A Quick Overview of SmartElex Motor Driver

Motor drives are circuits that allow a motor to run. In other words, they’re widely employed for the motor interface. These drive circuits are simple to connect to the motor, and their selection is based on the type of motor and its ratings (current, voltage).In this tutorial, we will learn the  basics of SmartElex 15D Motor Driver, its features, Pinout, etc

A motor controller is a device or set of devices that regulate the performance of an electric motor in some predetermined way. Due to their low cost and simple drive control options, brush DC motors are the most extensively utilized drivers. The SmartElex 15Dmotor driver has a lot of fantastic features that make it suitable for a wide range of mechatronics applications. This module may be readily integrated into applications due to its wide working voltage range and ease of interfacing with microcontrollers (MCU).

SmartElex 15D Motor Driver

The SmartElex 15D is a dual channel motor driver with a continuous output of 15 amps and peak currents of 30 amps (10sec) per channel. The motor driver can be operated in radio control, analog, TTL serial, and PWM modes. A variety of operating modes are available, including a mixed and independent radio control mode, as well as analog and PWM modes.

Operating modes allow for operation, such as switching between radio controls and PWM mode or switching between any of 4 modes via 4 position DPDT mode switch. MOSFETs are switched at a frequency of 16 kHz to provide silent operation and eliminate unwanted whining.

It also has a microcontroller unit that provides smart features like different input modes, current restrictions, and thermal protection. When the temperature of the board hits 80 degrees, the motor speed is reduced by half, and once the temperature drops below 70 degrees, the speed returns to normal. At 100 degrees, the motor driver shut down.

Features:

• Supplying 15 amps continuous with peak currents up to 30 amps (10 Sec) per channel
• Support motor voltage from 7V to 28V.
• Onboard Low Internal resistance MOSFETs are switched at 16 kHz frequency.
• Over-current protection and indication.
• Thermal protection.
• Multiple input modes: RC, Analog, PWM, Serial Packetized.
• Onboard push buttons for test and manual operation.

Specifications:

Pinout Diagram:

• Power Input: Connect to a 7V-28V Battery or Power Supply. 
• Motor 1 and Motor 2 Terminal: Connect Motor 1 to Motor 1 Terminal. Connect Motor 2 Motor 2 Terminal. 
• Mode Selection: It uses to set the operating mode and options. 
• Error (ERR) and Over Current (OC) LEDs: Error LED glows when Under-Voltage Lockout (Input Voltage less than 7V). Overcurrent LEDs glow due to current greater than 35 AMP. 
• RC Input: 2 channel Radio Controller receiver connected to these pins. 

Control Mode:

SmartElex 15D supports four different types of input modes:

1.  PWM mode
2. Radio Control (RC)
3. Analog
4. Serial Packetized

• PWM mode:

There are a variety of methods for controlling the speed of DC motors, but one of the most basic and straightforward is to employ Pulse Width Modulation. Pulse width modulation (PWM) is an excellent way to manage the amount of power given to a load without wasting any. The advantage of using pulse width modulation to operate a small motor is that the switching transistor’s power loss is minimal because the transistor is either fully “ON” or totally “OFF.” As a result, the switching transistor’s power consumption is much reduced, resulting in a linear form of control with improved speed stability.

Moreover, the amplitude of the motor voltage remains constant, ensuring that the motor is constantly operating at full capacity. As a result, the motor may rotate at a considerably slower speed without stalling.

Fig1.0. Pulse Width Modulated Wave

• RC mode:(Radio Control Mode):

In this mode, the RC1 and RC2 channels of the receiver, or anything that can create servo signals, are utilized to control the speed and direction of the SmartElex 30D in Radio Control mode.

• Analog Mode:

The Analog voltage controls the speed and direction of the motor in Analog input mode. The voltage range for the analog input is 0V to 5V.

• Serial Mode:

In Serial mode, the SmartElex 30D’s TX pin is connected to the Controller’s Rx pin, and the Controller’s Rx pin is connected to the SmartElex 30D’s TX pin. Switches can be used to set the baud rate. 9600, 19200, 38400, and 57600 baud speeds are supported.

Refer to the below table to set the DIP switch settings for each mode and the function for the input pin,

Conclusion:

Hope this blog helps you to understand the basics of SmartElex Motor Driver, its features, Pinout, etc. We, MATHA ELECTRONICS  will come back with more informative blogs.