MCU-Primarily based 6-Channel Energy Sequencer Reference Design

The Versatile 6-Channel Energy Sequencer Reference Design, centered across the microcontroller and discrete DC/DC regulators, gives a strong, scalable, and dependable resolution for managing fashionable industrial automation programs’ complicated energy sequencing wants.

Trendy industrial automation programs more and more depend on subtle programmable logic controllers (PLCs) geared up with superior FPGAs (Subject Programmable Gate Arrays) or SoCs (System on Chips) to satisfy the calls for of mid- to high-end purposes. These complicated programs require exact energy sequencing for his or her a number of energy provide rails to make sure dependable operation and reduce the chance of failure. To attain this, a versatile energy sequencing resolution primarily based on a general-purpose microcontroller paired with discrete DC/DC regulators gives a scalable and user-friendly method for a variety of FPGA and SoC purposes.

The center of this energy sequencing resolution EU096-PWRSEQPOCZ by Renesas is the RL78/G12 microcontroller housed in a compact 32-pin package deal. This microcontroller not solely controls the sequencing course of but additionally gives further options that improve system reliability and adaptability. As an illustration, it contains an built-in ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) for monitoring the principle enter voltage, making certain that any fluctuations in energy provide are shortly detected and managed. Moreover, the microcontroller reads Energy Good indicators from every DC/DC converter, offering real-time suggestions on the well being of the facility rails.

Given the complexity and significant nature of the elements concerned, the facility sequencing necessities for such purposes are stringent. Due to this fact, a sturdy resolution that ensures seamless power-up and power-down sequences is important. This resolution leverages discrete DC/DC regulators built-in with energy MOSFETs and a low-Iq LDO (Low Dropout Regulator) to supply a steady provide voltage to the microcontroller. This configuration helps a large enter voltage vary, from 4.5VDC to 24VDC, making it versatile for varied industrial environments. A notable function of this design is its redundancy in monitoring. The microcontroller’s ADC is supplemented by a secondary monitoring system utilizing a 10-bit ADC built-in inside the NCU (Community Management Unit), additional safeguarding towards energy rail variations. This dual-monitoring method considerably reduces the chance of unnoticed energy points that might result in system failures.

The reference design additionally contains the RAA211250, a DC/DC synchronous step-down buck regulator, which boosts effectivity by providing programmable PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) switching frequency and inside loop compensation, lowering the general part rely and invoice of supplies. The pliability of this design permits customers to program power-on and power-off delays by way of an intuitive GUI, making it adaptable to a variety of purposes. It combines ease of use with strong efficiency, making it superb for purposes involving FPGAs, SoCs, and different high-performance elements.

Renesas has examined this reference design. It comes with a design information, schematics, meeting drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) structure, and extra. The corporate’s web site has further information concerning the reference design. To learn extra about this reference design, click on right here.