Single Drive Electric Motor Controller

A single-drive electric motor controller is a device specifically designed to regulate a single drive unit, such as a motor or servo system. It receives external command signals to precisely adjust the drive's operational parameters—including speed, position, or torque—and is typically employed within the drive systems of mobile robots, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), logistics robots, and intelligent inspection robots.

Parameter Table

	Driver Model	BRTFOC485	BRTFOC485 (high power)
Key parameters	Voltage Range (V)	12/80	12/80
	Continuous Current (A)	16	36
	Maximum Current (A)	32	72
	Power (W)	200、 500、800	1000、 1200、 1500、 1800
	Speed (erpm)	200000	200000
	Communication Method	MODBUS-RTU（ RS485）、CAN、CANOPEN	MODBUS-RTU（ RS485）、CAN、CANOPEN
Motor matching	Intelligent Motor Parameter Recognition	√	√
Protection	Overvoltage Protection	√	√
	Undervoltage Protection	√	√
	Overcurrent Protection	√	√
	Overtemperature Protection	√	√
	Constant Power Output	√	√
closed loop	Current Loop	√	√
	Speed Loop	√	√
	Position Loop	√	√
Control method	Analog (ADC) Control	√	√
Control method	PPM Control	√	√
Motor sensor	Sensorless FOC	√	√
	Hall + AB Encoder	√	√
	Encoder	ABZ	ABZ
	Hall	√	√
Configuration method	USB Type-C	√	√
Status display	Status Light	√	√
Status display	Error Light	√	√
I/O	Configurable Input	2	2
I/O	Configurable Output	1	1
connector	Plug-and-Play	√	√
Operating environment	Temperature	-40℃ ~80℃	-40℃ ~80℃

The single-drive electric motor controller primarily comprises the following components:

Main Control Chip (MCU/DSP): Responsible for executing control algorithms, processing sensor signals, and issuing control commands.

Power Drive Module (Power Stage): Typically composed of power devices such as MOSFETs or IGBTs, used to amplify control signals and supply the required voltage and current to the motor.

Signal Processing Circuitry: Processes signals from position feedback elements like encoders and Hall sensors, alongside analogue signals such as current and voltage.

Communication Interface: Facilitates data exchange with host computers or other controllers. Common interfaces include UART, CAN, SPI, and I2C.

In the design of robotic chassis, a single drive controller is a dedicated control module engineered for a single motor or drive unit, primarily employed to precisely regulate rotational speed, torque, and direction. However, in practical applications, through multi-channel integration, the combination of multiple controllers or specific algorithms can independently control different wheels to achieve functions such as differential steering, independent drive, or omnidirectional movement. This is commonly found in mobile robots (such as AGVs, inspection robots, or wheeled platforms).

Chassis Types	Control Modes	Key Features	Application Scenarios
Two-wheel differential chassis	Two single-drive controllers independently regulate left and right wheel speeds	Steering achieved through differential speed; simple structure with easily controllable algorithms; often equipped with swivel castors for balance assistance.	Indoor inspection robots, basic AGVs.
Four-wheel independent steering drive chassis	Four single-drive controllers or multi-channel integration independently govern steering/drive for each wheel	Supports Ackerman steering, crab steering, and on-the-spot turning; adapts to complex field environments.	Agricultural wheeled robots, field crop sensing platforms.
McNaughton wheel omnidirectional chassis	Dual-channel controllers independently drive all four wheels	Independent steering/drive for each wheel enables omnidirectional movement; high manoeuvrability.	Warehouse logistics robots, omnidirectional AGVs.
Ackerman rear-wheel independent drive chassis	Two single-drive controllers manage rear wheels, integrated with front wheel steering	Independent rear-wheel drive delivers higher total power output; RS-485 bus communication for coordination.	Unmanned vehicle platforms, educational robots.
Wheeled leg or tracked chassis	Multiple single-drive controllers govern wheel/leg drive systems	Independent wheel drive combined with passive joints enhances off-road capability.	Outdoor exploration robots, wheel-track conversion platforms.

Single-drive electric motor controllers versus dual-drive or multi-drive controllers

The primary distinction between single-drive controllers and dual-drive or multi-drive controllers lies in their control capabilities and application scenarios:

Single-drive controllers: Feature only one independent power output channel, capable of controlling a single motor.

Dual-drive/multi-drive controllers: Feature two or more independent power output channels, enabling simultaneous control of multiple motors. Dual-drive controllers are commonly employed in equipment requiring coordinated operation of two motors, such as robotic chassis. Multi-drive controllers are utilised in more complex systems, including industrial robots.

Single-drive controllers are suitable for scenarios with budget constraints, light loads, and predetermined paths (e.g., small inspection robots). Their advantages lie in simplicity and high efficiency, though manoeuvrability is constrained by mechanical structure. Dual-drive controllers offer improved balance for moderately complex environments (e.g., indoor logistics AGVs), enabling steering through speed differential to enhance flexibility. However, they incur slightly higher costs and complexity than single-drive variants. Selection within robotic chassis depends on specific application requirements.