Microchip Technology’s highly integrated radiation-hardened by design (RHBD) motor control integrated circuit (IC) - the LX7720 - is the new addition to the Space System Manager (SSM) product line.

“The LX7720 controller offers a unique solution for satellite manufacturers sensitive to board area and weight reduction by consolidating essential functions for the motor control and position sensing circuitry required for robotics, multi-axis pointing mechanisms and precise motion control of optical elements. Microchip’s controller combines four half-bridge N-channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) drivers, four floating differential current sensors, a pulse modulated resolver transformer driver, three differential resolver sense inputs, six bi-level logic inputs, power drivers via external Field Effect Transistors (FETs), loop control electronics for voltage or current control, position read-back (resolver, potentiometer, limit switches, etc.), fault detection and more into a single device,” the company explains

The LX7720 was developed for satellites and other space systems to meet “their need to reduce size, weight and power (SWaP).”

The need to reduce size, weight and power (SWaP) on satellites and other space systems continues to challenge the aerospace market. This microcontroller combines more than 20 commonly used functions into a single chip, allowing developers to reduce the number of components on a system. The LX7720 provides reduced board space and weight on a system. While the reduced connections and solder joints minimizes points of possible failures. The number of tests and inspections of parts are also decreased.

By consolidating motor control and position sensing circuitry of satellite elements’ essential functions into a single chip, the LX7720 radiation-hardened mixed signal motor controller also increases reliability. It can be used in robotics, multi-axis pointing mechanisms and precise motion control of optical elements. 

"Microchip’s controller combines four half-bridge N-channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) drivers, four floating differential current sensors, a pulse modulated resolver transformer driver, three differential resolver sense inputs, six bi-level logic inputs, power drivers via external Field Effect Transistors (FETs), loop control electronics for voltage or current control, position read-back (resolver, potentiometer, limit switches, etc.), fault detection and more into a single device”.

“As the reduction of weight and board space on satellites continues to challenge the aerospace market, we are pleased to reinforce our commitment to developing innovative solutions with this highly reliable and highly integrated radiation-hardened motor controller,” said Bryan J. Liddiard, vice president of Microchip’s mixed signal linear business unit. “The LX7720 enhances our ever-growing space product portfolio as we continue to expand a total system solution for our customers building these sophisticated satellites.”