Washing machines present a huge challenge to designers at white-goods manufacturers, given the harsh operating environment and mandates by government agencies and consumers to reduce power. The International Rectifier iMOTION IRMCF341 motor-control IC directly attacks the challenges of reliability, low power, quiet operation, and size while simplifying the process for the design engineer. Designs based on the mixed-signal IC provide variable-speed sinusoidal-current control, resulting in smooth torque output and lower acoustic noise without position sensors in permanent-magnet motor applications.

The system architecture combines the company's proprietary HVIC (high-voltage IC) technology with analog, digital, and power building blocks, and digital control algorithms for sensorless motor-control applications using dc-link phase-current measurements. The company claims that the IC slashes design cycles by as much as a full year and reduces motor and drive costs by 30%. A reference design, demo board, and software tool kit jumpstarts design. The IC features an embedded field-oriented control algorithm for excellent dynamic torque control and improves washing cycles-consuming less hot water and saving up to 70% of energy use.