BLDC Motor Driver Zero-Crossing Detection for Lead Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

BLDC motor drivers face challenges in precisely detecting the zero-crossing point of phase current, which is crucial for synchronizing phase current and BEMF voltage phases to optimize motor efficiency and drive speed.

Innovation Solution

A motor driver system that includes current sensors, zero detectors, and a pulse controller to detect the zero-crossing point of phase current, allowing for lead angle control to synchronize phase current and BEMF voltage phases, thereby enhancing motor efficiency and drive speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional current sensing methods are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of zero-crossing point detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezero-crossing point detection precisionVSAvoidcurrent sensing circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current sensing function is divided into three separate sensing circuits (first, second, and third current sensing circuits) that independently sense currents through different switches. This segmentation allows precise measurement of individual phase currents and their zero-crossing points without requiring a complex unified sensing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components including a current summing circuit that combines signals from multiple current sensing circuits, and a zero-crossing detection circuit that processes these summed signals to precisely identify zero-crossing points. These intermediary elements enable accurate detection without directly complicating the primary sensing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If precise zero-crossing point detection is implemented, then motor efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor efficiencyVSAvoidmotor driver circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of zero-crossing points using dedicated detection circuits before using this information for commutation control. By提前 detecting and recording zero-crossing timing, the system can optimize motor efficiency through accurate lead angle control without adding complex real-time processing requirements during motor operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where detected zero-crossing points are fed back to the control logic to adjust commutation timing and lead angle. This feedback loop continuously optimizes motor efficiency by synchronizing current injection with rotor position, while the feedback circuitry reuses existing signal paths rather than adding independent complex systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple current sensing circuits are used to detect zero-crossing points, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase current zero-crossing detection precisionVSAvoidsensing circuit configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the outputs of multiple current sensing circuits through a current summing circuit that combines the sensed signals. This merging approach allows the system to utilize information from multiple phases simultaneously to detect zero-crossing points with higher precision, while the summing operation simplifies the overall signal processing architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The current sensing circuits are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as individual phase current sensors and as contributors to the combined zero-crossing detection system. Each sensing circuit can independently measure its phase current while also contributing to the overall zero-crossing point determination, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4333290A1Motor driver, motor drive system, and method of driving motor
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 LX SEMICON CO LTD
  • EP4333290A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4333290A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4333290A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a motor driver capable of precisely detecting a zero-crossing point of a phase current by sensing the phase current, and the motor driver according to one embodiment may include a current sensor connected to a switching circuit for driving a specific coil among three-phase coils and configured to sense a phase current flowing through the specific coil and a zero detector for detecting a time point when a first peak value is generated and a time point when a second peak value is generated from an output of the current sensor and detect a zero-crossing point of the phase current using the time points when the first and second peak values are generated.