Smart dual channel, 240Amp DC motor controller with optical encoder input targets mobile robots

Industrial Robot

ISSN: 0143-991x

Article publication date: 1 October 2004

70

Keywords

Citation

(2004), "Smart dual channel, 240Amp DC motor controller with optical encoder input targets mobile robots", Industrial Robot, Vol. 31 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2004.04931ead.002

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited


Smart dual channel, 240Amp DC motor controller with optical encoder input targets mobile robots

Smart dual channel, 240Amp DC motor controller with optical encoder input targets mobile robots

Keywords: Robots, Controllers

Roboteq, Inc. has introduced a microcomputer- based dual channel DC motor controller capable of directly driving up to 120 Amps on each channel at up to 40 V. The AX2850 (Plate 2) is targeted at designers of mobile robotic vehicles including automatic guided vehicles (AGV), underwater remote operated vehicles (ROVs), and mobile robots for exploration, hazardous material handling, and military and surveillance applications.

Plate 2 The AX2850 from Roboteq, Inc.

The controller accepts commands from either standard R/C radio for simple remote controlled robot applications or serial port interface. Using the serial port, the AX2850 can be used to design fully or semi-autonomous robots by connecting it to single board computers, wireless modems or wireless LAN adapters.

The controller's two channels can be operated independently or combined to set the direction and rotation of a vehicle by coordinating the motion on each side of the vehicle. The motors may be operated in open or closed loop speed mode. The AX2850 includes inputs for two quadrature encoders up to 250 kHz, and four limit switches for precise speed and odometer measurement.

The AX2850 features intelligent current sensing and controlling that will automatically limit each channel's power output to 120 A for the time typically required to accelerate or stop a robot. If the motor's current draw remains excessive after that time (as in the case of stalled motor or other unusual loading), the controller will gradually reduce the power to user-selected values.

The controller supports a long list of features, including analog and digital I/Os for accessories and sensors, thermal protection, programmable acceleration, input command watchdog and non- volatile storage of configuration parameters.

The AX2850 can be reprogrammed in the field with the latest features by downloading new operating software from Roboteq's Web site.

The AX2850 is built into a robust extruded aluminum case, which also serves as a heat sink for its output power stage. The large fin area ensures sufficient heat dissipation for operation without a fan in most applications.

The AX2850 is available currently at $620 in single quantities, complete with cable and PC-based configuration software. Product information, application examples and software can be downloaded from the company's Web site: www.roboteq.com

Related articles