Microprocessors and digital ICs for motion control

This paper reviews the developments in microprocessors and digital ICs with a special attention to applications to motion control. First, the use of microprocessors and digital ICs in the control of electric motor drives is considered. General-purpose microprocessors and microcontrollers are then presented with emphasis on features that are necessary for the implementation of real-time control systems. High-performance advanced processors such as digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced-instruction-set computing (RISC) processors, and parallel processors are studied. Development and debugging tools required for developing sophisticated microprocessor-based control systems are considered. The capabilities of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in motion control and their design process are examined. Typical application examples illustrating research work in digital motion control using microprocessors and digital ICs are presented. The potentials of new devices are considered for application to high-performance drive systems. Trends for future development of the microprocessor technology for motion control applications are projected.<
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