Valve controller SoCs enable connected hydraulic systems

The devices are single-chip analogue controllers engineered to simultaneously manage up to eight valves, regulating current and running the motor. Suitable for loads with high inrush current, the SoCs allow driving to high frequencies of up to 5kHz. Target applications include hydraulic and pneumatic systems, oxygen concentrators, medical equipment, 3D printers, drink dispensers, farming and factory equipment as well as water control for irrigation.

When connected to a network, the integrated SoCs help drive a secure ‘internet of tomorrow’ by enabling predictive maintenance and diagnostics designed specifically for harsh environments. This allows operators in industrial, medical and agricultural applications to know when maintenance is needed and where. The diagnostic capability also allows the controllers to detect bad connections, high temperatures or other safety concerns, and then shut down automatically.

The devices incorporate both motor pump and valve control functionalities. This level of integration not only makes the SoCs significantly smaller than competitive solutions based on discrete products, but also helps to simplify design and reduce costs. To accurately measure the current that controls the valve in hydraulic networks, discrete solutions must spend time calibrating and re-calibrating the different end products due to the various resistor and capacitor value differences. Moving from discrete devices to Freescale’s integrated SoCs, customers can reduce the time and effort they spend on software, lowering development time and costs, and speeding time-to-market.

These features are all programmed through a simple SPI that enables users to perform control and diagnostic functions directly on the chip. The devices include self-recovery features, which are benefits of the embedded supervision that allows extensive safety monitoring.

Demonstrating the key features of the SB0410 and SB0800 SoCs through a simple USB connection, Freescale’s KITVALVECNTLEVM evaluation board minimises software development cycles and is available now for $265.00. Reference designs with integrated hardware and software support for the devices deliver plug-and-play functionality and enable streamlined development of hydraulic and pneumatic applications. Freescale Tower System boards for customer evaluation are planned to be available later this year under kit numbers TWR-SB0410-36EVB and TWR-SB0800-36EVB.

“Building on Freescale’s analogue legacy, our new highly integrated valve controllers provide a single-chip solution for robust, reliable control of hydraulic systems in harsh environments,” said Patrick Morgan, General Manager of the safety systems business of Freescale’s analogue division. “These valve controller SoCs enable industrial customers to save board space and costs, and spend less time and effort to achieve precise current regulation targets. And when connected to a network, the devices provide valuable visibility into the state or condition of industrial equipment, thereby boosting reliability and lowering cost of ownership.

The SB0410 and SB0800 are available now, priced from $4.65 and $6.90, respectively, and sold in 10,000-unit quantities.