EM-241 is a full-bridge driver for brushed DC motors. It is designed for applications requiring bidirectional operation, controlled starts and stops, adjustable current limiting and application-specific control functions.
Separate FW and BW inputs command forward and reverse operation, while the STOP input shuts down the motor. Two configurable speed settings are available for applications requiring separate normal and approach speeds.
The optional PLI firmware adds a pulse counter that can be used for position-dependent end limits. The counter value is retained when the controller supply is switched off.
The FW and BW inputs start the motor in the forward or reverse direction. The STOP input shuts down motor operation.
Adjustable acceleration and deceleration ramps provide controlled starts, stops and direction changes while reducing mechanical shock and sudden current peaks.
Two configurable speed settings are available. The second speed is activated through the Speed 2 input and can be used as an approach speed, positioning speed or alternative operating speed.
This function is particularly useful when rapid movement is required across most of the travel but a lower speed is preferred near an end position or target.
The Speed 2 input can alternatively be configured 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, allowing speed control using a potentiometer, PLC analog output or other compatible voltage source.
The PLI firmware includes a pulse counter that can be used for position-dependent end-limit functions. Pulses from an external sensor are counted to monitor motor or actuator movement.
The counter value is stored in non-volatile memory and retained when power is removed. This allows the stored movement count to remain available after the controller is powered up again.
In continuous mode, the motor runs for as long as the corresponding direction input remains active.
In impulse mode, a short control pulse starts the motor. The operating state remains active until another impulse changes it.
The adjustable current limit protects the motor and mechanical system against excessive current and torque during start-up, overload and jam conditions.
The current limit can also be used as an end-stop function when the mechanism is designed to stop against a physical limit.
The configurable start-kick function provides additional starting effort for mechanisms requiring high breakaway torque.
The automatic-reverse function can be used to change direction automatically when its configured trigger conditions are met.
The digital inputs are divided into control inputs and limit inputs. The logic type of each group can be configured independently for NPN or PNP operation.
This allows the driver to be used with different sensors, switches, PLC outputs and control-system architectures.
The FAULT terminal provides both input and output functions. During normal operation, the fault line is high. The driver pulls the line low during an overtemperature condition and, depending on the parameter settings, during a current-trip condition.
Pulling the FAULT line low externally stops the motor and prevents a new start. The fault terminals of several drivers can therefore be linked together to provide synchronized stopping.
The adjustable overvoltage limit can be set between 15 V and 40 V. When the selected limit is reached, the driver switches the motor to freewheel operation.
If the voltage reaches 40 V, dynamic braking is activated by short-circuiting the motor terminals. This helps control voltage generated by the motor during deceleration or when driven by an external load.
Parameters are configured using the EM-236 Interface Unit. The same interface can be used to monitor controller operation and selected operating values during commissioning and diagnostics.
The compact driver can be installed directly using screw mounting. An optional DIN-rail mounting base is available for control-cabinet installations.
The EM-241 is suitable for linear actuators, valves, hatches, doors, positioning mechanisms, material-handling equipment and other brushed DC motor applications requiring bidirectional operation and adjustable motion control.
| Continuous supply voltage | 10–35 VDC, maximum |
| Adjustable overvoltage limit | 15–40 V; motor switched to freewheel |
| Dynamic-braking overvoltage limit | 40 V; motor terminals short-circuited |
| Start-up voltage | 9 V |
| Shutdown voltage | 8 V |
| Maximum continuous motor current | 15 A |
| Maximum peak motor current | 30 A |
| Adjustable current limit | 0.1–20 A, max. 30 A during start-up |
| Overtemperature limit | 100 °C |
| Adjustable start and stop ramps | 0–5 s |
| PWM frequency | 2 kHz |
| 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. 47 kΩ |
| Pulse-input impedance | typ. 10 kΩ |
| Maximum pulse-input frequency | 1 kHz |
| 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) |
| Motor and supply connectors | Max. 2.5 mm² cable |
| Control connectors | Max. 1 mm² cable |
| Module dimensions | 42 × 72 × 25 mm |
| Dimensions with DIN-rail base | 45 × 80 × 45 mm |
| EMC | Tested for industrial environments |
| Operating temperature (Ta) | −40…+60 °C |
| Weight | 75 g |
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