs to the analog signal, a mode switching circuit determines whether the reference signal is noise; and When the reference signal does not belong to the noise, the mode switching circuit switches the motor driver from the master mode to a slave mode.

6. The control method for the motor driver as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The mode switching circuit determines whether the reference signal is included in the noise; a potential determination circuit determines whether the potential of the reference signal remains unchanged. If the potential of the reference signal remains constant, the reference signal is not considered noise; and if the potential of the reference signal does not remain constant, the reference signal is considered noise.

7. A motor drive system, characterized in that, include: A first motor driver includes a first control command pin, a first rotation information pin, a first analog detection circuit, and a first mode switching circuit. The first control command pin receives a control command, the first rotation information pin outputs a rotation speed signal according to the control command, the first rotation information pin is electrically connected to the first analog detection circuit, and the first mode switching circuit is electrically connected to the first analog detection circuit. A second motor driver includes a second control command pin, a second rotation information pin, a second analog detection circuit, and a second mode switching circuit. The second control command pin is electrically connected to the first rotation information pin. The second rotation information pin is used to receive a reference signal. The second rotation information pin is electrically connected to the second analog detection circuit. The second mode switching circuit is electrically connected to the second analog detection circuit. The second analog detection circuit is used to determine whether the reference signal is an analog signal. When the reference signal is not an analog signal, the second motor driver remains in a host mode. When the reference signal belongs to the analog signal, the mode switching circuit determines whether the reference signal is noise; When the reference signal is not the noise, the second motor driver switches from the master mode to a slave mode.

8. The motor drive system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The motor drive system also includes a first motor and a second motor, which are electrically connected to the first motor driver and the second motor driver, respectively. When the control command received by the first control command pin is a rotation command and the first motor stops abnormally, the first motor is locked.

9. The motor drive system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The motor drive system also includes a first motor and a second motor, which are electrically connected to the first motor driver and the second motor driver, respectively. When the control command received by the first control command pin is a rotation command and the first motor does not stop abnormally, the first motor rotates normally.

10. The motor drive system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The motor drive system also includes a first motor and a second motor, which are electrically connected to the first motor driver and the second motor driver, respectively. When the first motor rotates normally and the second motor stops abnormally, the rotational speed of the first motor increases.

11. The motor drive system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The motor drive system also includes a first motor and a second motor, which are electrically connected to the first motor driver and the second motor driver, respectively. When the first motor stops abnormally, the speed of the second motor increases.

12. The motor drive system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The motor drive system also includes a first motor and a second motor, which are electrically connected to the first motor driver and the second motor driver, respectively. When the control command received by the first control command pin is a rotation command and the second motor stops abnormally, the second motor is locked.

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