Pololu Driver Jrk 12v12 USB Feedback

Overview

The Jrk 12v12 is a versatile, general-purpose motor controller that supports a variety of interfaces, including USB. The 6 V to 16 V operating range and high continuous output current of 12 A (30 A peak) allow this board to control many medium-sized 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) allows easy calibration and configuration through the USB port. A USB A to mini-B cable (not included) is required to connect this controller to a computer.

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 12v12

• Simple bidirectional control of one DC brush motor.

• 6 V to 16 V operating supply range.

• 12 A maximum continuous current output (30 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 interface for direct connection to an RC receiver or RC servo controller.

○ 0 V to 5 V analog voltage interface for direct connection to potentiometers and analog joysticks.

• Two closed-loop feedback options:

○ 0 V to 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 for Windows.

• 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.

• Comprehensive user’s guide.