EM-180A is a bidirectional ON/OFF driver for brushed DC motors. It is designed for applications requiring controlled motor starting, direction changes and reliable protection against excessive motor torque.
The driver includes an adjustable current limit that protects the motor and mechanical system during start-up and jam conditions. A separate current-trip function shuts down the motor if the overload persists and activates the fault output.
Compared with the earlier EM-180, the EM-180A adds impulse control, selectable soft-start and rattle-start functions, and a serial interface for firmware updates and optional features.
The EM-180A provides controlled ON/OFF operation in both motor directions. Separate control commands can be used to start the motor forward or backward.
When a direction change is requested, the driver manages the motor output internally to reduce uncontrolled current peaks and mechanical stress.
In continuous control mode, the motor operates while the corresponding control command remains active.
Impulse mode allows a short input pulse to change the motor's operating state. This is useful when the application uses push buttons, relays or short control pulses instead of continuously active direction signals.
The acceleration ramp gradually increases the motor voltage during start-up instead of applying full voltage immediately. This provides a smooth start and reduces sudden mechanical loading.
The ramp time can be adjusted from immediate response up to 2.5 seconds to suit the motor and mechanical system.
Soft-start mode applies the selected acceleration ramp normally for smooth and controlled motor starting.
Rattle-start mode provides additional starting torque when the current limit is reached. The resulting pulsating or rattling movement can help release a motor or actuator mechanism that is temporarily stuck.
The first level of current protection is the continuously operating adjustable current limit. When motor current exceeds the selected value, the driver reduces the motor voltage to keep the current under control.
This function restricts motor torque and protects the motor, driver and mechanical system during start-up, overload and jam conditions.
The second level of protection is the current-trip function. If the motor remains at the current limit longer than the permitted delay, the driver switches off the motor voltage and activates the fault output.
After a current trip, the motor can be restarted only in the opposite direction. This helps release a jammed mechanism instead of repeatedly driving it farther into the obstruction.
A temporary current boost provides additional torque during motor start-up. This helps overcome static friction and allows mechanisms with high breakaway torque to start reliably.
When the motor command is removed, the EM-180A activates dynamic braking by connecting the motor terminals together through the power stage.
The motor then generates a braking current that produces a rapid stop compared with allowing the motor to coast freely.
The PNP open-collector fault output indicates overload and current-trip conditions. It can be connected to an external relay, indicator or control-system input within its specified electrical ratings.
The serial interface can be used to update the controller firmware. It can also be used to activate or configure optional functions supported by the installed firmware.
An optional sleep mode reduces the controller's idle current from approximately 13 mA to 1.5 mA. This is useful in battery-powered applications that remain inactive for extended periods.
The EM-180A is suitable for linear actuators, valves, locks, hatches, doors, adjustment mechanisms and other brushed DC motor applications requiring bidirectional ON/OFF control, controlled starting and reliable jam protection.
| Supply voltage | 10–35 VDC |
| Overvoltage protection level | 38 V |
| Undervoltage shutdown | 8 V |
| Start-up voltage | 9 V |
| Idle current | typ. 13 mA |
| Idle current in optional sleep mode | 1.5 mA |
| Continuous motor current | 10 A |
| Peak motor current | 20 A for max. 5 s |
| Adjustable current limit | 0–20 A |
| Rattle-start current boost | 1.5 × the selected current limit |
| Current-trip delay | approx. 200 ms |
| Start delay | 5 ms |
| Stop delay | 5 ms |
| Direction-change time | approx. 20 ms |
| Voltage loss | 0.5 V at Im = 10 A |
| PWM frequency | 2 kHz |
| Adjustable acceleration ramp | 0–2.5 s |
| Digital input, high state | 4–30 V or open circuit |
| Digital input, low state | 0–1 V |
| Fault output | PNP open collector, max. 35 V / 2 A |
| Dimensions | 43 × 73 × 35 mm |
| Weight | approx. 35 g |
Ordering larger quantities +100pcs.
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