Roboteq Inc. has released HDC2450 an innovative controller which can precisely drive two DC motors. Each can be run up to 50 V and can be operated up to 150Amps. The HDC2450 plays a significant role in developing Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs), mobile robots or any other system featuring high power motor control application.
Instructions from the standard R/C radio, analog joystick, USB or RS232 interface are received by the HDC2450. By utilizing the USB or serial port, the controller can be connected to wireless modems, single board computers or WiFi adapters, which in turn can be used to develop fully automatic or semi automatic robots.
The HDC2450 can accomplish around 50,000 basic commands per second by means of an in-built Basic Language Interpreter. It also enables creating effective scripts for including desired functions and also for creating automated systems without requiring a peripheral PLC or microcomputer.
The two channels of the HDC2450 can be operated either individually or jointly to synchronize the motors on either side. This results in setting the orientation and rotation of the mobile robot. Quadrature encoders can be included in the microcontroller up to 250 kHz for determining the distance covered as well as the accurate speed of the mobile robot.
The HDC2450 includes an innovative current sensing feature which will maintain the output power to 150A, thereby enabling the microcontroller to effectively function during all-load conditions. The other features of the HDC2450 include overheat protection, protection against short circuits etc.
The HDC2450 can embrace up to 19 digital, 11 analog and 6 pulse inputs. Lights, valves, brakes and other ancillaries can be provided by means of eight digital outputs, each of 1A. The performance of the controller can be configured by means of around 80 adjustable parameters like amps limits, programmable acceleration or deceleration, use of I/O, operating voltage range etc.
The motor can be configured, tuned and operated by means of a free PC utility. New operating firmware available in the company’s website can be downloaded for re-coding the HDC2450 to include the new features. The HDC2450 measures 228mm x 140mm x 40mm and is a strong case made out of aluminum. The presence of a large fin region eliminates the need for a fan for dispersing the heat generated during the application.
Source: http://www.roboteq.com