Small DC motors are key elements of numerous mechatronic projects. Precise closed-loop position control usually requires expensive and bulky hardware, hardly affordable for hobbyist and not suitable for low-cost projects.
The idea of this project is to provide a powerful alternative to standard servomotors while keeping the ease of use and the low cost. In comparison, the main advantages are:
- Better control: robust and power-efficient position, speed and torque (i.e. current) control. Future versions will allow advanced motion profiles.
- Position, speed, current and voltage feedback.
- Serial interface.
- Protection against over-current, over-temperature, reverse-voltage and under-voltage.
- Better power to size ratio.
The widely used and low-cost "Micro Metal Gearmotors" is a perfect fit for this board.
Input voltage: 2.7 to 10 V
Output current: up to 1.7 A continuous (1.8 A peak)
Board size: 20x12.5 mm
Weight: less than 1 g
Files
Schematics_Tiny_closed_loop_motor_controller.pdf
Schematics of the DC motor controller
Adobe Portable Document Format -
100.18 kB -
12/10/2019 at 15:11
This is really interesting. How's the project going? Working on my own little two wheeled robot using these motors/encoders and having to do everything from scratch is a pain. Would love to just use a board like this to do all the control stuff.
This is really interesting. How's the project going? Working on my own little two wheeled robot using these motors/encoders and having to do everything from scratch is a pain. Would love to just use a board like this to do all the control stuff.