SPARK MAX Overview

The REV Robotics SPARK MAX Motor Controller is an all-in-one USB, CAN, and PWM enabled motor controller that can drive both 12 V brushed and 12 V brushless DC motors. SPARK MAX is designed for use in the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC), incorporating advanced motor control in a small, easy-to-use, and affordable package. Configure and run the SPARK MAX through its built-in USB interface without needing a full control system.
Feature Summary
Brushed and sensored-brushless motor control
PWM, CAN, and USB control interfaces
PWM/CAN - Locking and keyed 4-pin JST-PH
USB - USB type C
USB configuration and control
Rapid configuration with a PC
Smart control modes
Closed-loop velocity control
Closed-loop position control
Follower mode
Encoder port
Locking and keyed 6-pin JST-PH
3-phase hall-sensor encoder input
Motor temperature sensor input
Data port
Limit switch input
Quadrature encoder input with index
Multi-function pin
Mode button
On-board motor type and idle behavior configuration
RGB status LED
Detailed mode and operation feedback
Integrated power and motor wires
12 AWG ultra-flexible silicone wire
Passive cooling
Kit Contents
The following items are included with each SPARK MAX Motor Controller
1 - SPARK MAX Motor Controller
1 - USB-A male to USB-C cable
1 - 4-pin JST-PH to CAN cable
1 - 4-pin JST-PH to single PWM cable
1 - PWM/CAN cable retention clip
1 - Data port protection cap
Specifications
The following tables provide the operating and mechanical specifications for the SPARK MAX motor controller.
DO NOT exceed the maximum electrical specifications. Doing so will cause permanent damage to the SPARK MAX and will void the warranty.
Main Electrical Specifications
Parameter
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Operating voltage range (VINV_{IN}VIN​)
5.5
12
24
V
Absolute maximum supply voltage
-
-
30
V
Continuous output current
-
-
60*
A
Maximum output current (2 second surge)
-
-
100
A
Output frequency
-
20
-
kHz
Continuous operation at 60A may produce high temperatures on the heat sink. Caution should be taken when handling the SPARK MAX if it has been running at higher current level for an extended period of time.
PWM Input Specifications
Parameter
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Full-reverse input pulse †
-
1000
-
μs
Neutral input pulse ††
-
1500
-
μs
Full-forward input pulse †††
-
2000
-
μs
Valid input pulse range
500
-
2500
μs
Input frequency
50
 -
200
Hz 
Input timeout ‡
-
50
-
ms
Default Input deadband ‡‡
​
5
​
%
Input High Level
0.5
0.7
0.9
V
Input Voltage Max
12
​
​
V
​
​
† 
Brushed: between A and B outputs at 100% duty. 
Brushless: A->B->C direction at 100% duty.
†† 
Neutral corresponds to zero output voltage (0 V) and is either braking or coasting depending on the current idle behavior mode.
††† 
Brushed:  between A and B outputs at 100% duty.
Brushless: C->B->A direction at 100% duty.
‡
If a valid pulse isn't received within the timeout period, the SPARK MAX will disable its output.
‡‡
Input deadband is added to each side of the neutral pulse width. Within the deadband, output state is neutral. The deadband value is configurable using the SPARK MAX Client Application or through the CAN interface.
Data Port Specifications
Parameter
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Digital input voltage range † 
0
-
5
V
Digital input-high voltage †
1.85
-
-
V
Digital input-low voltage †
-
-
1.36
V
Analog input voltage range ††
0
-
3.3
V
5V supply current (I5V) ‡
-
-
100 
mA 
3.3V supply current (I3.3V)
-
-
30
mA
Total supply current (I5V + I3.3V)
-
-
100
mA
​
​
†
See Data Port for more details on the digital pins on the Data Port.
†† 
See Data Port for more details on the analog pin on the Data Port.
‡ 
The 5V supply is shared between the Data Port and Encoder Port.
Encoder Port Specifications
Parameter
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Digital input voltage range †
0
-
5
V
Digital input-high voltage †
1.85
-
-
V
Digital input-low voltage †
-
-
1.36
V
Analog input voltage range ††
0
-
3.3
V
5V supply current (I5V) ‡
-
-
100 
mA 
3.3V supply current (I3.3V)
-
-
30
mA
Total supply current (I5V + I3.3V)
-
-
100
mA
​
​
†
See Encoder Port for more details on the digital pins on the Data Port.
††
See Encoder Port for more details on the analog pin on the Data Port.
‡
The 5V supply is shared between the Data Port and Encoder Port.
Mechanical Specifications
Parameter
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Body length
-
70
-
mm
Body width
-
35
-
mm
Body height
-
25.5
-
mm
Weight
-
113.3
-
g
Power and motor wire gauge
-
12
- 
AWG 
Power and motor wire length
-
15
-
cm
Special Thanks
We appreciate the assistance from the community for feedback, contributing, and testing the SPARK MAX, especially Team 195 The CyberKnights.

Getting Started with SPARK MAX

Last updated 3 months ago

Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Units
Operating voltage range ( $V_{IN}$ )	5.5	12	24	V
Absolute maximum supply voltage	-	-	30	V
Continuous output current	-	-	60*	A
Maximum output current (2 second surge)	-	-	100	A
Output frequency	-	20	-	kHz


†	Brushed: between A and B outputs at 100% duty. Brushless: A->B->C direction at 100% duty.
††	Neutral corresponds to zero output voltage (0 V) and is either braking or coasting depending on the current idle behavior mode.
†††	Brushed: between A and B outputs at 100% duty. Brushless: C->B->A direction at 100% duty.
‡	If a valid pulse isn't received within the timeout period, the SPARK MAX will disable its output.
‡‡	Input deadband is added to each side of the neutral pulse width. Within the deadband, output state is neutral. The deadband value is configurable using the SPARK MAX Client Application or through the CAN interface.


†	See Data Port for more details on the digital pins on the Data Port.
††	See Data Port for more details on the analog pin on the Data Port.
‡	The 5V supply is shared between the Data Port and Encoder Port.


†	See Encoder Port for more details on the digital pins on the Data Port.
††	See Encoder Port for more details on the analog pin on the Data Port.
‡	The 5V supply is shared between the Data Port and Encoder Port.