Robot Power Open Source Motor Control (OSMC) 160A, 13-50V Unassembled Kit

• Robot Power Open Source Motor Control 160A, 13-50V Unassembled Kit
• Engineers robust motor control for DC motors
• Operates from 13V to 50V with 160A continuous output
• Utilizes efficient fan cooling for heat dissipation
• Enables flexible interfacing with any microcontroller
• Supports paralleled units for increased power capacity

The Robot Power Open Source Motor Control 160A, 13-50V Unassembled Kit is a robust H-bridge circuit specifically engineered for controlling permanent magnet DC motors. Originally designed for robot combat competitions, its features are equally applicable to a variety of commercial and industrial motor control applications. This motor control unit is capable of driving a wide range of motors and loads, and it is designed for easy mounting and interfacing with various microcontroller units. Its design allows for straightforward modifications or repairs if necessary.

This motor control kit operates without a heavy heatsink; instead, it utilizes a cooling fan to efficiently dissipate heat from the MOSFETs. The fan, a standard 80mm square computer cooling fan, can be either 12V or 24V and is mounted directly over the MOSFETs for optimal cooling. The absence of onboard logic for interpreting RC or other commands necessitates an external logic interface to convert command inputs into the PWM signals required to drive the board. This design choice enhances flexibility, allowing the board to be driven by any microcontroller or signal source capable of providing PWM and Enable logic.

A significant advantage of this design is the ability to parallel the power units for specialized applications. For instance, two OSMC boards can be used on a single interface channel to control high-powered four-brush motors, effectively doubling the current capacity. This setup allows for a continuous current capability exceeding 300A, as demonstrated in stall tests with specific motors and battery configurations. Additionally, this method can be employed to drive a slaved pair of motors from each channel, enabling configurations such as 4-wheel drive robots with a single RC interface.

Note: Ensure proper handling and installation to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation.