Intelligent controller targets AGVs

23rd May 2014

Roboteq, Inc.

Staff Reporter

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Datasheet

An intelligent controller capable of directly driving two DC motors up to 120Amps each has been introduced by Roboteq. Priced at only $425 in single quantity, the XDC2230 is targeted at designers of Mobile Robots, Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Warehouse Automation Systems or any other high power motor control application.

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 or position modes. The XDC2230 includes inputs for two Quadrature Encoders for precise speed and traveled distance measurement.

The XDC2230 can be interfaced directly to Roboteq's MGS1600 Magnetic Guide Sensor, allowing an AGV to be built using only two components. Detailed instructions for building such an AGV can be found at www.roboteq.com/agv

Mobile Robots using Roboteq’s controllers and sensors are already moving goods at major car manufacturing plants, including General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Mercedes, Seat, Toyota, VW, and at many other companies and institutions.

The XDC2230 accepts commands from analog joystick, standard R/C radio, USB, RS232 or CANbus interfaces. The XDC2230 incorporates a Basic Language Interpreter capable of executing over 50,000 Basic instructions per second. This feature can be used to write powerful scripts for adding custom functions, or for developing automated systems without the need for an external PLC or microcomputer.

The XDC2230 will operate at voltages up to 35V (60V version available in Q3 /14) and features intelligent current sensing that will automatically limit the power output to 120A in all load conditions. The controller also includes protection against overheat, stall, and short circuits.

The controller includes up to 6 analog, digital or pulse inputs. Two 1A digital outputs are provided for activating, lights, valves, brakes or other accessories. A free PC utility is available for configuring, tuning and exercising the motor. The controller can be reprogrammed in the field with the latest features by downloading new operating firmware from Roboteq’s web site.

The XDC2230 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 XDC2230 is available now to customers worldwide at $425 in single quantities, complete with cable and PC-based configuration software.