Crouzet North America, a company of Custom Sensors & Technologies, has introduced the BDE40 Controller to complement its extensive line of standard and custom Brushless DC Motors. The BDE40 can be used with most 3-phase brushless Hall effect motors in a wide range of motion control applications and includes 4-quadrant functionality, convenient packaging and load resistor protection.
 
 “The new controller was introduced to provide a convenient new solution for our customers,” explains Jim McNamara, Crouzet Application Engineer.  “Brushless DC motors always require a driver and by offering a universal-type controller solution, our customers don’t need to go elsewhere to complete the package.”
 
The device’s 4-quadrant design is suited for applications requiring not only standard forward and reverse motor control, but also closed-loop speed control for motor slowing and stopping.   Typical applications include control for production conveyor belts, production robot trolley wheels, medical, food mixing machines, cutting and packaging machines, and other applications having 12V or 24V power supplies requiring powerful motors.
 
The BDE40 delivers up to 360 Watts power with 11 to 36 VDC, 10A nominal, and a maximum continuous current of 14A.  Resistors provide protection against over-current, polarity inversion, and short circuiting.  Other performance characteristics include an absorbed current of 0.1A, temperature rise of 50°C, ambient operating temperature of 20-40°C, and storage temperature of 40-90°C.   Input is pull-up resistor connected to 5V Hall effect and output is type PNP open collector with maximum current of 0.02A.  The new device measures just 140mm x 98mm x 33mm (LxWxH) and weighs 10.75 oz. (305 g).
 
                Offering optimum flexibility, the BDE40 can be used as stand-alone controller, connected to a PLC
(0-10V and PWM compatible inputs) or driven by potentiometers.  The unit comes standard with guide, braking resistor, protection diodes and connectors.  OEMs and manufacturers can use with edge connector instead of flying leads for easy adaption to production.  The BDE40 meets several safety standards including EC, EN 55022 Level B, EN 61000-4-2, EN 61000-4-3, EN 61000-4-4, EN 64000-4-6, and EN 64000-4-29.