Texas Instruments (TI) has announced its most cost-effective C2000 real-time microcontrollers (MCUs) to date, aimed at enhancing motor control in a wide range of household and industrial products. The new F28E120SC and F28E120SB devices deliver 30% higher computational performance compared to previous C2000 MCUs, optimized for single-motor applications and power factor correction systems. These devices target equipment such as washing machines, dishwashers, power tools, and vacuum cleaners.
The new MCUs integrate TI’s InstaSPIN™ field-oriented control (FOC) technology and motor control algorithms to enable efficient, low-noise, and precise motor operation. Features include high-speed sensorless FOC, torque-rich zero-speed startup, and built-in vibration compensation.
Appliance and tool manufacturers are increasingly expected to deliver quieter and more energy-efficient products. However, many existing designs are constrained by cost, forcing compromises in computing performance and analog integration.
The F28E12x family aims to resolve these trade-offs by offering high-end motor control capabilities at a significantly lower price point. These devices integrate TI’s C28x DSP core with precision analog components such as a high-speed ADC and a programmable gain amplifier, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying design.
“The C2000 line has supported motor control applications since the 1990s,” said Vivek Singhal, VP and GM of Application-Specific Microcontrollers at TI. “By introducing feature-rich, low-cost options, we’re enabling a broader range of applications to benefit from high-performance real-time control.”
The F28E12x MCUs can execute sensorless motor control algorithms at speeds over 120,000rpm, or 2kHz electrical frequency. This capability reduces gear-related noise and enhances system durability. Additionally, the onboard vibration compensation feature can reduce speed ripple by up to 60%, which helps minimize sound and wear caused by unbalanced loads—especially useful in appliances like washing machines.
For a deeper technical overview, see the article: “Achieving smoother, quieter motor performance with highly integrated real-time control MCUs.”
Texas Instruments will present its new C2000 microcontrollers at electronica India, held in Bangalore from September 17 to 19, at Hall 3, Booth D11. The exhibit will feature two live demonstrations: one showcasing the F28E120SC MCU controlling a high-voltage three-phase fan motor, which reduces harmonic distortion to enhance efficiency and lower noise; and another highlighting sensorless field-oriented control (FOC) software operating a low-voltage vacuum motor, delivering smoother startup, reduced current spikes, and speeds up to 150,000rpm.
The F28E12x MCUs are currently available in preproduction on TI’s website, with unit pricing starting at $0.49 for 1,000-unit orders. To facilitate rapid prototyping and development, TI provides an evaluation module priced at $19.00, along with comprehensive motor and power control reference designs. Additionally, a full motor control software development kit is offered, featuring code examples and tools tailored for application-specific configurations.
Texas Instruments is a global leader in analog and embedded semiconductors. TI’s technology powers products across industrial, automotive, consumer, and communication markets. By making electronics more accessible and affordable, TI continues to drive innovation in semiconductor solutions worldwide.
