agorger1:
Hi, thanks for the info. I;ve been trying to navigate the Atmel website but it's [difficult] to understand which micro has the functions I need without reading the datasheets one by one.
I agree. Their parameter search covers the very basics (SRAM size, Flash size, number of timers) but is useless for the interesting parameters (like dead-time).
The appnote you pointed out unfortunately only works for BLDS motors as it uses a single PWM generator, and the other timer for block commutation of the phases. In a sinusoidal modulation all 3 phases have different duty cycles...
Try this one...
http://atmel.com/dyn/resources/prod_documents/doc2596.pdf
The ATtiny861 seems a perfect match; I wish there was a micro pin to pin compatible with the arduino with that PWM peripheral: it has a so many nice features...
As far as I can tell, the ATmega line is, for the most part, general purpose. For your application, that means a hybrid solution; some hardware and some software.
The ATtiny line seems to be specialized. For your application, that means you will likely find a processor that provides very nice hardware support (like the 861).
Unfortunately, that means you will have tough choice to make. On the one hand you can use a pin compatible processor but the solution will be more complicated. On the other hand you can have a simple elegant solution but the processor will be "odd".
I also wrote to Atmel support so let's see if I get an answer...
Excellent. Please let us know what happens.