The SPARKmini Motor Controller is an inexpensive in-line brushed DC motor controller designed to offer the same performance characteristics as the Control Hub (REV-31-1595) or Expansion Hub (REV-31-1153) motor ports in a small 60mm x 22mm footprint.
The SPARKmini has three integrated wires with connectors dedicated to power, control, and the motor; one XT30 connector for power, one 3-wire servo-PWM connector for control, and one JST-VH connector for the motor. The figure below shows each of these connections:
The Control Hub and Expansion Hub can each drive up to four DC brushed motors. As mechanisms are added to the robot the number of motor ports may not be sufficient. There are two ways to add more motors to the Control System, either the SPARKmini Motor Controller or adding an Expansion Hub. The following two rules give a general idea of when to choose one method over another:
- If one or two motors are needed, consider using the SPARKmini Motor Controller
- If three to four additional motors are needed, consider adding an Expansion Hub
Features
- Integrated wires with connectors
- Brake/coast switch
- Status LED
Specifications
- Input Voltage (nominal): 12V
- Operating Voltage Range: 6V-20V
- Absolute Maximum Voltage: 25V
- Continuous Current: 15A
- Peak Current: 20A
- Input Pulse Width Range: 500μs - 2500μs
- Input frequency (nominal): 50Hz
- Output Frequency: 10kHz
- Wire length (power input and pwm): ~10.75in (273mm)
- Wire length (motor wires): ~11in (280mm)
- Dimensions: 60mm x 22mm x 12mm
- Weight: 0.87oz
- Power Input Connection:
- XT30 Male Connector
- 18AWG 2-conductor wire
- Signal Input Connection:
- 1 x 3 Female Servo Connector
- 22 AWG 3-conductor wire
- Motor Output Connection:
- JST VH Connector
- 18AWG 2-conductor wire
Documentation
CAD & Drawings
- SKU-STP
- SKU-DR
