TI C2000 F28E12x low-cost real-time MCUs feature C28x DSP core for sensorless motor control

Texas Instruments (TI) has launched the F28E12x series of ultra-low-cost C2000 real-time MCUs for motor control based on a 160 MHz C28x DSP core with up to 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, and standard peripherals including SPI, SCI, I²C, and UART, delivering about 30% more performance than earlier C2000 devices.

The F28E12x series also integrates various control peripherals, a high-speed ADC, and a programmable gain amplifier, enabling fast Field-Oriented Control (FOC) for sensorless motors at speeds exceeding 120,000 rpm. Other Features include vibration compensation algorithms for up to 60% speed ripple reduction, reduced acoustic noise, higher startup torque, and smoother operation. With built-in communications, support for TI’s InstaSPIN software, and multiple package options, these MCUs are well-suited for applications such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, air conditioners, dishwashers, and power drills.

Texas Instruments C2000 F28E12x specifications:

• MCU core – C28x 32-bit DSP core @ up to 160 MHz (equivalent to ~320 MHz Arm Cortex-M7 real-time signal chain performance)
  • FPU – Single-precision Floating-Point Unit (FPU32)
  • DMA – 2-channel DMA controller
• Memory – 16 KB (8KW) parity-protected SRAM
• Storage – Up to 128 KB (64KW) ECC-protected single-bank flash (F28E120SC)
• Peripherals
  • GPIO – 27x multiplexed GPIO pins (8 shared with analog), 9 digital inputs on analog pins
  • UART, SPI, I²C, 2x UART-compatible SCIs
  • PWM – 2 MCPWM modules, 8 total channels (6-ch + 2-ch)
  • Timers – 3x 32-bit CPU timers, watchdog timer, missing clock detection
  • Capture – 1x Enhanced Capture (eCAP)
  • Interrupts – Enhanced Peripheral Interrupt Expansion (ePIE)
  • Analog
    • ADC – 12-bit, 9.4 MSPS with up to 17 external channels
    • Integrated Post-Processing Blocks (PPBs) – 3 per ADC
    • Comparators – 3× CMPSS_LITE with 10-bit DAC reference and digital glitch filters
    • DAC – 1x 10-bit output (CMP3_LITE_DACL)
    • PGA – 1x programmable gain amplifier (unity, inverting, non-inverting modes, programmable filtering)
• Security
  • JTAGLOCK, dual-zone security, and zero-pin boot
  • 128-bit CMAC keys for software AES
• Misc
  • Internal 32 MHz oscillator (±1.2% accuracy) with crystal/external clock input
  • Dual-Clock Comparator (DCC)
  • Unique Identification (UID) number
  • Enhanced Quadrature Encoder Pulse (eQEP, CW/CCW modes)
• Power
  • Operating voltage: 3.3 V single supply (with internal regulator for 1.2 V core)
  • Brownout Reset (BOR) support
  • Internal voltage regulator (3.3 V to 1.2 V)
  • Low-power mode support
• Packaging
  • 48-pin LQFP (9 × 9 mm, 7 × 7 mm body)
  • 32-pin LQFP (9 × 9 mm, 7 × 7 mm body)
  • 32-pin VQFN (5 × 5 mm)
• Operating temperature – –40 °C to 125 °C (junction)

TI mentions there are mainly two C2000 MCUs in the F28E12x series, which are the F28E120SB and the F28E120SC. Both run on the same 160 MHz C28x core, but the SB variant features 64 KB flash in a compact 32-pin QFN package, whereas the SC variant doubles the flash to 128 KB and comes in 32- and 48-pin LQFP package options. The SC is slightly higher priced but provides more memory and I/O flexibility for advanced control designs.

The F28E12x series is supported by C2000Ware, which provides drivers, libraries, and examples along with reference designs for the device. Development is done in Code Composer Studio (CCSTUDIO), and SysConfig is available to simplify configuration. Developers can also use the C28x Academy for training and lab exercises. The devices also support InstaSPIN field-oriented control (FOC) software, which implements sensorless FOC, zero-speed high-torque startup, and vibration compensation for motor control. All related software and support resources are available on the product page.

TI provides the LAUNCHXL-F28E12X LaunchPad development kit and various accessories, including the TIEVM-MTR-HVINV high-voltage motor control board for PMSM drives, BOOSTXL motor driver booster packs for three-phase motor control, and the XDS110 debug probes for programming and debugging. Although the LaunchPad is built with the SC device, all these boards and tools are suitable for F28E120SB and F28E120SC development since they use the same core and peripherals.

The LAUNCHXL-F28E12X LaunchPad is built around the 160 MHz F28E120SC device with 128KB flash and 16KB RAM. It includes an onboard XDS110 debug probe, a 40-pin BoosterPack connector, a 5V encoder interface, user LEDs, a reset switch, and power-domain isolation with options for USB-C or external 3.3 V/5 V input. Software support comes from Code Composer Studio IDE, C2000Ware SDK, and dedicated MotorControl and DigitalPower SDKs, with a demo program preloaded for quick evaluation. It targets motor drives, appliances, digital power, EV/HEV systems, and industrial applications.

This is not the first time we have seen an MCU designed specifically for motor control applications. There are several others on the market, including the NXP MCX A34 MCU with math acceleration for motor control and HVAC systems, the Infineon PSOC Control C3x real-time Cortex-M33 MCUs, and the STMicro STSPIN32G0 3-phase motor controllers, among others.

The F28E120SB is priced at around $0.49 for 1,000 units in a 32-pin VQFN package, while the F28E120SC costs around $0.70 for 1,000 units in 32- or 48-pin LQFP packages. Both are currently in preproduction and active, but show as being out of stock on TI.com. The LAUNCHXL-F28E12X LaunchPad development kit is available separately for $19.00 USD. More information can be found on the F28E120SB and F28E120SC MCU product pages, and the press release.

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