Texas Instruments Released Dual Motor Reference Design
The reference design enables dual motor control from a single 24-V supply, streamlining development for compact appliances.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Semiconductors
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Texas Instruments has released a dual sensorless brushless DC (BLDC) motor reference design capable of 130 W total continuous output. The control unit, which features distinct drive stages for different power loads, is intended for applications requiring compact, multi-motor systems.
Why it matters
This reference design provides developers with a blueprint for managing multiple low-power motors using both discrete and integrated architectures. By consolidating these functions into a 94 mm by 65 mm footprint, the platform addresses industry demand for space-efficient appliance control.
The system delivers 100 W via a microcontroller and external MOSFETs and 30 W via an integrated driver IC, with both stages supporting speeds up to 2400 rpm. The 100-W stage provides 4.5 A of continuous current, while the 30-W stage provides 1.5 A.
The players
Texas Instruments
A semiconductor company specializing in analog and embedded processing chips for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.
The details
The 100-W stage uses 120-degree trapezoidal control, a method of modulating voltage to switch motor coils in defined segments, combined with sensorless back-electromotive-force integration, a technique for estimating rotor position without physical sensors by measuring the voltage generated as the motor spins. The 30-W stage employs 180-degree sinusoidal control, which offers smoother current delivery for lower power requirements. An isolated UART interface serves as the communication bridge between the system and external controllers.
Timeline
The reference design publication occurred on October 1, 2026.
The Tech Race
This release marks an evolution in motor control strategies by combining discrete architectures with integrated solutions on a single board. The platform extends the utility of the DRV10983 motor driver IC by pairing its integrated MOSFET architecture with a larger discrete stage to manage varied motor loads.
This design serves as a foundational template for engineers to build compact appliances like circulation pumps or drain systems. Manufacturers can utilize the reference documentation to accelerate hardware prototyping for 24-V powered consumer and industrial equipment.
The takeaway
The move toward combined discrete and integrated motor control suggests a narrowing path for appliance power design. Developers should monitor updates to the TI reference design library to see how these power configurations scale beyond 130 W.
Further reading
Explore the evolving landscape of motor control hardware in our Semiconductors section.
More information
Engineers can download the reference design details to review implementation schematics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electronics For You - Official Site ElectronicsForU.com.
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Do you prefer appliances that use modular, scalable components over those with all-in-one integrated designs?
