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TMS320 or UCD3138 for digital control

Kevin Finkbiner
Prodigy 210 points
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: UCD3138, SFRA

I have developed a multi output buck converter using a Delfino in the control loop.  Now I am trying to determine if it is a better solution to use a UCD3138 digital control IC instead. I have been all over TIs website and I am having difficulty determining the advantages/disadvantages of each.  I think the UCD3138 does not allow for on the fly PID calculations where the TMS320 of course does. Is this a fair assumption?  Can anyone provide a concise comparison or point me in the right direction. Thank you.

  • TI__Mastermind 27200 points

    Kevin,

    The principal difference between these two families is that UCD provides a optimized fixed function approach, whereas the C2000 is a fully programmable DSP-like controller.  Which is the right solution varies from case to case.  Sometimes the UCD has an advantage in terms of PWM frequency and cost, but in my experience those cases are fairly rare.

    In my own view  (and I admit to a small bias here, since you are on the C2000 forum!), the ability to define your own control strategy in software is a powerful one because it means you can always develop and refine your algorithms without being tied to a rigid control structure.  On-the-fly PID calculation is one example, but there are many others.  Many people also like the ability to embed software frequency response measurement (SFRA) - something which is only possible on a programmable device. 

    I'm sure there are other perspectives too, but anyway  I hope this helps.

    Regards,

    Richard

  • in reply to Richard Poley
    Prodigy 210 points
    Richard,
    Thank you for your response. You verified what I was thinking.
    Kevin