Roboteq has introduced the SBL2360, a controller capable of driving two brushless DC motor up to 30Amps each at up to 60V.

While Brushless DC Motor controllers are very common, the SBL2360 is a controller capable of driving two motors simultaneously. The controller’s two channels can be operated independently or combined to set the direction and rotation of a vehicle by coordinating the motors on each side (tank-like steering).

Roboteq’s SBL2360 is suited for use in Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV’s), Warehouse Automation Robots, Police/Military Robots, or any other medium-power brushless motor control application. Combined with Roboteq’s MGS1600 Magnetic Guide Sensor, the SBL2360 can be used to design an Automatic Guided Vehicles with just two components.

The SBL2360 supports features such as sinusoidal commutation with Field Oriented Control. It is compatible with all common, and less common rotor sensors types: Hall Sensors, Resolvers, Sin/Cos, Quadrature and SSI Encoders. It can also operate motors in sensorless mode.

The controller includes up to 8 Analog, 10 Digital and 6 Pulse inputs. Four 1A Digital outputs are provided for activating lights, valves, brakes or other accessories. The SBL2360 accepts commands received from an RC radio, Analog Joystick, wireless modem, PLC or microcomputer. Using CAN bus, up to 127 controllers can be networked at up to 1Mbit/s on a single twisted pair.

Numerous safety features are incorporated into the controller to ensure safe operation. The controller’s operation can be automated and customized using Basic Language scripts. The controller can be configured, monitored and tuned in real-time using a Roboteq’s free PC utility. The controller can also be reprogrammed in the field with the latest features by downloading new operating software from Roboteq.

The controller’s two channels can be operated independently or combined to set the direction and rotation of a vehicle by coordinating the motors on each side (tank-like steering). The motors may be operated in open or closed loop speed or position modes with a 1 kHz update rate. The SBL2360 can use the motor’s rotor sensors or to measure speed and travelled distance with high accuracy.

The SBL2360 features intelligent current sensing that will automatically limit each of the power outputs to 30A in all load conditions. The two channels can be joined to drive a single motor up to 60A. The controller also includes protection against overheat, stall, and short circuits. The controller supports regenerative braking allowing the battery to get charged during robot decelerations.

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.

The SBL2360 is built into a 80mm x 120mm x 25mm enclosure with an aluminum bottom plate for efficient conduction cooling.

For more information, visit Roboteq website.