M5Stack has released new products! Come see what's in store.
14 Sep 2024
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As a big fan of M5, I am very happy to share with you that his family is launching a new product every week! This week's new products will push the limits of efficient motion control and showcase a new world of smarter, better-looking, and more flexible products. Prepare to be amazed by the Roller family of motors! Combining state-of-the-art FOC closed-loop drive technology with high-performance brushless motors, the Roller485 Unit and Roller485 Lite Unit represent a major breakthrough in user experience and scalability. The Roller485 Lite Unit and Roller485 Unit are outstanding representatives of integrated DC brushless motor motion actuators. They integrate advanced FOC closed-loop drive technology and high-performance brushless motors, and are a breakthrough in user experience and scalability! From precise control to intuitive interaction, from high performance to flexible mounting solutions, these two new products are taking motion control to a whole new level! Follow us to learn more about the Roller485 Unit and Roller485 Lite Unit and how they are revolutionizing robotics, industrial automation, and visualization.
Unit-Roller485 VS Unit-Roller485 Lite
The device supports a 6-16V DC power input via the PWR485 interface or a 5V input via the Grove interface, with automatic power factor adjustment for optimal performance. Its built-in FOC closed-loop drive system makes use of a 3504 200KV brushless motor, eliminating the need for forced cooling. The motor has a maximum continuous phase current of 0.5A and a short-time current of 1A. Magnetic encoder feedback enables precise control over current, speed, and position.
Additionally, the device is equipped with a 0.66-inch OLED display at the back, providing real-time device status. It also includes RGB indicator lights and function buttons, facilitating human-machine interaction. With LEGO-compatible mounting holes and M3 screw holes at the base, the unit allows for easy assembly and integration. Both the Roller485 Unit hardware and software are open source, enabling motion control and parameter adjustment via RS485 or I2C bus. Furthermore, SWD and SWO debugging interfaces are provided for greater developer flexibility. This system finds wide applications in robot joints, motion control, industrial automation, visualization demonstration, and other projects.
What is the role of BLDC motors?
The Unit-Roller485 is equipped with an additional BLDC motor compared to the Roller485 Lite. This raises the question of the purpose and functionality of the extra BLDC motor.
A Brushless DC Motor (BLDC) operates on electronic commutation, eliminating the need for a mechanical commutator and brushes found in traditional DC motors. The implementation of electronic control results in improved efficiency, durability, and performance in BLDC motors in comparison to brushed DC motors.
How BLDC motors work
BLDC motors utilize permanent magnets in the rotor and windings in the stator, which are controlled by an electronic commutator. When the stator coils are energized, they generate an electromagnetic field that drives the rotor to rotate. The electronic controller can precisely regulate the current flow to ensure that the rotor rotates at the specified speed and direction.
Characteristics of BLDC motors
Enhanced efficiency: Elimination of brushes reduces friction loss, leading to improved conversion of electrical energy.
Extended lifespan: With no mechanical contact parts, such as brushes and commutators, BLDC motors experience less wear and tear, resulting in a longer service life.
Reduced noise and vibration: The brushless design enables quieter and smoother operation.
Precise control and high speed: The electronic controller allows for more accurate speed and position adjustments, making it well-suited for high-speed applications.
Applications for BLDC motors
BLDC motors are widely used in many applications where high efficiency and precise control are required. Common applications include: drones (light weight, high efficiency, fast speed), electric vehicles, industrial automation (to provide stable power and precise motion control), household appliances (e.g., air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, etc., to improve the energy efficiency level of the equipment and to reduce the noise), and medical equipment (precise control and reliability), Power tools (e.g. cordless drills, electric screwdrivers, etc., longer range and higher power output).
The main difference between Unit-Roller485 Lite and Unit-Roller485 is that the Unit-Roller485 Lite does not include the slip ring extended Grove interface or the top LEGO expansion interface.I'm excited to share why this product was chosen! It offers a number of remarkable advantages. Firstly, its small and delicate design saves space without sacrificing aesthetics and fits perfectly into any project.
Additionally, it is extremely easy to disassemble and assemble, making operations more efficient. Despite its small size, it packs a powerful punch, delivering high performance in a compact size. This product will surely change your perception of size and performance!
