DRV8912-Q1EVM: Controlling

Katherine Sandys

Prodigy 40 points

Part Number: DRV8912-Q1EVM
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DRV8912-Q1

Is there a way to controlling the chip with code and to be able to go back and forth between the GUI easily?

over 4 years ago

0 Rick Duncan over 4 years ago

TI__Guru** 114905 points

Hi Katherine,

What do you mean by control the chip with code?
Do you want to use the mcu on the EVM or an external mcu connected at the header to control the chip?

0 Katherine Sandys over 4 years ago in reply to Rick Duncan

Prodigy 40 points

My goal is to control the chip with a raspberry pi with SPI communication which would function as an external mcu. I would not need to use the on board mcu.

0 Rick Duncan over 4 years ago in reply to Katherine Sandys

TI__Guru** 114905 points

Hi Katherine,

To use an external mcu like the raspberry pi, please remove the resistors between the 8 pin header J8 and the on board mcu. Based on the image of the EVM, resistors R10 through R15 should be reomved and possibly R7.

Also, you can remove R2 and populate R1 to use the on board 3.3V regulator. This will provide a 3.3V pullup on the nFAULT line.

For reference, the schematics and layout are available and provide this information at:

0 Katherine Sandys over 4 years ago in reply to Rick Duncan

Prodigy 40 points

Ok thank you. Is there any way to avoid removing the resistors? I have a feeling I might be switching back and forth some and I would rather not be replacing resistors.

0 Rick Duncan over 4 years ago in reply to Katherine Sandys

TI__Guru** 114905 points

Hi Katherine,

The easiest way is to have two EVMs. One would be unmodified and allow you to use the GUI; the other would be modified to allow the raspberry pi to control the DRV8912-Q1 via the header connections.

0 Katherine Sandys over 4 years ago in reply to Rick Duncan

Prodigy 40 points

Ok. Is there any python or C code that is out there as a starting point?

0 Rick Duncan over 4 years ago in reply to Katherine Sandys

TI__Guru** 114905 points

Hi Katherine,

Sorry for the delay. We do have the EVM firmware available online.

The link to the EVM firmware is This code can be used as a starting point.

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DRV8912-Q1EVM: Controlling