Motor Controller is suited for mobile robots.
Press Release Summary:
Microcomputer-based, dual-channel, DC motor controller AX2850 directly drives up to 120 A on each channel at up to 40 V. Both channels can be operated independently or combined. Unit accepts commands from R/C radio or serial port interface and includes inputs for 2 Quadrature Encoders, up to 250 kHz, and 4 limit switches for speed and odometer measurement. Unit also features intelligent current sensing and controlling and extruded aluminum case.Original Press Release:
Smart Dual Channel, 240Amp DC Motor Controller with Optical Encoder Input Targets Mobile Robots
Phoenix, AZ, May 6, 2004 - Roboteq, Inc (www.roboteq.com) introduces a microcomputer-based dual channel DC motor controller capable of directly driving up to 120Amps on each channel at up to 40V. The AX2850 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.
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 250kHz, 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 120A 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 now 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 at www.roboteq.com.
About Roboteq
Founded in 2001 by experts in embedded computing and power electronics, Roboteq's mission is to develop products and technologies that allow novices and professionals alike to build innovative, flexible and affordable mobile robots. Roboteq controllers are now used in over 300 different robot designs around the world.
