EPC optimizes new GaN-based motor drive for humanoid robots

EPC's new GaN-based motor drive reference design is optimized for precision motion in humanoid robotics, the graphic says. It also features an illustration of a humanoid robot and an image of the motor drive inverter.

EPC claimed GaN makes it possible for high-performance electric motor drives for high-voltage battery applications.|Resource: Reliable Power Conversion

Reliable Power Conversion Corp., or EPC, today released EPC91104, a high-performance, three-phase brushless DC electric motor drive inverter recommendation layout. The business claimed this layout appropriates for powering small, accuracy electric motors in humanoid robotics, such as those made use of for wrist, finger, and toe motions.

” Humanoid robotics require electric motors with accuracy and density, and the EPC91104 is especially created to satisfy those requirements for applications like little joint actuation,” claimed Alex Lidow, Chief Executive Officer of EPC.

EPC is a designer of enhancement-mode gallium nitride (eGaN) power tools. Established in 2007, the company claimed its eGaN modern technology allows it to progress brand-new applications and markets.

It claimed silicon has actually struck its physical restrictions and, as a result, is no more able to remain in advance of need for increasingly more effective power. GaN modern technology provides considerable benefits over standard silicon-based tools, consisting of greater effectiveness, faster changing rates, and smaller sized dimension, EPC claimed.

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New board provides effectiveness, claims EPC

The EPC91104 analysis board utilizes the EPC23104 ePower Phase IC, supplying an optimum RDS( on) (drain-source on-resistance) of 11 mΩ and sustaining DC bus voltages approximately 80 V. The layout sustains approximately 14 Apk steady-state and 20 Apk pulsed present, guaranteeing trusted efficiency for humanoid robotic applications that call for great electric motor control and accuracy, claimed EPC.

The business detailed vital attributes of the EPC91104:

Wide voltage array: Runs in between 14 V and 80 V, fitting a range of battery systems
Compact layout: Appropriate for space-constrained robotics
Advanced security: Consists of overcurrent and input under-voltage security, guaranteeing dependability popular applications
Maximized effectiveness: Low-distortion changing minimizes torque surge and electric motor sound.

The EPC91104 works with controller boards from leading producers, consisting of Silicon chip, Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, and Renesas, supplying designers adaptability in growth. It is outfitted with detailed picking up and security attributes, guaranteeing quick prototyping and screening, EPC claimed.

For higher-current demands, such as joint and knee electric motors in humanoid robotics, EPC provides the EPC9176 board in the exact same household. With improved present capability, the EPC9176 enhances the EPC91104 to cover a complete variety of electric motor drive applications in robotics, according to EPC.

The EPC91104 recommendation layout boards are valued at $780.00. The EPC23104 is valued at $2.50/ ea in 3Ku reels. The recommendation boards are readily available through DigiKey.

Robotics market plans for a humanoid boom

Humanoid robots have actually been difficult to disregard in the previous couple of years within the robotics market, which energy will not be reducing at any time quickly. Goldman Sachs Research study tasks that the marketplace will certainly get to $38 billion by 2035, up greater than sixfold from its previous quote of $6 billion.

2024 was a huge year for humanoids. In June, we found out that GXO officially deployed a “small fleet” of Digit humanoids at a Spanx center in Georgia. In November, Schaeffler AG made a minority financial investment right into Dexterity Robotics and planned to buy Figure robotics for usage throughout its international plant network. These noted the very first paying releases for humanoid robotics.

Furthermore, Number AI is shipping its Number 02 system to its very first paying consumers.

The court is still out on whether humanoids will certainly get the marketplace grip the robotics market is banking on. No matter, they’ll obtain stacks of financing and research study in the years ahead. The International Federation of Robotics called humanoids grabbing brand-new markets as one of its leading predictions for 2025. In an expanding community, element companies like EPC might have a vital function to play.

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