Control Connections
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The SPARK Flex can be controlled by three different interfaces: servo-style PWM, Controller Area Network (CAN), and USB. The following sections describe the physical connections to these interfaces. For details on the operation and protocols of the PWM, CAN, or USB interfaces, please see .
CAN and PWM control connections share a set of four integrated 26 AWG twisted wires extending 45 cm from the case of the motor controller. Each wire is color coded according to its function:
Yellow
CAN High (CANH)
Signal
Green
CAN Low (CANL)
Ground
The wires are terminated with two 1 x 3, 0.1 in pitch, rectangular connectors, both excluding the center pin. One connector is pinned and the other socketed to facilitate daisy-chaining between multiple CAN devices on the bus when using the CAN interface.
Pay close attention when daisy-chaining devices, and make sure that the colors match from connector-to-connecter along the entire CAN bus. Mismatched connections can cause difficult-to-diagnose communications issues along the entire bus.
When using the PWM interface, only one of the two connectors should be used. In most systems this will be the socketed connector. Therefore, it is best practice to secure the unused wires and protect the exposed pins by covering them with electrical tape.
The USB-C Port is located above the CAN/PWM wires of the SPARK Flex. It supports USB 2.0 and can provide 5 V power for the SPARK Flex's internal microcontroller.
More information about what can be configured and operated through the USB port can be found in the USB Interface section.
When daisy-chaining or extending the connections, use the included to secure the two mating connectors together to prevent unintended disconnections.
