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DesignDrive vs MotorWare / InstaSPIN

Giannis Roussos
Expert 2290 points
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CONTROLSUITE, DESIGNDRIVE, MOTORWARE

Hi all,

I am trying to find some info on the comparison of DesignDrive (Included in ControlSuite) vs InstaSPIN. Apart from the fact that InstaSPIN is limited to specific C2000 models, I am curious to know about any differences in capabilities and performance.

At first look, it seems to me that MotorWare / InstaSPIN is mostly aimed to be easy to implement but maybe with limited capabilities, while DesignDrive offers a wider set of options (MCUs supported, Encoder options etc). For example, washing machines are used as example applications for MotorWare while DesignDrive is described as an industrial solution.

My interest is mostly for high-dynamic performance motor drives for robotics-like applications. We have been working on a MotorWare based solution, but we have already re-implemented some of the functionality to match our needs, though we are still using the InstaSPIN / FAST kernel. One key problem we have is that MotorWare limits us to the Picollo family of MCUs, while we would like to have more performance available to implement additional functionality on the C2000.

  • 0
    TI__Guru** 119510 points

    InstaSPIN-FOC: sensorless torque or simple velocity applications

    InstaSPIN-MOTION: sensorless complex velocity or sensored velocity or position applications

    InstaSPIN is focused on those new to sensorless or new to motion control.  We put as much expertise as possible into these control solutions.

    The applications and customers that most benefit from InstaSPIN typically require lower cost, mid performance devices like Piccolo.

    DesignDrive is focused on those with more of their own control experience in industrial drive applications (primarily sensored).  With DesignDrive we focus more on the key system functions: Analog feedback (ADC, Sigma Delta Filters), various Encoder/Resolver support, isolation options (hot/cold side), flexible PWM generation for various topologies, safety/checker/host communications, and industrial connectivity.  It's a platform for industrial motor drives where the user is bringing more of the control expertise to the effort.  Typically the type of devices they require fits more into our Delfino performance family.

    Make sense?

  • 0 in reply to ChrisClearman
    Expert 2290 points

    Thank you Chris,things are a lot clearer to me now. I have another question, following your comment that the next MotorWare release (v16) will be the last one in another thread: Are there any plans to phase out MotorWare / InstaSPIN in favor of DesignDrive, or is this just because MotorWare has reached the desired level of maturity and will coexist along DesignDrive?


    Again, thank you for the clarification.

  • 0 in reply to Giannis Roussos
    TI__Guru** 119510 points
    "Are there any plans to phase out MotorWare / InstaSPIN in favor of DesignDrive, or is this just because MotorWare has reached the desired level of maturity and will coexist along DesignDrive?"

    No, the two serve two different sets of customers / use cases. We will continue with InstaSPIN on Piccolo class devices.
  • 0 in reply to ChrisClearman
    Expert 2290 points

    Great, thank you for all the information Chris!

    Giannis