Atlas
®
Digital Amplifier Complete Technical Reference
9
1
1.Introduction
In This Chapter
Atlas Digital Amplifier Overview
Typical Applications
Features and Functions
Atlas Developer’s Kits
1.1
Atlas Digital Amplifier Overview
Atlas Digital Amplifiers are single-axis amplifiers that provide high performance torque control of brushless DC, step
motor, and DC Brush motors. They accept digital torque commands from an external source and are used directly for
motor torque control applications, or in conjunction with higher level controllers for velocity or positioning applications.
Their very compact size and range of power output levels make them an ideal solution for single-card machine
controllers that require high performance in a small envelope.
Atlas digital amplifiers provide many advanced control features including user-programmable gain parameters,
performance trace, field oriented control, and I
2
t current management. Atlas amplifiers are powered from a single supply
voltage, and provide automatic protection from overcurrent, undervoltage, overvoltage, overtemperature, and short
circuit faults.
The Atlas digital amplifier family has been designed to work seamlessly with PMD’s Magellan family of motion control
ICs. Alternatively, they can be used with dedicated FPGAs, digital signal processors, or general purpose microprocessors.
Communication to/from Atlas amplifiers is via SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) using a simple, packet-oriented
protocol. For step motors, in addition to the SPI format a dedicated pulse & direction input mode is provided.
Atlas amplifiers are packaged in plastic and metal solderable modules and are available in an ultra compact package size
with a total footprint of 1.4 inch
2
(9.0 cm
2
) and a compact package size with a footprint of 2.6 inch
2
(16.8 cm
2
). They
come in three power levels; 75 watts, 250 watts, and 500+ watts and utilize standard through-hole pins for all electrical
connections.
Atlas amplifiers are provided in both vertical and horizontal mounting configurations and have integral attachment tabs
to allow for a variety of mechanical mounting and heat sink options. The following table shows the available
configurations of the Atlas Digital Amplifiers:
P/N
Power Level
(continuous)
Voltage
Size
Mounting
Style
Motor Type
Step Motor
MD241048/02VB
Low (75W)
12-48V
Ultra compact
Vertical
Step Motor
MD241048/02HB
Low (75W)
12-48V
Ultra compact
Horizontal
Step Motor
MD241048/05VB
Medium (250W)
12-48V
Ultra compact
Vertical
Step Motor
MD241048/05HB
Medium (250W)
12-48V
Ultra compact
Horizontal
Step Motor
MD141056/25VB
High (500+W)
12-56V
Compact
Vertical
Step Motor
MD141056/25HB
High (500+W)
12-56V
Compact
Horizontal
Step Motor