Hello Fellow ODrivers,
I have what may be a very basic question. Does the ODrive allow you to configure the output voltage of the drive?
I ask because I was hoping to use a 48V power supply for my project but realized the motors I have operate at a max of 32V.
Can I configure the drive to ever output a max of 32V to my motor?
Best,
Emi
Hi! The voltage rating of the motors is sort of a meaningless parameter – it really only specifies the voltage at which the manufacturer characterized the motor. The main risk with using a higher voltage supply is that a basic / “dumb” motor controller may put more current into the motor than it’s rated for with a higher voltage, but since the ODrive does active current control, that’s not an issue. It’s a super common practice to use a motor at a different voltage than it’s “rated” for; typically, the absolute voltage only starts mattering above 100V or so (as at that point, you start needing motors with insulation that can handle those voltages). The only other thing to be concerned about is spinning the motor too fast (e.g. past the rated speed of the bearings), but that would only be a real concern if you have e.g. a very very high speed motor wound for 12V, and you’re running it at 48V without setting the velocity limit in the ODrive. If you’re just bumping up the supply voltage from 36V->48V, I definitely wouldn’t worry, as long as you’re setting the motor’s current limit!