Allegro MicroSystems Power Tools
Allegro MicroSystems Power Tools is a product portfolio representing a significant shift in the power tool industry. Allegro MicroSystems Power Tools offer consumers opting for cordless over corded tools more options for applications. To meet the demands of this market, manufacturers are increasingly transitioning from DC-powered to brushless DC-powered tools, leading to different designs and a strain on research and development resources. In the face of these challenges, innovative solutions are needed. One promising approach is the creation of tool designs that use a single, flexible platform capable of supporting multiple products in the portfolio, all while reducing costs and increasing reliability and mobility.
Battery voltages and wattages required by commercial and industrial applications vary with uses for cutting, drilling, grinding, sanding, shaping, and polishing. These requirements pose a significant engineering challenge. An electric drill may consume 400W with a battery voltage of 18V. In contrast, a chainsaw may consume thousands of watts with a battery voltage as high as 80V. Easy-to-implement sense and drive products from Allegro support various power levels and architectures.
Features
- Wide voltage input ranges support 12V to > 56V platforms for higher efficiency and design reuse
- Robust, accurate sensors take the guesswork out of motor control to improve power delivery, efficiency, and run time
- Compact packages and footprints reduce board space and enable smaller designs
- Industry-leading transient protection increases the reliability and longevity of the tool
- Powerful gate drive strength helps deliver power faster for higher torque and efficiency
Featured Products
Allegro offers a single-platform architecture that addresses power and voltage demands. As battery-powered tools gain consumer preference, design challenges continue to emerge. The devices must be more lightweight and efficient with enhanced reliability, maximum torque, and small size. Allegro eases design woes with products that address critical design elements of portable equipment.
Battery charging and management – Current Monitor (ACS724, ACS711)
Motor control – Gate Drivers (A5932, A4919, A89500), Phase Disconnect (A6861)
Motor feedback – Motor Position Sensor (APS13290), Current Sensor (ACS724, ACS711)
Input detection - Trigger/Lever Sensor (A1391), Illumination (APS13568), Interlock Switch (A1120), Knob (A1330)
Illumination - Workspace Light (A6260)
Propulsion – Gate Driver (A4931), Motor Position Sensor (APS13290)
Safety mechanism – Disconnect Driver (A6862), High Side Sensor (ACS711)
Additional Resources
- Technical Article: Single-Platform Design Can Reduce the Cost of Research and Development for Cordless Power Tools
- Technical Article: Modern Motor Drivers Enable a Common Platform for Power Tool Designs
- Technical Article: Advanced Algorithm Minimizes Stepper Motor Noise and Vibration in Precision Motion Control Applications
- Application Note: Enhancements to Slide-by Detection with Linear Sensors
- Application Note: Position and Level Sensing Using Hall-Effect Sensing Technology
- Application Note: Micro-Power Position Sensing in Cell Phone Applications
- Application Note: Latching Switch Hall-Effect IC Basics
- Brochure: Innovative Motor Control
- Product Selection Guide
- Guide: Hall-Effect Sensors Applications Guide
- White Paper: Innovative FOC Motor Control Improve Time to Market by Eliminating Software Development