Microchip Technology DM164130-8

Overview

DM164130-8 from Microchip Technology is an evaluation platform accessory board designed to extend the F1 Evaluation Platform (DM164130-1) with dedicated hardware for sensorless brushless DC (BLDC) motor control. It integrates a 3-phase gate driver, current sensing, BEMF zero-cross detection circuitry, and a 3.3V linear regulator, enabling direct connection to 5–12V motor power supplies while safely powering the PIC16LF1937 MCU. It supports forced-commutation startup and real-time phase monitoring via the F1 board's CCP and analog comparator peripherals.

For engineers reviewing the DM164130-8 datasheet, DM164130-8 pinout, DM164130-8 application, or DM164130-8 equivalent, this board is intended specifically for validating sensorless BLDC motor algorithms on Microchip's enhanced mid-range PIC16F1 microcontrollers - particularly when paired with the DM164130-1 base platform and firmware demonstrating RPM feedback, temperature-compensated timing, and LCD-based motor diagnostics.

Technical Context

The DM164130-8 implements a 3-phase inverter stage using discrete N-channel MOSFETs driven by a dedicated gate driver IC, with low-side shunt resistors for current monitoring and RC-filtered BEMF sense paths routed to the PIC16LF1937's analog comparators (C12IN1–C12IN3). Its 3.3V regulator powers the MCU and logic interface, eliminating need for external voltage translation.

It maps directly to the 20-pin BLDC Expansion Header (J3) on the DM164130-1, providing fixed pin assignments for high/low drive outputs (e.g., PHASE_W_HI/LO), BEMF inputs (PHASE_U/V/W_ZCX), and current sense signals (CS_U/V/W), all synchronized to the PIC16LF1937's enhanced CCP modules and 10-bit ADC channels.

Key Specifications

Availability

DM164130-8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for BLDC motor control validation, embedded motor firmware development, and educational labs requiring hands-on sensorless commutation training.

Supply support for DM164130-8 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and development tools for embedded applications.

The DM164130-8 belongs to Microchip's F1 Evaluation Ecosystem product line, engineered to accelerate prototyping of low-power, sensorless BLDC motor control solutions using PIC16F1 microcontrollers with XLP technology and integrated LCD/RTCC peripherals.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DM164130-8 evaluation board?

The DM164130-8 is a plug-in BLDC motor controller expansion board that works exclusively with the DM164130-1 F1 Evaluation Platform. It provides full 3-phase gate driving, BEMF zero-cross detection, current sensing, and regulated 3.3V power - enabling rapid validation of sensorless motor control firmware on the PIC16LF1937 MCU without custom PCB design. The DM164130-8 requires no additional programming or configuration beyond loading compatible demo code onto the base board.

Does the DM164130-8 include its own microcontroller or firmware?

No. The DM164130-8 is a passive hardware expansion board with no onboard MCU, memory, or firmware. All control logic resides on the host DM164130-1 board's PIC16LF1937 microcontroller. The DM164130-8 provides only analog and power-stage circuitry - including MOSFETs, gate drivers, shunt resistors, and signal conditioning - and relies entirely on the base board's firmware for commutation sequencing, timing, and feedback processing.

Can the DM164130-8 be used independently of the DM164130-1 platform?

No. The DM164130-8 lacks power regulation for standalone operation, has no debug interface, no programming headers, and no user I/O - it is mechanically and electrically designed only as a daughterboard for the DM164130-1. Its 20-pin J3 connector matches the base board's expansion header exactly, and all control signals (drive outputs, BEMF inputs, current sense) are hardwired to specific PIC16LF1937 pins as defined in the F1 User's Guide (DS41401B).

Which motor parameters does the DM164130-8 support out-of-the-box?

The DM164130-8 supports sensorless commutation for standard 3-phase BLDC motors with star or delta winding configurations. It delivers real-time RPM estimation via BEMF zero-cross timing, closed-loop speed control using potentiometer input, and thermal derating based on MCP9800 temperature readings from the base board. Motor start-up uses forced commutation sequences implemented in the DM164130-1's default firmware - no modifications to the DM164130-8 hardware are needed.

Is the DM164130-8 compatible with other PIC microcontroller families?

No. The DM164130-8 is specifically designed for the PIC16LF1937 MCU on the DM164130-1 platform. Its pin mapping, BEMF filter time constants, current sense scaling, and gate drive timing assume the exact peripheral configuration, clock tree, and I/O structure of that device. While similar circuits could be adapted for other PIC16F1 or PIC18F devices, the DM164130-8 itself is not electrically or mechanically compatible with any other evaluation board or microcontroller family.