The MCK-RA8T1 evaluation kit by Renesas comprises several boards for easy testing of the RA8T1 series microcontrollers in brushless dc (BLDC) motor-control applications. The following items are included in the kit:
- CPU board, based on the R7FA8T1AHECBD MCU
- Communication board
- Inverter board
- BLDC motor
- Cables, screws, and standoffs
When assembled, this kit enables designers to configure the motor-control system via a USB connection to a PC. It can control up to two BLDC motors by connecting two inverter boards to the main CPU board, which features two Pmod headers for connecting additional modules during development.
The complete assembly can be powered by a 12 V to 48 V dc supply via a dc jack or terminal block connection. Alternatively, it can be powered using a 5 V USB connection to the CPU board.
As well as the MOSFET-based motor control circuit, the inverter board features current detection circuits to measure the current in the 3-phase system. An over-current detection circuit is also present, but this does not protect the board or motor. Protection operations must be processed and controlled using the RA8T1 MCU on the CPU board.
The inverter board also features connectors for Hall sensor signal input and pins for encoder or inductive position sensor signal input. These can be used to support accurate motor positioning when developing an application.