
First integrated Zero Cross Detection chip protects connected home appliances
Rohm has launched a series of devices that reduced the power consumption of connected devices in the home.
The rising demand for smart home devices and IoT applications has added communication functionality such as WiFi to home appliances. As it is necessary for such devices to always be ON to maintain communication, manufacturers are required to reduce standby power consumption further to under 500mW. This calls for lower standby power consumption by the motor and power supply blocks along with innovative new technologies.
Many appliances require a zero cross detection circuit for detecting the 0V point (zero cross point) of the AC waveform in order to provide efficient control of both motors and MCUs. However, in terms of power consumption, conventional zero cross detection circuits use a photocoupler that accounts for nearly half of the standby power of the entire system.
Rohm has developed the first integrated zero cross detection solution for power supplies in the home appliance sector. The integrated zero cross detection IC provides designers a turn-key zero cross detector without the need for a complex design using discrete components. Additionally, this integrated solution does not use a photo-coupler typically used in other solutions, and, therefore, it further reduces standby current consumption and increases long-term reliability. Not surprisingly, this feature has been well identified by appliances manufactures and already considered in the qualification phase.
The BM1ZxxxFJ series reduces standby power consumption of the zero cross circuit to 100mW while continuously powering the system. Also, the error in delay time (which varies depending on the AC voltage) that exists with conventional photocoupler-equipped zero cross detection circuits is limited to ±50µs or less. This allows for the efficient drive of motors – even with the different AC supply voltages used in various countries and regions – as well as MCUs. At the same time, eliminating the need for a photocoupler contributes to greater application reliability by reducing risks related to age-based degradation.
Both pulse and edge waveforms used in home appliance specifications are supported by the BM1ZxxxFJ series, eliminating the need for software changes when replacing conventional zero cross detection circuits. There are six models to ensure compatibility with a wide range of home appliances.
An integrated zero cross detection IC development board is available that integrates a power supply for driving the integrated zero cross detection IC for device evaluation. This evaluation board is designed to simplify the decision-making process for designers when considering replacement of existing circuits using a photocoupler. A user’s manual for the evaluation board is also available.
The BM1ZxxxFJ integrated zero cross detection series is available now
www.rohm.com/products/power-management/ac-voltage-zero-cross-detection-ics
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