Multiplex WBL-88-004-R2

CONTROL MOTOR DRIVER FIRMWARE ASSY

Controls of all kinds are integral parts of restaurant equipment operation. A control is a switch or other device by which a machine is regulated. A control may be manual or automatically operated. An electro-mechanical control typically consists of multiple relays, timers, and/or counters wired together on an enclosure panel. Electro-mechanical control is also referred to simply as "Relay Control", which is a more accurate term since solid state electronic relays, timers, and counters are standard components. Contactors, motor and compressor starters, valves, thermostats, and other output devices are used to turn on/off motors, indicator lights, heating elements, and other components used in the equipment.

Firmware is software that's embedded in a piece of hardware and programmed into memory contained in the hardware itself. Modern commercial foodservice equipment of all kinds utilize control boards and keypads where the operation, inputs, and outputs of those devices are manged and processed by firmware. Firmware may be periodically updated to accommodate feature additions, processing upgrades, menu additions and more. Updates may be onboarded either over the air or via a physical port and cable connection. Most commonly, firmware update payloads are delivered via an SD card, USB stick, laptop, or other portable electronic storage device.

Motors are used in all kinds of foodservice equipment to power beaters, blenders, slicers, basket lifts, filters, fans and much more. A motor converts one form of energy into mechanical energy. General-purpose motor designs with standard dimensions and characteristics provide convenient mechanical power for foodservice equipment once customized to the exact OEM specifications (RPM, torque, magnet dimension, winding, etc.).

Different types of motors are used in restaurant equipment, including AC motors, DC motors, and stepper motors. AC motors are used to power equipment that requires high torque, such as mixers, grinders and ice machines. DC motors are used in equipment that requires precise control, such as conveyor belts and automated food prep machines. Stepper motors are used in equipment that requires precise positioning, such as robot arms and automated food dispensers.