Hello.
I am currently working on a design using 4 DRV8800 that would allow the end user to select through the use of jumpers whether to have 4 motor outputs, or 2 high power motor outputs. In the app note about parallelizing the DRV8800/1 ICs, the document suggests to use external diodes on the motor lines.
First, how important are those diodes to exist. If possible, I would like to get away with not having to use them.
Second, if it's necessary to use them when the ICs are in parallel, would it be possible to have two external diodes per motor such that when the two ICs are parallelized, the diodes are in the proper configuration?
Third, this application is for a boosterpack for the Tiva launchpad. The motors that I am designing this board to be capable of driving are these Pololu motors and these VEX Robotics motors. The former have an operating voltage of 3-9v, and stall current of 1.6A, and the latter has an operating voltage of 7.2-8.4v and stall current of approximately 3.6A. Would anyone have any suggestions as to which other motor controllers would fit the requirements?
