Jrk 21v3 USB Motor Controller with Feedback

The jrk 21v3 motor controller is a highly configurable brushed DC motor controller that supports four interface modes: USB, logic-level serial, analog voltage, and hobby radio control (RC). The controller can be used with feedback for closed-loop speed or position control, or it can be used without feedback as an open-loop speed control. The continuous output current is approximately 3 A in the recommended operating range of 8–28 V, with derated performance down to 5 V and transient protection to 40 V.

Overview

The jrk 21v3 is a versatile, general-purpose motor controller that supports a variety of interfaces, including USB. The broad operating range from 5 V to 28 V and continuous output current of 3 A (5 A peak) allow this board to control most small 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 7, Vista, or Windows XP) allows easy calibration and configuration through the USB port.

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 21v3

• Simple bidirectional control of one DC brush motor.
• 5 V to 28 V operating supply range.
• 3 A maximum continuous current output (5 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 (PWM) interface for direct connection to an RC receiver or RC servo controller.
  • 0–5 V analog voltage interface for direct connection to potentiometers and analog joysticks.

• Two closed-loop feedback options:
• • 0–5 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 overUSB with free configuration program (Windows 7, Vista, and Windows XP compatible).
• Configurable parameters include:
  • PID period andPID 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.

Specifications

Included Hardware

The Jrk ships with a 14×1 straight 0.100" male header strip and two 3.5mm, 2-pin terminal blocks. To provide maximum flexibility, none of these parts are soldered to the board.

For the most compact installation, you can solder wires directly to the jrk pads themselves and skip using the included hardware. The included hardware allows you to make less permanent connections. You can break the 14×1 header strip into an 8×1 piece and two 3×1 pieces and solder these strips into the jrk’s I/O pads.
p(note). Note: A USB cable is not included.

Documentation and other information

Pololu Jrk USB Motor Controller User’s Guide (Printable PDF: jrk_motor_controller.pdf)

The user's guide for the Jrk 21v3 USB Motor Controller and the Jrk 12v12 USB Motor Controller.