For BLDC and PMSM motor control

NXP has launched the S32M2 system-in-package (SiP) intended for software-defined vehicle edge nodes. The platform is based on Cortex-M cores and integrates analog circuitries including a CAN FD transceiver.

NXP has expanded its scalable S32 vehicle compute platform with the introduction of the S32M2. The purpose-built motor control solution is suitable for pumps, fans, sunroof and seat position, seat belt pretensioners, trunk openers, for example. The product combines the supplier’s motor control heritage and the software development benefits of the S32 platform. The integrated system-in-package solution adds the power and analog functions as well as software libraries required for motor control applications. It addresses the needs of the emerging software-defined electric vehicle market and enables carmakers to optimize product development and to maximize software re-use across S32 platform implementations.

Among the many types of electric motors, brushless direct current (BLDC) and permanent magnet synchronous (PMSM) motors are known for their endurance and robustness, small size, low weight and high efficiency, which all contribute to energy savings and range extension for electric vehicles (EV). According to the vendor, the S32M2 enables simplified and more robust motor control functions that can run efficiently while maintaining performance headroom to integrate more functions and capabilities while optimizing costs. Users can perform motor diagnostic tests, transmit data to the zonal controller and optimize for higher performance to improve efficiency further and lower audible noise in the final application, which improves occupant comfort.

Compared with discrete motor control implementations, the S32M2 enables OEMs to accelerate time-to-market and reduce the printed circuit board (PCB) footprint, design risks and bill-of-material cost. “By using NXP’s Model-Based Design Toolkit, automakers can start Simulink simulation early in the development cycle and map the model to the S32M2 hardware,” said Manuel Alves from NXP. “Since this is a purely software-defined approach, automakers can optimize software re-use across the S32 vehicle compute platform, while benefiting from feature and performance enhancements which builds on the success of today’s S12 MagniV portfolio.”

Based on the system-in-package approach, the S32M2 combines advanced compute with Mosfet gate drivers, physical layer interfaces for CAN FD and LIN communication, and a built-in voltage regulator directly from the vehicle’s 12-V battery, addressing various motor control applications. Integrating either a Cortex-M4 or a Cortex-M7 core, the S32M2 series covers a broad range of memory options from 128 KiB to 1 MiB. These components are supported with the 64-pin LQFP package. The SiP solution also leverages S32K’s development processes certified to ISO 26262 for ASIL B functional safety, the S32 platform’s security subsystems (CSEc, HSE), and the S32K’s tools and software ecosystem.

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