Dual-Channel DC Motor Controller works with mobile robots.
Press Release Summary:
Able to directly drive up to 60 A continuous on each channel at up to 40 V, microcomputer-based AX3500 is fitted on 4.2 x 6.75 in. board and accepts commands from R/C radio or serial port interface. Channels can be operated independently or combined. Along with intelligent current sensing and controlling, product features in-field programmability, inputs for 2 quadrature encoders up to 250 kHz, and 4 limit switches for speed and odometer measurement.
Original Press Release:
Smart Dual Channel, DC Motor Controller with Optical Encoder Input Targets Mobile Robots
Robonexus 2004, San Jose, CA, October 22, 2004 - Roboteq, Inc (www.roboteq.com) introduces a microcomputer-based dual channel DC motor controller capable of directly driving up to 60 continuous Amps on each channel at up to 40V. The AX3500 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.
Fitted on a compact 4.2" x 6.75" board, and targeted primarily to OEMs, 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 AX3500 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 or position modes. The AX3500 includes inputs for two Quadrature Encoders up to 250kHz, and four limit switches, for precise speed and odometer measurement.
The AX3500 features intelligent current sensing and controlling that will automatically limit each channel's power output to user preset values up to 60A. A temperature-based algorithm automatically and gradually reduces the current limits after a high temperature threshold is reached.
The controller supports a long list of features, including analog and digital I/Os for accessories and sensors, thermal, overvoltage and undervoltage protection, programmable acceleration, input command watchdog and non-volatile storage of configuration parameters.
The AX3500 is available as a board-level product, complete with heat sink. An optional thermal conduction plate is available. An enclosed version of the AX3500 is planned for Q1, 2005. The board may be ordered as a single channel controller capable of driving up to 120A loads.
The AX3500 can be reprogrammed in the field with the latest features by downloading new operating software from Roboteq's web site. Roboteq also offers firmware customization services to fit specific OEM requirements.
The AX3500 is available now at $395 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 500 different robot designs around the world.
