by Web FishMar 16, 2013 @ 12:34pm
Controls the direction and power of the propulsion pods. Translates the central processor decision making and the battery power into mechanical movement.
- Current selection: Pololu Simple Motor Controller 18v7
- Status: Undecided (under testing)
- Criteria: Max current handling, standard I/O, small physical footprint, thermal footprint, cost
- Finalists: Pololu RoboClaw 2x5A Motor Controller, Arduino Motor Shield R3, SeeedStudio Grove Motor Driver
- Main decision factors: High sustained / peak currents, cost, standard serial bus interface
(click image for larger view)
Spec highlights:
- Simple bidirectional control of one DC brush motor.
- 5.5 V to 30 V operating supply range.
- 7 A maximum continuous current output without a heat sink
- Four communication or control options:
- USB interface for direct connection to a PC.
- Logic-level (TTL) serial interface for direct connection to microcontrollers or other embedded controllers.
- Hobby radio control (RC) pulse width interface for direct connection to an RC receiver or RC servo controller.
- 0–3.3 V analog voltage interface for direct connection to potentiometers and analog joysticks.
Caveats:
- Still unclear if we will use UART or PWM to control the boards. We are using 2 pins either way;
- If using UART, both boards will be chained;
- Unclear if hat signature will be an issue until we mount in the navionics bay with the rest of the electronics modules;