Pololu Jrk 21v3 USB Motor Controller with Feedback

Pololu Jrk 21v3 USB Motor Controller with Feedback#1392 The jrk 21v3 motor controller is a highly configurable brushed DC motor controller that supports four interface modes: USB, logic level serial, analog voltage, and hobby radio control (RC). The controller can be used as an open loop speed control or for closed loop speed or position control. The continuous output current is approximately 3 A in the recommended operating range of 8 28 V, with derated performance down to 5 V and transient

#1392

The jrk 21v3 motor controller is a highly configurable brushed DC motor controller that supports four interface modes: USB, logic-level serial, analog voltage, and hobby radio control (RC). The controller can be used as an open-loop speed control or for closed-loop speed or position control. The continuous output current is approximately 3 A in the recommended operating range of 8-28 V, with derated performance down to 5 V and transient protection to 40 V.

Overview
 
The jrk 21v3 is a versatile, general-purpose motor controller that supports a variety of interfaces, including USB. The broad operating range from 5 V to 28 V and continuous output current of 3 A (5 A peak) allow this board to control most small DC brushed motors. Analog voltage and tachometer (frequency) feedback options allow quick implementation of closed-loop servo systems, and a free configuration utility (for Windows XP or Vista) allows easy calibration and configuration through the USB port.

Key improvements over competing products and earlier Pololu motor controllers with feedback include:

• USB connectivity with emulated serial (COM) port allows direct motor control from a PC.
• Ultrasonic PWM to eliminate switching-induced motor shaft hum or whine.
• Robust, high-speed communication protocol with user-configurable error condition response.
• High internal resolution (12 bits) for smooth and flexible calibration to various input and feedback devices.
• Current sensing and limiting.
• Reversed power protection.
• Field-upgradeable firmware.

Main Features of the Jrk 21v3

• Simple bidirectional control of one DC brush motor.
• 5 V to 28 V operating supply range.
• 3 A maximum continuous current output (5 A peak).
• Four communication or control options:
• USB interface for direct connection to a PC.
• Full-duplex, TTL-level asynchronous serial interface for direct connection to microcontrollers or other embedded controllers.
• Hobby radio control (RC) pulse width (PWM) interface for direct connection to an RC receiver or RC servo controller.
• 0-5 V analog voltage interface for direct connection to potentiometers and analog joysticks.
• Two closed-loop feedback options:
• 0-5 V analog voltage.
  Frequency/tachometer digital input up to 2 MHz with 1 ms PID period.
  (Open-loop control with no feedback also available.)
• Simple configuration and calibration over USB with free configuration program (Windows XP and Vista compatible).
• Configurable parameters include:
• PID period and PID constants (feedback tuning parameters).
• Maximum current.
• Maximum duty cycle.
• Maximum acceleration.
• Error response.
• Input calibration (learning) for analog and RC control.
• Optional CRC error detection eliminates communication errors caused by noise or software faults.
• Reversed power protection.
• Field-upgradeable firmware.
• Optional feedback potentiometer disconnect detection.