Robot Power Products - Simple-H & HV

The Robot Power Simple-H is a low-cost robust H-bridge circuit suitable for use driving DC motors and other DC loads in the ~25A and 6V-28V range. A wide range of command sources from switches to 555 timer circuits to microcontrollers, BasicStamps and Arduinos may be used to control the Simple-H. The classic "green" Simple-H requires 3V-5V logic level signals on its command inputs.

The Simple-H does not have any on-board logic to interpret R/C, serial, analog voltage or other commands. An external signal source is required to translate command inputs into the switching signals needed to drive the Simple-H power chips. This flexibility allows the Simple-H to be driven from from a signal source as simple as a pushbutton or as complex as a microcontroller or BasicStamp. Even a desktop or laptop PC can be used through a parallel port or USB port expander. Simple-H HV

The Simple-H HV is a version of the Simple-H that allows up to 28V input signals. The circuit board footprint and mounting pattern is exactly the same between the two versions. The indicator LEDs on the HV have a constant-current driver so their output is independent of signal voltage and does not load the input signal. These features allow the Simple-H to be controlled by using switches directly off the 12V or 24V battery voltage rather than requiring a 5V regulator to condition the input command voltages. Also 12V/24V outputs from PLC modules may now be used directly to drive a Simple-H.

Unlike many competing products which advertise similar current ratings, the Simple-H ratings are for a period measured in minutes or hours not a few seconds or less. One competitor even advertises a 30A controller where the 30A rating is for "a few milliseconds". With a Simple-H you can be sure if you need 20A of current you can get 20A out of it for as long as you need it.

I wanted to inform you that our products passed (UL Certification) which also means the Simple H passed. One test performed on the Simple H that may be of interest is the cycling test. They performed 6000 on/off cycles at full current at two second intervals (one second on for each channel)...
- Customer Ron P from PA, USA

I just wanted to let you know that I have used the Simple H-Bridge to overcome a problem with the auto-pilot control unit on my 40' yacht. The Simrad autopilot installed on my boat drives an electrically powered hydraulic control ram. The motor can draw over 15 amps when fully loaded but has an average current of <3 amps. The J3000X control unit installed was rated for 6 amps continuous and 10 amps for 5 seconds, which was clearly under-rated for the application and would regularly drop out. Simrad make a higher power control unit (J300X) with 10 amps continuous and 20 amps for 5 seconds, but it is very expensive as it contains all the smarts of the autopilot, which I already have in the J3000X unit. So I used one of your Simple H-Bridges, interfaced appropriately to the J3000X and it works brilliantly. Naturally I carry a spare! Thanks for developing a great little product.
- Customer Chris D. from Sydney, Australia

Supply voltage	5V to 28V (24V max battery rating)
Output Current (continuous)	20A (25A with fan)
Output Current (surge)	>45A
Weight	1.3 0z
Power chips	2 ea. BTS7960B
On Resistance	.016 ohm max at 25C
PWM Frequency	DC to 20kHz
Cooling	Heatsinks and optional 20 CFM 50mm fan
Logic Interface	3V - 5V classic version 4V-28V HV version min. 2 digital signals required to drive
Current and Temp Limiting	Built in to power chips
Current Sense Outputs	0.0745V per Amp - 2.98V at 40A
Connectors	8-pos 0.1" screw terminal, 2-pos fan terminal 4 each screw terminals for power wires
Enclosure	None

Six command/status connections are provided via an 8-position screw terminal on the Simple-H. The hole spacing allows a standard 0.1" pin header to be substituted for the screw terminal if desired. Jumpers allow the user to configure the Simple-H as a single full H-bridge or two independent 1/2 bridge circuits. The 1/2 bridge circuits may be ganged together for increased current handling.

CN1 - Command/Status Connector Pinout
1	PWM A - A-side 1/2 bridge control input
2	PWM B - B-side 1/2 bridge control input
3	Enable A - A or A&B-side* enable
4	Current A - A or A&B-side** current sense output
5	Enable B - B-side enable
6	Current B - B-side current sense output
7	Battery Negative
8	Battery Positive
* with EA jumper installed in J1 ** with CA jumper installed in J1

Click for larger image

The Simple-H uses heatsinks and heavy copper areas on the circuit board to dissipate heat. This results in a current rating higher than for most motor drives of similar size. To get the maximum possible current or to run for exetended periods close to maximum the Simple-H uses an optional cooling fan to further dissipate heat. The fan itself is a commonly available 12V 50mm square computer cooling fan. Mounting holes are provided at the correct spacing to mount the fan directly over the power chips for maximum cooling efficiency.