In the context of the rapid evolution of embodied intelligent robots, the control system has become the core determinant of robot performance, precision, and safety. Zhuhai Jihai Semiconductor, a national high-tech enterprise focused on chip design under Nandstar, is accelerating the domestic replacement of core control components for robots with cutting-edge MCU/DSP chips and a complete solution system.
At the 15th Songshan Lake China IC Innovation Summit Forum held on May 13, Lu Pengsheng, Senior Product Manager of the Real-time Control MCU/DSP Product Line at Zhuhai Jihai Semiconductor Co., Ltd., delivered a speech titled “G32R501: A High-Performance, High-Safety Real-time Control MCU/DSP for Embodied Robots,” introducing the latest solutions tailored for the control center of intelligent robots.
Lu Pengsheng pointed out that in 2024, Jihai will release the world’s first real-time control MCU/DSP based on the Arm Cortex-M52 dual-core architecture, featuring four major advantages: “high burst, high dynamics, high precision, and high safety,” directly addressing the key pain points of robot control systems.
Powerful Core: 2 Brains + 2 Cerebellums for Parallel Processing and Algorithm Acceleration
According to him, the G32R501 is equipped with a dual-core Cortex-M52 processor, optimizing instruction-level parallel computing capabilities. The dual-core architecture design brings two core benefits:
One core is responsible for motor control, while the other core processes data, diagnostics, or communication tasks in parallel, significantly improving response efficiency and system stability;
Coupled with two dedicated instruction-level “acceleration units” (cerebellums), optimized for motor and power control scenarios, it provides efficient algorithm execution capabilities to match complex motion strategies.
He noted that test data shows that compared to the TI C2000 platform, the G32R501 can achieve equivalent operational efficiency in servo control links, and in specific algorithm acceleration scenarios, performance can even double.
Industrial-grade Weather Resistance: Stable Operation in High Temperature and High Pressure Environments
According to him, the G32R501 is built on an automotive-grade industrial platform, meeting AEC-Q100 Grade 1 specifications, and can operate stably at high temperatures of 125°C for extended periods. This provides hardware assurance for robot control in high-temperature or extreme motion scenarios such as medical, agricultural, and logistics applications.
Precision Sensing: High-Precision ADC + DAC + Complete Control Interfaces
To meet the high-precision motion requirements of robots, the G32R501 integrates high-precision ADC and DAC modules, satisfying multi-dimensional signal acquisition and adjustment for current, position, and speed; high-speed PWM and CP/CAP control interfaces support PRD control with 5ns precision and ultra-high resolution modes of 150ps; built-in comparators + DAC provide fault diagnosis and surge protection capabilities, enhancing system stability and response speed. In terms of functional safety, from hardware encryption to SIL certification, multiple safeguards are in place.
He stated that the G32R501 fully supports functional safety, with a code encryption protection module to prevent third-party access to the program; it also supports secure encrypted boot to ensure product integrity; this product complies with IEC 61508 SIL2 hardware safety standards, and combined with software diagnostics and safety libraries, the system-level functional safety can reach CL3 (the highest level).
Performance Testing: Six-Axis Robotic Arm Practical Verification, Efficient and Reliable
To verify the performance of the G32R501, Jihai constructed a six-axis servo robotic arm control platform. The test results are as follows:
| Indicator | Before Upgrade (Traditional MCU) | G32R501 Performance | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inertia Ratio | Standard Value | Achieved90% High Inertia Ratio | Significant Improvement |
| Speed Fluctuation | Normal Fluctuation Level | Lower Fluctuation at 3000rpm | More Stable |
| Limit Frequency | Standard Value | Improvement1.3 Times | Swift |
| Single Control Delay | ~40μs | Reduced to17μs | Significantly Reduced |
| Current Loop Processing | — | Single Core 0.76μs | Better than TI C2000 |
He also pointed out that in traditional control, encoder feedback failure can severely impact system safety. Jihai provides a built-in observer + sensorless high-precision control solution, which can achieve safe control of speed/position/current through algorithm estimation even in the event of encoder failure, ensuring stable operation of the robot.
In terms of product matrix extension, Jihai has built an integrated chip platform for embodied intelligence. In addition to the G32R501, Jihai has also laid out GHD3440 motor gate drivers, GAL T61120 front light LED matrix control ICs, G32R430 the first domestic encoder decoding dedicated MCU, and ultrasonic/radar sensing chips (which have entered mass production and serve leading robot customers). He emphasized that Jihai Semiconductor has established a one-stop platform of chips + algorithms + reference designs, constructing the “Chinese Motion Control Core” for robots.
With the release of the G32R501, Jihai not only injects new momentum into domestic replacement but also provides comprehensive support for high-performance, high-reliability, and high-safety robotic systems. In the future, in scenarios such as intelligent manufacturing, service robots, and agricultural automation, Jihai’s product matrix is expected to further expand its influence.
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