Smart Brushless DC Motor Controller Targets Robotics and Industrial Automation

The controller accepts commands from either analog pedal/joystick, standard R/C radio, USB, CAN or RS232 interface. Using the serial port, the controller can be used to design fully or semi-autonomous robots by connecting it to single board computers, wireless modems or WiFi adapters. Using CAN bus, up to 127 controllers can be networked on a single twisted pair network.

The MBL1650 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 MBL1650 uses the motor’s hall sensors to measure speed and travelled distance with high accuracy. The controller can operate the motors in open loop or in closed loop speed or position mode with a 1 kHz update rate. The MBL1650 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 4 analog, 6 digital and 5 pulse inputs. Two 1.5A digital outputs are provided for activating brakes or other accessories. The controller’s operation can be optimized using nearly 80 configurable parameters, such as programmable acceleration or deceleration, amps limits, operating voltage range, use of I/O, and more.

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 MBL1650 is built into a compact 4.45”L x 5.5”W x 0.78”H (113mm x 140mm x 20mm) enclosed design. The controller's conduction bottom plate ensures sufficient heat dissipation for operation without a fan in most applications.

The MBL1650 is available now to customers worldwide at $335 in single quantities, complete with cable and PC-based configuration software. Product information and software can be downloaded from the company’s web site at www.roboteq.com.