The Soliton1 and Soliton Jr are motor controllers specifically designed to drive brushed DC motors (more specifically, series field) in electric vehicle applications. These motor controllers employ cutting edge technology and have a vast array of unique features: the main contactor with automatic precharge is built-in, a heatsink with both liquid and fan cooling, a state-of-the-art film capacitor on the input rated for the full ripple current (one-half to as little as one-fifth is typical!), and an ethernet interface that continuously streams live performance data and allows configuring the controller with an ordinary web browser! You run Linux or MacOS? No problem. Don't have a serial port on your computer? No problem. Despite the fearsome level of technology inside the controller, it is even easier to install and use than the venerable Curtis 1231C!
There are lots of details to consider and specs to compare when choosing a motor controller for your EV, but one of the most important considerations is how long you can get peak motor current and how often? Unlike the typical “shoe-box” style controller with little intrinsic ability to shed heat, Evnetics controllers have a massive machined aluminum, fan-cooled heatsink which give them unparalleled continuous power capability even before liquid cooling – which they also feature – is used. Other controllers may deliver a higher peak current for some brief (and usually unspecified) amount of time, but none can deliver the same amount of current for as long as the Soliton1. Period.
Raw power might be great at the drag strip, but without the ability to precisely and safely control that power, everyday driving situations like rush-hour congestion or pulling into a parking space quickly turn tedious. The throttle input to Evnetics' controllers directly controls motor current for an exceptionally smooth and natural driving feel, even at low currents and 0 RPM, and without emitting an annoying whine through the use of random pulse skipping, rather than an abrupt change in switching frequency.
Unlike other companies making EV-related products, Evnetics is comprised of a core development team with interlocking and complementary expertise in mechanical engineering, power electronics and embedded software design. To put it simply: we make better products not only because we want to, but because we can...
The Evnetics Core Development Team
Sebastien Bourgeois – Management/Mechanical Design
Jeffrey Jenkins – Hardware Design
Martin Persson – Software Design
Soliton1/Soliton Jr Specs and Features
• 9V-340V battery voltage range (output current reduced above 310V).
• 1000A max current (battery or motor) for the Soliton1; 600A max current (battery or motor) for the Soliton Jr.
• Thermal derating smoothly reduces allowed current with temperature.
• Main contactor and precharge/discharge control built-in!
• Splash-proof (approx. IP55 rated) nickel plated aluminum enclosure.
• Rugged design based on 600V industrial IGBT modules.
• High reliability 600V film capacitors in the power stage – no electrolytics!
• 1.5V max voltage drop at max output current (0.8V is typical).
• PID loop to idle the traction motor (for A/C, automatic transmissions, etc.).
• State-of-the-art laminated bus structure extracts maximum performance from the IGBTs by ducing noise, ringing and spikes.
• Full optical isolation between traction battery and 12V system.
• Fully configurable with an ordinary web browser!
• Performance data continuously streamed to the ethernet port.
• Throttle directly controls motor current (torque) for a natural driving feel.
• Motor current ramp rate can be set from 100A/s to 25kA/s.
• Randomized pulse-skipping (“dithering”) maintains precise control of motor current all the way down to 0A for smooth starts and easy low speed driving without emitting an annoying whine.
• Switching frequency selectable between 8kHz (Performance) and 14kHz (Quiet).
• All low voltage connections protected against reverse polarity, spikes and treat 5V as maximum but tolerate up to 15V for convenience.
• Tachometer input (1, 2, 3, 4, 6 pulses per revolution) for protecting against overspeed and idling automatic transmissions, a/c compressors, etc.
• Brake input overrides throttle when active for added safety.
• Reverse input reduces max throttle and motor voltage when active.
• (3) programmable inputs (analog/digital) for reverse, throttle limit, start, etc.
• (3) programmable outputs for driving analog meters, cooling pump control, etc.
• Error light output can directly drive the “Check Engine” light in the dash.
• 3D CAD drawings of both controllers for planning installation ahead of time.
• And, perhaps most importantly, we constantly strive to improve our products and add new features and functions!
