EM-A24-PCI is a compact PCB-mountable driver module for brushed DC motors. It is based on the EM-241 motor driver and includes an efficient H-bridge power stage.
The module connects to the motherboard through a 98-contact PCI Express-style card-edge connector. Its vertical mounting orientation allows it to provide high motor current while requiring very little motherboard area.
Later PCB versions include an RS-485 interface using the Modbus protocol. The interface enables the module to be integrated into a distributed control system in addition to using its local control inputs.
The EM-A24-PCI is designed for direct installation on a motherboard. The card-edge connector simplifies installation, removal and replacement without requiring separate wiring for every module connection.
The vertical mounting orientation minimizes the required motherboard area and makes the module suitable for compact multi-axis and OEM control-system designs.
An optional locking bracket is available for applications exposed to vibration, movement or other demanding mechanical conditions.
With the locking bracket installed, the module can be fastened to the motherboard using a screw pillar or a suitable plastic spacer.
The FW and BW inputs control forward and reverse motor operation. Their operating behaviour can be adapted using the controller parameters.
This allows the inputs to be matched to continuous control, impulse-type commands or other supported operating modes.
The STOP input brings the motor to a controlled stop using the selected deceleration ramp. The stop command does not latch the driver and therefore does not prevent a new start after the input is released.
The STOP input can alternatively be configured as an analog current-limit input by selecting the applicable parameter settings.
The fault input stops the motor immediately without using the deceleration ramp. Motor operation remains inhibited for as long as the fault input is active.
When the fault signal disappears, the driver can return to its permitted operating state according to the configured control commands and parameters.
The NPN open-collector fault output can be used to indicate controller fault conditions to an external control system.
The output can alternatively be configured as an indication output using parameter 10. The exact indication condition depends on the selected parameter value.
The Speed 2 input can select a predefined secondary motor speed. This is useful when the application requires separate normal and approach speeds.
The same input can alternatively operate as a 0–5 V analog speed-control input. The full input range corresponds to a motor command from 0% to 100% PWM duty cycle.
Separate forward and reverse limit inputs can stop movement in the corresponding direction while allowing the motor to move away from the active limit.
Multiple limit-input logic combinations can be selected using parameter 3. This supports different sensor types, switch arrangements and fail-safe wiring methods.
The module includes an efficient H-bridge power stage for bidirectional DC motor control. It can provide up to 12 A of continuous motor current and a peak current of up to 30 A, depending on the selected PWM frequency, duty cycle and operating conditions.
The adjustable current limit protects the motor, driver and mechanical system. During start-up, the available current limit can temporarily reach 30 A.
The PWM frequency can be selected between 2 kHz and 16 kHz. The 2 kHz setting provides the highest available output-current capacity.
The 16 kHz setting moves the switching frequency above the normal audible range, providing quieter motor operation with reduced continuous and peak-current capacity.
Supported PCB versions include an RS-485 communication interface using the Modbus protocol. The interface can be used for control, parameter setting and operating-status monitoring.
The RS-485 connection is provided through the module's card-edge connector for integration into the motherboard communication bus.
Start and stop ramps can be adjusted between immediate response and five seconds. The ramps provide smooth acceleration and deceleration and reduce mechanical shock and sudden current peaks.
The adjustable overvoltage limit can be set between 15 V and 40 V. The power stage also includes overtemperature protection with a 100 °C limit.
The power stage is designed for low electromagnetic emissions. This can reduce the need for additional external suppression components, although EMC compliance must always be verified for the complete motherboard and final installation.
The EM-A24-PCI is suitable for compact machinery, multi-axis actuator controls, valve and damper systems, positioning mechanisms, vehicle equipment and OEM products requiring replaceable motherboard-mounted DC motor drivers.
| Firmware version | EM-A24-PCI v2.0 |
| Continuous supply voltage | 10–35 VDC, maximum |
| Adjustable overvoltage limit | 15–40 V |
| Start-up voltage | 9 V |
| Shutdown voltage | 8 V |
| Continuous output current at 2 kHz | 12 A at 100% duty cycle / 7 A at 5–99% duty cycle |
| Continuous output current at 16 kHz | 8 A at 100% duty cycle / 4 A at 5–99% duty cycle |
| Peak current at 2 kHz | 30 A for max. 5 s |
| Peak current at 16 kHz | 25 A for max. 5 s |
| Adjustable current limit | 0.1–25 A, max. 30 A during start-up |
| Overtemperature limit | 100 °C |
| Adjustable start and stop ramps | 0–5 s |
| PWM frequency | 2 kHz / 16 kHz, selectable |
| Analog speed-input range | 0–5 V corresponds to 0–100% PWM duty cycle |
| Digital input levels | High = 4–30 V / Low = 0–1 V |
| Control-input impedance | typ. 100 kΩ or 2.2 kΩ, depending on input and function |
| Limit-FW / Limit-BW input impedance | typ. 10 kΩ |
| Control-input response time | typ. 5 ms |
| Fault output | NPN open collector, max. 30 V / 50 mA |
| Fault input activation | Active when Uin < 1 V (NPN) |
| Motherboard connector | 98-contact PCI Express-style card-edge connector |
| Communication interface | RS-485 with Modbus, supported PCB versions |
| EMC | CE tested for industrial environments |
| Operating temperature (Ta) | −40…+60 °C |
| Weight | 15 g |
Ordering larger quantities +100pcs.
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