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Hardware FAQ

Where do I find the updated firmware?

The firmware update is only designed to correct specific problems, under the guidance of our support engineers. If you believe you have issues with your current firmware revision, please contact us directly with a problem description. A support engineer will contact you ASAP and help resolve the problem.

Why doesn't the front LED light up when I apply power?

Please check the voltage on the logic supply pin with the PWM-card inserted. It should be between 4.5 and 5.5 V. Also, check that your power supply is capable of providing at least 1A at 5 V. (The logic circuitry draws up to 1 A current.)

Should the PWM3 heat sinks become very warm when the motor is idle?

This is usually not an indication of a problem. The circuits drive at least one of the motor windings even when the motor is not moving, causing heat buildup in the driver IC/transistor. The PWM3 card also has builtin protection against overheating: The driver will automatically shut down before reaching dangerous temperatures. Please check the data sheet for the required cooling according to the maximum motor current used.
Also, check that the heat sinks are properly fixed to the ICs.

Should the PWM4 heat sinks become very warm the motor is idle?

Measure the temperature on the heat sink. More than 70�C indicates a problem. The PMW4 card has an overcurrent protection that also limits the power through the circuit. However if PWM4 is not sufficiently cooled (i.e. it is placed in a closed box) it can overheat, damaging the card. Please check the data sheet for the required cooling according to maximum motor current used.
Also, check that the heat sinks are properly fixed to the ICs.

What synchronization delays are to be expected?

The following worst case delays between command execution have been measured with the current firmware:
85 microseconds starting two motors on one card
230 microseconds starting one motor on one card, and one motor on another card connected via I2C
310 microseconds starting four motors and on two different cards connected via I2C.
Note: the delay does not increase above 310 microseconds when adding more cards or motors to the synchronization.