13A capable motor driver - Automatic Weeding Robot #5

1 Mar 2019

wow, time flies, i realize i haven't posted anything for 1 months plus. This post is a relatively short post

i was out for oversea trip for 2 weeks, also another 1 week for Chinese New Year holidays, nonetheless over the last one month, i have look at trying to build my motor driver circuit with MOSFET

i got some IPT60R028G7 infineon COOLMOS high current MOSFET, which is capable of 75A continuous drain current and an optocoupler TLP521-4

i then research on some home DIY PCB making methods that i haven't tried - using Vinegear and hydrogen peroxide like in https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/185824/hydrogen-peroxide-for-pcb-etching

seriously it seems i haven't design a proper PCB for quite some time, but is hesistant to use ferric chloride

However, later on i discover a 13A capable driver board so i eventually just got myself 2 driver boards (since i have 2 motors)

It has grove compatible control interface hence i am adding a grove shield to my setup. Now, i haven't crosschecked if the STM32F411RET6 will be

compatible with a grove shield. If it is not, i can always do a dumb action, let the MCU talk to an arduino uno with grove shield

So i have decided to still do without PCB first

here are the motor drive test line up

Next step

-test the 13A module today and write an update post tomorrow

Next next step

- come out with system model with Altair Embeb that can be simulated

Top Comments

dubbie over 6 years ago in reply to BigG

BigG,

That's really helpful. I want to design a couple of simple PCBs so this might be the answer.

Dubbie
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BigG over 6 years ago in reply to dubbie

I seem to recall seeing that website being mentioned through a couple of maker YouTube channels, such as MickMake and Julian Ilett. I think those channels and a few others are sponsored by the PCB manufacturer.

I had started to learn KiCad but it was taking awhile to get through all the documentation. I decided to try easycad out as I was designing a simple add on board for a bbc:microbit. I picked up how to use easyeda in minutes. I've used it for other stuff and found it really handy for designing 2-layer shields etc. I still go back to KiCad to learn the ins and outs as I see it better for the more serious stuff.

The easycad website is linked to https://jlcpcb.com/ and the min cost (excl. delivery and other bespoke requirements) is $2 for 10 boards. They also link to another crowd for components etc. I'm no expert in this area, but I've had no problems with the boards I've ordered through them. Delivery can take awhile though if choosing lowest cost option.
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dubbie over 6 years ago in reply to BigG

BigG,

I've not heard of this company before. Are they any good? I'm in the UK. What sort of price are they?

Dubbie
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BigG over 6 years ago

If you want a relatively quick and simple way to design and get custom prototype pcb's made then my suggestion is that you should look at using this online tool - it is quick to grasp the concepts and the pcb ordering is pretty good value too: https://easyeda.com/

I believe you can order up to 10 boards for the same price. I usually order 5 for a prototype.

A far better way than etching, in my opinion.
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weiwei2 over 6 years ago in reply to 14rhb

my initial testing with just bench power supply looks promising. updated to blog #6 Motor driver testing with bench top power supply - Automatic Weeding Robot #6

i find the voltage level, other than current also play a role
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