Huge voltage spikes with Jrk G2 Controller & Glideforce Linear Actuator

Support Motor controllers/drivers and motors
1

Hi,

I’ve got a Jrk G2 18V19 Motor Controller and a Glideforce Linear Actuator (LACT12-500APL) which I’m using to open and close a door. This door weight and the mechanical advantage are well within the load limits of the actuator.

Circuit Wiring:

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What I’m finding is that when the door reaches the fully closed or open position (software limits, not physical limits), it creates a huge voltage spike over 22V. This is causing our power supply with over-voltage protection to trigger and cut-out. If I stop the door during the stoke, it doesn’t impact it at all, it only seems to be at the programmed limits of the stoke.

Voltage Spike on Protected 12V PSU with Cut-Out (Opening Door)

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Voltage Spike on Un-protected 12V PSU (Opening & Closing Door)

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I’ve tried adding a rudimentary choke coil and capacitors (550uF) to the input but it didn’t make any difference.

Has anyone seen anything like this or can you help provide some suggestions to try? Happy to provide more information if required.

2

Hello.

It is normal for a motor to have large spikes when switching directions at full speed, which sounds like it could be the culprit (i.e. it overshoots the target and then compensates by driving in reverse suddenly). You might be able to reduce these spikes by adjusting your PID tuning to avoid overshoot as much as possible. Alternatively, you could try adding some deceleration limiting, which you can configure from the “Motor” tab of the Jrk G2 Configuration Utility.

If you are not able to mitigate the spikes by adjusting how you’re controlling the actuator, you might also be able to help suppress them with an appropriate TVS diode or shunt regulator.

Brandon