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Re: Motion controller Overcurrent problem

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 8:27 am
by Basicmicro Support
1. If one board works and the other does not that would indicate a problem with the one that is not working.
2. The MCP230A was the original model of the MCP23X family. It is similar too but not the same as the MCP233 models.

So either the MCP230A you have is damaged(have you tried running other motors besides the Maxons) or it specifically doesnt like running the Maxon motors.

Some Maxon motors are very low inductance and should not be used with any MCP controllers. Make sure the coil inductance is atleast 100mciroHenries. If it is less the motor is designed to be used with 60khz motor drivers. MCP is 20khz.

The current shunt circuit has evolved over time on the MCP line. The new boards are better than the older ones. It is possible the MCP230A is getting false over current readings and wont let you run the motor. You can try increasing the Current Blanking window. It defaults to 2.6%(assuming you are using the latest firmware and Motion Studio software). You can increase it up to 20% but I recommend increasing in 1 to 2% increments and testing. Find the point when the false overcurrents go away.

But make sure you are not trying to use the 60khz maxon motors. They will destroy any of our motor controllers eventually if you try.