What is it?

The Tinymovr M5 is a compact controller specifically designed for driving gimbal motors and lightweight robotic joint motors. Onboard is a Cortex-M4F, an absolute magnetic encoder, and CAN bus comms. The board is capable of handling a 6A maximum phase current. It supports position, velocity, and torque modes using Field Oriented Control (FOC). With dimensions of only 29.5 x 29.5mm, the M5 offers the perfect blend of size and functionality for seamless motor integration. Designed with versatility in mind, the M5 is suited to drive brushless motors such as the GM3506, GM5208, GIM4305, and GIM4310, among others. The dual CAN ports facilitate easy daisy-chaining of communications from board to board.

Why did you make it?

We created the Tinymovr M5 with the vision of offering a sophisticated yet compact solution for controlling a broad range of brushless motors. The need for precise control in robotics, drones, and gimbal applications is rapidly growing, and we saw the necessity for a motor controller that delivers on both the fronts of performance and ease of integration. Our goal was to create a product that is powerful, efficient, and user-friendly while staying open-source to encourage development and customization.

What makes it special?

What sets the Tinymovr M5 apart is its combination of superior control precision, compact size, and comprehensive open-source support. We've optimized the power stage by using low RdsOn MOSFets, efficient ceramic capacitors, and a meticulously designed layout to support efficient power management. This includes both regenerative and flux braking, ensuring excellent energy efficiency.

Our commitment to an open-source ethos ensures constant community-driven improvements. Both the firmware running on the board and the client libraries and apps are open source, fostering an environment of innovation and continuous development.

The Tinymovr Studio, a Python client, facilitates easy motor control through an iPython interface, with extensive documentation available for guidance. Plus, there's an Arduino Library available for controlling multiple Tinymovrs using a CAN bus from an Arduino, furthering the accessibility and functionality of the M5.