Heat Management; Figure 2-3 Heat Sink - REV Robotics SPARK User Manual

The output voltage seen by the motor is proportionally related to the input pulses. A change in pulse results in a
proportional change in motor speed. The approximate output voltage is determined by the following equations:

2.3 HEAT MANAGEMENT

The SPARK uses a method called synchronous rectification when switching the motor output in order to minimize the
heat generated by its H-bridge. Some heating is unavoidable, so an aluminum heat sink passively dissipates heat into
the surrounding atmosphere.
As seen in Figure 2-3, the heat sink is located at the center of the SPARK. For most applications, a cooling fan isn't
necessary, however, airflow should be kept in mind when using the SPARK in high-load applications. The heat sink is
electrically isolated from the SPARK circuit board and components. APPENDIX B shows the temperature at various
internal and external locations on the SPARK while it was under a 40A load for 300 seconds.
Under heavy loading conditions and prolonged periods of high current the SPARK heat sink may become hot. Use
caution when handling a SPARK that has been used under heavy loading conditions.
REV-11-1200-UM-00
P = Configured maximum pulse width in µs (default 2000)
MAX
P = Configured neutral pulse width in µs (default 1500)
NEUTRAL
P = Configured minimum pulse width in µs (default 1000)
MIN
p = Input pulse width in µs
V = Approximate output voltage seen by the motor
OUT

Figure 2-3 Heat Sink

CAUTION
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