Template:DCMotor Errors

If the error you are looking for is not mentioned below, please visit the API for your controller.

Bad Power

New Phidget motor controllers use an onboard voltage sensor to determine if the power supply voltage is too high when you first open the channel.

Motor Controller	Normal Operating Voltage	"Bad Power" Error
Small Controllers	10-30V DC	36V DC or higher
Large Controllers	15-60V DC	72V DC or higher

If you see this error, it either means the supply voltage is higher than the value listed in the table, or your motor was already moving fast enough to generate excess voltage. This error prevents the channel from opening and serves as a warning to correct the issue before attempting to reopen the channel.

The voltage limit for the "Bad Power" error is more strict than the "Energy Dump" limit, because brief voltage spikes above this value are acceptable and expected during motor operation.

Energy Dump

New Phidget motor controllers include onboard voltage sensing that will attempt to mitigate damage caused by irregular voltage events.

Motor Controller	Normal Operating Voltage	"Energy Dump" Error
Small Controllers	10-30V DC	42V DC or higher
Large Controllers	15-60V DC	84V DC or higher

When an Energy Dump occurs, the Phidget will attempt to regulate the voltage. The Phidget will stop controlling the motor, entering a freewheel state until a full power cycle occurs. Any attempt to use other function calls will result in the "Power Cycle" error, reminding you to power cycle first.

Please note that the voltage regulation caused by the Energy Dump is not intended to protect against continuous over-voltage conditions and may shorten the life of your controller. To ensure your system is properly protected against these events, a Power Guard Phidget is required.

Over Temperature

New Phidget motor controllers include onboard temperature sensing that provides thermal protection for your system. View the table below for more information.

Temperature	Result
< 75°C	Normal operation
75°C to 90°C	Current Limit and Surge Current Limit scaling begins. Your current limits will scale down linearly from your set value as temperature increases, to a maximum of 40A at 90°C.
90°C to 100°C	Current Limit and Surge Current Limit are limited to 40A.
>= 100°C	Over Temperature condition. The Phidget will stop attempting to control the motor. It will enter a freewheel state until the Phidget is closed and reopened via software.