User manual
PICDEM™ MC LV
DEVELOPMENT BOARD
© 2006 Microchip Technology Inc. DS51554B-page 7
Chapter 1. Introduction to the PICDEM MC LV
Development Board
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The PICDEM MC LV Development Board is targeted to control Brushless DC (BLDC)
motors in sensor or in sensorless operation. This flexible and low-cost board can be
configured in different ways to use with Microchip’s specialized motor control micro-
controllers and digital signal controllers. This low-cost board has the facility to use
either the PIC18F2331/2431 or the dsPIC30F2010/3010 devices for control. Low pin
count motor control parts, such as the PIC18F1230/1330, can also be configured with
daughter boards.
The PICDEM MC LV Development Board is a compact board containing a 3-phase
voltage source inverter bridge and control circuitry around the microcontroller. The board
comes with a free, ready to use MC-GUI (Motor Control – Graphical User Interface) from
Microchip. Using the MC-GUI, the user can easily set and/or change motor parameters.
This greatly helps the user in developing customized drive solutions.
1.2 HIGHLIGHTS
This items discussed in this chapter are:
• Motor Control Kit
• Overview of the PICDEM MC LV Development Board
• Board Connectors
1.3 MOTOR CONTROL KIT
The PICDEM MC LV Development Board contains the following items. Before
proceeding, make sure that you have each of these items:
• PICDEM MC LV Development Board
• The PICDEM MC LV Development Board CD-ROM with the following applications:
- PICDEM MC LV Graphical User Interface (MC-GUI)
-
“PICDEM MC LV Development Board User’s Guide”
(this document)
- Firmware examples using the PIC18F MCUs and dsPIC30F DSCs
1.4 OVERVIEW OF THE PICDEM MC LV DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Brushless DC motors are becoming more popular due to their advantages over other
types of motors traditionally used. To learn more about the basics, working principles
and control of BLDC motors, refer to Microchip’s Application Note
AN885,
“
Brushless
DC (BLDC) Motor Fundamentals
” (DS00885) on Microchip’s website
(www.microchip.com). You can also visit the specialized web page,
www.microchip.com/motor, for technical details on different types of motors and their
controls using PIC
®
microcontrollers and dsPIC
®
digital signal controllers.
The PICDEM MC LV Development Board supports motors with terminal voltage up to
48V and current up to 4A. Refer to Appendix B. “Electrical Specifications” for
complete electrical specifications.