Keywords
Citation
(2003), "Roboteq introduces smart dual channel, 240 A DC motor controller/driver for mobile robots", Industrial Robot, Vol. 30 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2003.04930cad.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
Roboteq introduces smart dual channel, 240 A DC motor controller/driver for mobile robots
Roboteq introduces smart dual channel, 240 A DC motor controller/driver for mobile robots
Keywords: AGV, Controller
Roboteq, Inc. (www.roboteq.com) has introduced a microcomputer-based dual channel DC motor controller capable of directly driving up to 120 A on each channel at up to 40 V. The AX2500 is targeted at designers of mobile robotic vehicles including automatic guided vehicles (AGV), underwater remote operated vehicles (ROVs), combat robots (battlebots) and 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 AX2500 can be used to design fully or semi-autonomous robots by connecting it to single board computers, wireless modems or wireless LAN adapters (Plate 2).
Plate 2 The Roboteq AX2500
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. Using low-cost position sensors, they may also be set to operate as heavy-duty position servos.
The AX2500 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, battery voltage monitoring, thermal protection, programmable acceleration, input command watchdog and non-volatile storage of configuration parameters.
The AX2500 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 AX2500 is available now at $485 in single quantities, complete with cable and configuration software, Product information, application examples and software can be downloaded from the company's Web site: www.roboteq.com