Manuals+

Makerbase XDrive3.6

Makerbase XDrive3.6 Brushless Servo Motor Controller User Manual

Models: MKS XDrive3.6, MKS XDrive-S, MKS XDrive Mini

1. Overview

The Makerbase XDrive series are open-source brushless servo motor controllers based on the ODrive V3.6 hardware interface. They support all features in the 0.5.1 firmware and are designed for product development and movement control applications.

Makerbase XDrive V3.6 kit components including the controller board, heat sinks, cables, and resistance.
Figure 1: Makerbase XDrive V3.6 Kit Components
Text describing MKS XDrive as an open source project compatible with ODrive V3.6 hardware and 0.5.1 firmware.
Figure 2: Overview of MKS XDrive compatibility

2. Safety Information

WARNING: Do not unplug or insert any interface device (USB, encoder, motor, etc.) while the power is on. Doing so may cause permanent damage to the motherboard.

3. Product Specifications

3.1 Board Parameters

Table of product parameters for MKS XDrive, XDrive-S, and XDrive Mini, including number of drive motors, MOS, onboard SPI encoder, USB interface, heat dissipation method, MCU, input voltage, working current, peak current, motor type, encoder type, interface, movement mode, and braking mode.
Figure 3: Product Parameter Table
Table 1: Board Parameters Overview
ParameterMKS XDriveMKS XDrive-SMKS XDrive Mini
Number of drive motorsTwoOneOne
MOSNTMFS5C628NLT1G (60V,150A) or HYG025N06LS1C2 (60V,170A) Two in parallelNTMFS5C628NLT1G (60V,150A) or HYG025N06LS1C2 (60V,170A) Two in parallelNTMFS5C612NLT1G (60V,235A) Single
Onboard SPI encoder//AS5407P
USB interfaceTYPE-BTYPE-BTYPE-C
Heat dissipation methodHeat SinkHeat SinkHeat dissipation silicone + aluminum heat sink
MCUSTM32F405RGT6
Input Voltage12 - 56V
Working Current60A
Peak Current120A
Motor Type3-phase BLDC motor
Encoder TypeTLE5012B/AS5047/AMT10X...
InterfaceUSB/UART/PWM/CAN/STP,DIR
Movement modePosition/Speed/Torque...
Braking modeResistance/battery recharge

3.2 Motor Parameters (MKS X2212)

Table of motor parameters for MKS X2212, including input voltage, stator outer diameter, rotor diameter, number of rotors, motor KV value, no load current, maximum continuous current, motor resistance, and encoder type.
Figure 4: MKS X2212 Motor Parameter Table
Table 2: MKS X2212 Motor Parameters
ParameterValue
Motor modelMKS X2212
Input Voltage12V
Outer diameter of the stator22mm
The rotor diameter27.5mm
The number of the rotor14
Motor KV value980
No load current300mA
Maximum continuous current15A/3S
Motor resistance133mΩ
The encoderTLE5012B

3.3 Dimensions

Dimensional drawing for MKS XDRIVE, showing measurements in millimeters, including mounting hole positions and overall board size.
Figure 5: MKS XDRIVE Dimensions
Dimensional drawing for MKS XDRIVE-S, showing measurements in millimeters, including mounting hole positions and overall board size.
Figure 6: MKS XDRIVE-S Dimensions

3.4 Package Contents

Shipping list table detailing components included for MKS XDrive, MKS XDrive-S, and MKS XDrive Mini, such as the main board, screws, resistance, power cable, heat sink, USB cable, motor cables, and various data cables.
Figure 7: Shipping List for MKS XDrive Series

Package Dimensions:

  • Length: 20 cm
  • Width: 20 cm
  • Height: 5 cm
  • Weight: 0.3 kg

4. Setup and Wiring

Proper wiring is essential for the safe and correct operation of your Makerbase XDrive controller. Refer to the specific wiring diagrams for your model.

4.1 MKS XDRIVE Wiring

Wiring diagram for MKS XDRIVE, showing connections for DC Power (12-56V), M0 Motor, M1 Motor, Resistance, AUX, CAN, GPIO, ABZ/HALL, SWD, SPI, and USB. Key components are highlighted.
Figure 8: MKS XDRIVE Wiring Diagram

Key Connections for MKS XDRIVE:

  • DC Power: Connect 12-56V power supply to the DC terminals.
  • Motors (M0, M1): Connect your 3-phase BLDC motors to the M0 and M1 terminals.
  • Resistance: Connect the braking resistor to the designated terminals.
  • AUX: Auxiliary connections.
  • CAN: CAN bus interface for communication.
  • GPIO: General Purpose Input/Output pins (GPIO 1-4, 5V, GND).
  • ABZ/HALL: Encoder input for ABZ and Hall sensors.
  • SWD: Debugging interface (RST, SWD, SWC, 3.3V).
  • SPI: Serial Peripheral Interface (GND, MOSI, MISO, SCK, GPIO_6, 3.3V).
  • USB: Connect to a computer for configuration and firmware updates (Type-B).

4.2 MKS XDRIVE-S Wiring

Wiring diagram for MKS XDRIVE-S, showing connections for DC Power, Motor (A, B, C), Resistance, AUX, CAN, GPIO, ABZ/HALL, SWD, SPI, and USB. Key components are highlighted.
Figure 9: MKS XDRIVE-S Wiring Diagram

Key Connections for MKS XDRIVE-S:

  • DC Power: Connect 12-56V power supply to the DC terminals.
  • Motor (A, B, C): Connect your 3-phase BLDC motor to the A, B, C terminals.
  • Resistance: Connect the braking resistor to the designated terminals.
  • AUX: Auxiliary connections.
  • CAN: CAN bus interface for communication.
  • GPIO: General Purpose Input/Output pins.
  • ABZ/HALL: Encoder input for ABZ and Hall sensors.
  • SWD: Debugging interface.
  • SPI: Serial Peripheral Interface.
  • USB: Connect to a computer for configuration and firmware updates (Type-B).

4.3 MKS XDRIVE Mini Wiring

Wiring diagram for MKS XDRIVE Mini, showing connections for DC Power, Motor (A, B, C), Resistance, AUX, CAN, ABZ/HALL, SWD, GPIO, SPI, and USB. Key components are highlighted.
Figure 10: MKS XDRIVE Mini Wiring Diagram

Key Connections for MKS XDRIVE Mini:

  • DC Power: Connect 12-56V power supply to the DC terminals.
  • Motor (A, B, C): Connect your 3-phase BLDC motor to the A, B, C terminals.
  • Resistance: Connect the braking resistor to the designated terminals.
  • AUX: Auxiliary connections.
  • CAN: CAN bus interface for communication.
  • ABZ/HALL: Encoder input for ABZ and Hall sensors.
  • SWD: Debugging interface.
  • GPIO: General Purpose Input/Output pins.
  • SPI: Serial Peripheral Interface.
  • USB: Connect to a computer for configuration and firmware updates (Type-C).

5. Operating Instructions

The Makerbase XDrive controllers are designed to be compatible with ODrive firmware. For detailed operating instructions, including configuration, calibration, and control modes, please refer to the official ODrive documentation and the Makerbase GitHub repository.

  • Movement Modes: The controller supports Position, Speed, and Torque control modes.
  • Braking: Utilizes resistance or battery recharge for braking.
An image showing a small tracked robot, illustrating a potential application scenario for the motor controller.
Figure 11: Example Application Scenario

6. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Makerbase XDrive controller:

  • Keep the board clean and free from dust and debris.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation and heat dissipation, especially during high-current operation. The included heat sinks should be properly installed.
  • Avoid exposing the board to moisture or extreme temperatures.
  • Regularly check all connections for tightness and signs of wear.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Makerbase XDrive controller, consider the following:

  • Motor moves in one direction only: This can often be caused by incorrect encoder wiring or configuration. Double-check your encoder connections and ensure the ODrive firmware is correctly configured for your motor and encoder type. Refer to the ODrive documentation for calibration procedures.
  • No motor movement: Verify power supply connections and voltage. Check motor wiring for continuity and correct phase connection. Ensure the USB connection is stable and the controller is recognized by your computer.
  • Overheating: Confirm that heat sinks are properly installed and that there is sufficient airflow around the board. Reduce motor load or operating current if overheating persists.
  • Communication issues: Ensure the correct USB drivers are installed. Check the USB cable for damage. For CAN communication, verify bus termination and wiring.

8. User Tips

  • Always perform initial setup and calibration with a current limit set to a low, safe value to prevent damage to motors or the controller.
  • Utilize the Makerbase GitHub repository for the latest firmware, documentation, and community support.
  • When experimenting with new motor configurations, it is advisable to test without a load first.

9. Support & Resources

For further assistance and detailed technical information, please refer to the following resources: