Thread: LMD18201
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Unread 16-07-2007, 13:34
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Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
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Re: LMD18201

OK,
Reading the datasheet, there are two ways to control this device depending on the input PWM signal. If the PWM is direction encoded where a 50% duty cycle represents zero speed then you tie the speed PWM pin to logic high and use the direction PWM for your input. (see the applications section of the data sheet.) The Source 1 & 2 and Sink 1 & 2 refer to the output pairs. Note in the block diagram that the left output pair is labeled Out 1 and the right is labeled Out 2. Now if you look at the truth table, the "Active Output Drivers" refer to which FET in which output is conducting. "Source 1" referes to the upper transistor in the left side of the block diagram and "Sink 2" refers to the lower transistor in the right side of the block. "Source" generally means a connection to the positive power while "sink" refers to a connection to ground. Again in the applications section, the manufacturer refers to Pin 7 and "ground/sense" so that a user may insert a 0.1 ohm resistor at this pin and measure a voltage that is ground referenced and proportional to the current flowing through this resistor. In addition to normal speed control, this device also allows braking but in addition to turning on both "sink" transistors ( a normal way to brake), it allows a state where both "source" transistors can be turned on instead. This would allow some applications that may not be motor control. Since a motor is connected across the two outputs, the motor will turn in one direction when sink 1 and source 2 are turned on. It will reverse direction when the sink 2 and source 1 are turned on and it will brake when either the two source or two sink transistors are turned on. You need to look closely at the PWM data in this sheet to determine whether it meets your ability to generate a readable encoded PWM signal. Please note that even small motors have a very large start current. A motor that is not moving is by definition in stall and will draw stall current when starting. Even the little Johnson motors can draw 20-30 amps when starting, albeit for a very short time.
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