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Smart 7.5KW Brushless DC Motor Controller Targets Small Electric Vehicles and Robotics

Roboteq, Inc. introduces an intelligent controller capable of directly driving a brushless DC up to 150Amps at up to 50V. The BL1650 is targeted at designers of electric bikes or karts, mobile robots, or any other high-power brushless motor control application.

The controller accepts commands from either analog pedal/joystick, standard R/C radio for simple remote-controlled robot applications, or RS232 interface. Using the serial port, the BL1650 can be used to design fully or semi-autonomous robots by connecting it to single board computers, wireless modems or WiFi adapters.

The BL1650 incorporates a Basic Language Interpreter capable of executing over 50,000 Basic instructions per second. This feature can be used to write powerful scripts for adding custom functions, or for developing automated systems without the need for an external PLC or microcomputer.

The BL1650 uses the motor’s hall sensors to measure speed and travelled distance with high accuracy. The controller can operate the motors in open loop or in closed loop speed or position mode with a 1 kHz update rate. The BL1650 features intelligent current sensing that will automatically limit the power output to 150A in all load conditions. The controller also includes protection against overheat, stall, and short circuits.

The controller includes up to 4 analog, 6 digital and 5 pulse inputs. Two 1A digital outputs are provided for activating brakes or other accessories. The controller’s operation can be optimized using nearly 80 configurable parameters, such as programmable acceleration or deceleration, amps limits, operating voltage range, use of I/O, and more.

A free PC utility is available for configuring, tuning and exercising the motor. The controller can be reprogrammed in the field with the latest features by downloading new operating firmware from Roboteq’s web site.

The BL1650 is built into a compact 9.0”L x 5.5”W x 1.6”H (228mm x 140mm x 40mm), robust extruded aluminum case, which also serves as a heat sink for its output power stage. The large fin area ensures sufficient heat dissipation for operation without a fan in most applications.

The BL1650 is available now to customers worldwide at $545 in single quantities, complete with cable and PC-based configuration software. Product information and software can be downloaded from the company’s web site at www.roboteq.com.

Founded in 2001 by experts in embedded computing and power electronics, Roboteq’s mission is to develop products and technologies that allow novices and professionals alike to build innovative, flexible and affordable mobile robots. Roboteq controllers are now used in over 500 original robot designs around the world.

www.roboteq.com