Motor controller targets mobile robots
FEBRUARY 23, 2009--The AX2860, an intelligent dual-channel DC motor controller capable of directly driving up to 120 A on each channel at up to 60 V, 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, analog joystick, or RS-232 interface. Using the serial port, the AX2860 can be used to design fully or semiautonomous robots by connecting it to single board computers, wireless modems, or Wi-Fi adapters. The two channels can be operated independently or combined to set the direction and rotation of a vehicle by coordinating the motors on each side (tank-like steering). The motors may be operated in open or closed-loop speed mode. The controller includes inputs for two quadrature encoders up to 250 kHz, and four limit switches.
Roboteq
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
www.roboteq.com
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PRESS RELEASE
14kiloWatt, dual Channel DC Motor Controller with Optical Encoder Inputs Targets Mobile Robots
Scottsdale, AZ, January 20, 2009 - Roboteq, Inc (www.roboteq.com) introduces an intelligent dual channel DC motor controller capable of directly driving up to 120Amps on each channel at up to 60V. The AX2860 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, analog joystick or RS232 interface. Using the serial port, the AX2860 can be used to design fully or semi-autonomous robots by connecting it to single board computers, wireless modems or WiFi adapters.
The controller's two channels can be operated independently or combined to set the direction and rotation of a vehicle by coordinating the motors on each side (tank-like steering). The motors may be operated in open or closed loop speed mode. The AX2860 includes inputs for two Quadrature Encoders up to 250kHz, and four limit switches, for precise speed and traveled distance measurement.
The AX2860 features intelligent current sensing and controlling that will automatically limit each channel's power output to 120A. For higher power application, the product may be ordered in a Single Channel configuration, capable of driving single load up to 240A at 60V.
The controller supports a long list of features, including analog and digital I/Os for accessories and sensors, thermal protection, programmable acceleration, short-circuit protection, input command watchdog and non-volatile storage of configuration parameters. The AX2860 can be reprogrammed in the field with the latest features by downloading new operating software from Roboteq's web site.
The AX2860 is built into a compact 9.0"L x 5.5"W x 1.6"H (228mm x 140mm x 40mm), 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 AX2860 is available now to customers worldwide at $720 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 original robot designs around the world.