Building a simple VFD for AC induction motors - how to get started?

Hendrik S

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LAUNCHXL-F28027F, LAUNCHXL-F28069M

Hi everyone,

I want to build a simple AC motor VFD (open loop), controlled by an C2000 micro-controller. Basically it will be consisting of an 400VAC Rectifier, brake resistor and an IPM. I'm currently struggling to find the parts I need. Since I want to make it simple, I don't want to design my own PCB boards, so I'm trying to use existing boards but couldn't find all I need.

I could use an IPM (Integrated Power Module) with IGBTs (including one for the brake resistor). What I'm looking for is board that has a rectifier for AC input, current sensing for the DC link, DC link capacitors, connections for the micro-controller and the IPM. I couldn't find anything...

Is there some kind of development boards available for my purpose?

Thanks!

over 6 years ago

0 kerem toral over 6 years ago

Prodigy 140 points

Infineon, Eval-M1-CM610N3. 0.75kW, minus the brake resistor and current sens, under $100.00.

0 Hendrik S over 6 years ago in reply to kerem toral

Prodigy 40 points

thanks, that's kind of what I'm looking for. Would be nice with an 3 phase 400V input and brake resistor. Does TI do not have such evaluation boards?

0 Ramesh Ramamoorthy over 6 years ago in reply to Hendrik S

TI__Mastermind 27240 points

Look at here
www.ti.com/.../TMDSHVMTRPFCKIT

0 kerem toral over 6 years ago in reply to Hendrik S

Prodigy 140 points

You're welcome. Yes check TI have a much nicer one but it is more pricier.

www.ti.com/.../tmdshvmtrinspin

0 Ramesh Ramamoorthy over 6 years ago in reply to Ramesh Ramamoorthy

TI__Mastermind 27240 points

The previous one was posted by mistake before completion.

This kit can take in a max of 220V AC and not 400V AC. This is a full kit that can be used for proof of concept. TI does not have a inverter kit for motor control rated at 400V AC input.

0 kerem toral over 6 years ago in reply to Ramesh Ramamoorthy

Prodigy 140 points

Yes I made the same mistake too. I thought you meant 400 V DC which is a very common value on DC bus, sorry.

0 kerem toral over 6 years ago in reply to kerem toral

Prodigy 140 points

I have an Infineon, Eval-M1-CM610N3, and I am going to drive it with either my LAUNCHXL-F28027F or LAUNCHXL-F28069M as my next project.

If you find other IPM Eval boards which can be driven by Piccolo launch pads, I'd like to hear about them..

0 Hendrik S over 6 years ago in reply to kerem toral

Prodigy 40 points

My first step will be to run an 0.55kW AC motor, so the Infineon Eval-M1-CM610N will work.
I'll also bought the LAUNCHXL-F28027F for this purpose a while ago. What's the easiest way to get the motor spinning? Is it good to use InstaSpin Software to start it?

0 kerem toral over 6 years ago in reply to Hendrik S

Prodigy 140 points

I have the boards but I haven't started yet. I'll plug the hardware together with some modifications and I'll start running InstaSpin examples. That's the plan. I can't see any big obsticles there.

0 Hendrik S over 6 years ago in reply to kerem toral

Prodigy 40 points

btw, I found a new evaluation board from ST with 400VAC and brake chopper:

https://www.st.com/en/evaluation-tools/steval-hki001v1.html

kerem toral said:
I have the boards but I haven't started yet. I'll plug the hardware together with some modifications and I'll start running InstaSpin examples. That's the plan. I can't see any big obsticles there.

May I ask why you use the TI controller and software? Wouldn't it be easier to use the Infineon micro-controller which is designed for the board?

0 kerem toral over 6 years ago in reply to Hendrik S

Prodigy 140 points

I am sorry for late response Hendrik,

TI provides great selection of controllers and related software support for motor control applications. I like InstaSpin. Infineon on the other hand is more concentrated on power devices like IGBTs, IPMs where TI lacks.

I am glad you've found what you are looking for, the steval-hki001.

0 Ramesh Ramamoorthy over 6 years ago in reply to Hendrik S

TI__Mastermind 27240 points

Well, that was a bit off TI discussion. If your issue is resolved, pls 'click resolved', else let us know if you have further queries. Thanks.

Because of the holidays, TI E2E™ design support forum responses will be delayed from Dec. 25 through Jan. 2. Thank you for your patience.

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Building a simple VFD for AC induction motors - how to get started?