AM2634-Q1: Traction inverter microcontroller selection

Javier Vara

Part Number: AM2634-Q1
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: AM2634, AM263P4

Hello,

We currently have a traction inverter design with the F280049 microcontroller. We want to develop this further to achieve ASIL-D funcitonal safety with a single microcontroller. We recently started work with AM2634 (and AM263P4) as it seemed to be almost the only option that was hardware capable of ASIL-D from the get-go. However, I have seen that very recently a new family C29 has been released which is also ASIL-D hardware capable and might be closer to the micro that we are currently using (C28).

I would like to know what is TI recommendation for an ASIL-D functional safety traction inverter design and what are the main differences/advantages/disadvantages of the two families described above, and/or if there is any other alternative I might have missed.

4 months ago

0 Nilabh Anand 4 months ago

TI__Guru 58350 points

Hi Javier,

Today is holiday in TI India, please expect a delay in response.

0 Prarthan Bhatt 4 months ago

TI__Genius 17536 points

Javier Vara said:
However, I have seen that very recently a new family C29 has been released which is also ASIL-D hardware capable and might be closer to the micro that we are currently using (C28).

Yes C29 is more advanced CPU with more processing power than C28, new to the C2000 family. Reference Guide - https://www.ti.com/lit/ug/spruiy2a/spruiy2a.pdf

Benchmarking app note- https://www.ti.com/lit/wp/spradd8/spradd8.pdf

F29x device has similar peripherals as F28x devices so has minimal code portability/ migration effort as compared to AM263x devices.

The F29H85x is a high-performance Texas Instruments (TI) C2000 real-time microcontroller (MCU) series, offering enhanced control, advanced sensing (ADCs/comparators), better security (HSM), targeting demanding applications in EVs, solar inverters, and motor drives with its powerful C29x CPU cores and faster processing for high-switching frequency power electronics. Key advantages include ultra-low latency, integrated safety features, and optimized peripherals for GaN/SiC, making them ideal for next-gen power systems

Key Comparisons & Improvements:

CPU Core: Upgraded from C28x to the new C29x 64-bit CPU, offering significantly improved DSP and general-purpose processing with parallel instruction execution.
Performance: Delivers more than double the real-time performance of previous generations, crucial for high-frequency power electronics.
Sensing: Features advanced analog peripherals like multiple high-speed ADCs with hardware post-processing and safety checks, plus windowed comparators.
Security: Integrates a Hardware Security Module (HSM) for secure boot, code authentication, and encrypted communication, a major addition over older devices.
Power Electronics Focus: Optimized for high power density, high switching frequencies, and support for Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) technologies.
Memory & Addressing: Introduces byte-addressability, unlike the C28x's 16-bit addressing, for more efficient memory access.
System Integration: Offers increased device integration, leading to optimized Bill of Materials (BOM) and cost-effectiveness for designers.
Functional Safety Standards: Designed for ISO 26262 (up to ASIL D) and IEC 61508 (up to SIL 3) compliance.

Thanks

0 Javier Vara 4 months ago in reply to Prarthan Bhatt

Expert 1645 points

Sorry, this is not exactly what I meant. I don't want a comparison between the C28 and the C29. I want to understand the differences between the C29 and the AM263P4. How their performance compares, what applications are they both targeting, and which of those 2 would be the best option when developing a 3 phase high power automotive traction inverter to ASIL-D spec.

0 Andrew Poirier 4 months ago

TI__Prodigy 350 points

Hi Javier,

If you are wanting to stick within the C2000 family of devices then I would recommend the F29H85x microcontroller, which is an ASIL-D capable device. If you want to move to industry standard ARM-core, then the AM26x microcontrollers would be your ideal solution. This suggestion also depends on your technical requirements (i.e. # of cores, flash size, # of PWMs, etc...)., so if you have more of these details please reach out to me via email at a-poirier@ti.com and I will loop in our sales & FAE representatives to discuss further.

For your reference we also have the following documentation for guidance:

Migration Guides -

Application Software Migration to the C29 CPU

F28 to F29 project migration video

Best,

Andrew Poirier