Motion Control Tips

Automation • Motion Control • Power Transmission

Servo drive controls highly dynamic processes with greater precision

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With the latest upgrade to its ACOPOSmulti multi-axis servo drive, B&R now enables even shorter cycle times down to 50 μsec. Highly dynamic processes can now be controlled more precisely than ever.

For demanding motion control applications, such as those found in the printing and packaging industries, movements must be controlled quickly and precisely. The ACOPOSmulti’s short cycle time of 50 µsec for current, speed and position control opens up new possibilities for virtual sensor technology.servo drive

 

Using a virtual motor position encoder eliminates the need for an encoder, encoder cable and evaluation unit in the servo drive and at the same time increases availability. Other special functions for more precise control and faster reactions can be implemented using virtual sensor technology. These include model-based control with autotuning and a repetitive control function for predictive lag error compensation.

For more information, visit www.br-automation.com.

 

VFDs with integrated PLCs for motion and machine controls: Programming and setup considerations

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Today’s ac drives can be controlled by either an external or internal PLC. Those with built-in controls move machine intelligence to the edge.

By Jeff Payne • AutomationDirect

Though ac drives can operate in standalone, they often integrate into automation systems to control speed of three-phase ac motors that commonly run conveyors, fans, and pumps. For such speed control, ac drives most often pair with PLCs. But ac drives are becoming more intelligent … and some now include built-in PLCs to work as smart drives. These smart ac drives are compact; add intelligence at the edge of machinery; include inverters capable of more than just typical speed control; and accept the setting of myriad parameters.

In this feature, we’ll detail how to integrate smart ac drives and the applications for which they make the most sense.

Many VFDs, such as this AutomationDirect DURApulse GS4 series AC drive, can be controlled and monitored by an external PLC.

Review of how ac drives work

An ac drive is often called a variable frequency drive (VFD), adjustable frequency drive (AFD), or frequency inverter. We use the term VFD for its main function of varying the speed of a three-phase ac induction motor. VFDs also provide motor overload protection, non-emergency starting and stopping, and control of acceleration and deceleration.

VFD benefits significantly boost the efficiency of many applications. In addition, they gradually accelerate the motor — which in turn reduces inrush current during motor startup. This minimizes both electrical and mechanical stress on the system.

VFDs operate by rectifying incoming ac power to dc and then inverting it back into three-phase ac output power. The voltage and frequency of this inverted output is controlled by the drive to vary the speed of a three-phase ac induction motor.

Control modes include volts per Hz (V/f), V/f with encoder, open-loop vector, and closed-loop vector control. These methods all use a pulse-width modulation (PWM) voltage waveforms; they’re well-developed motor control methods needing some level of automation to control the drive.

VFD control methods

A VFD is controlled by discrete inputs (two or three-wire control), analog inputs and/or digital communications. In its simplest form, a VFD can be manually controlled using the built-in digital keypad’s run/stop buttons. This keypad also allows setting of the drive speed and other parameters, as well as monitoring of drive status variables. Manual pushbuttons can also be wired to the drive in a two or three-wire configuration to control basic functions.

A two-wire control setup provides a run command input and a direction input to the drive. The run command must remain high (on) for the drive to run the motor. The direction command controls forward and reverse motor rotation. Deactivating the run command stops the motor.

With three-wire control of a drive, a stop command is added to the drive control inputs. To activate the drive, the stop command must be high, often through use of a normally closed (NC) pushbutton or an NC relay contact. A momentary run command is all that is needed to activate the drive.

Both two or three-wire drive control methods can be via manual pushbuttons, PLC-activated relay outputs, or PLC discrete signal outputs. Some drives also have programmable functions such as jog, speed change, and acceleration and deceleration control.

Analog signals can also help control drives to deliver speed-control or tension-control functions. Signals take the form of analog 0 to 10 Vdc voltages, analog 0-to-20-mA or 4-to-20-mA current, or potentiometer signals. A two or three-wire discrete control method is still needed to start and stop the drive.

Digital communications between PLCs and VFDs

In addition to discrete and analog inputs, PLCs often control VFDs using digital communications such as Modbus ASCII and Modbus RTU, or via industrial Ethernet protocols specifically created for real-time control. These digital communications can control all drive functions or work in concert with discrete and analog signals. This two-way digital communication often enables all drive commands to be controlled by a PLC, as well as monitoring all drive parameter and reading drive variable, status and fault codes. This can include more than 100 commands, parameters, and status and fault codes.

Serial or Ethernet communication from the PLC can issue speed references, run, direction and jog commands. It can also adjust motor parameters such as voltage and amps and run parameters associated with set acceleration and deceleration times, S curves, and skip frequencies. Other digital parameters include the issuing multi-function input commands and triggering functions just as a discrete input would. Target frequency and current (and many other analog and preset parameters) are also available for control and monitoring using digital communication. Where the PLC communicates with the drive to monitor status and fault codes, it might compare the frequency command to output frequency or the output current to rated current or motor rpm.

The monitoring of drive faults is also enhanced by digital communication. Instead of just a ‘fault present’ discrete signal, the system can register dozens of error codes — including overcurrent, overvoltage, overtemperature, overload, low voltage, and more.

Upfront programming of the drive’s monitoring and control functions (through discrete communication) makes for a more intelligent system. A serial or Ethernet link between the PLC and drive(s) is required; with Ethernet, a hub or a switch is also needed. The ability to configure, control, and monitor the drive from the PLC via digital communications helps futureproof automated systems.

These WEG-CFW300 ac drives from AutomationDirect offer high performance in a compact size, along with a built-in operator interface and a SoftPLC. They eliminate the need to purchase, install, and integrate an external PLC with the drive.

Programming ac drives with built-in PLCs

As mentioned, PLC control of VFDs is well-developed with many configuration and monitoring options. But devices at the machine edges are becoming smarter … and VFDs with built-in PLCs are no exception. These VFDs provide all the precise variable speed-control functions of separate PLC-controlled drives, but in one compact package. Such Smart drives typically have a built-in operator interface panel and a SoftPLC. Via the interface panel, it is possible to control the VFD and view (and adjust) its parameters. A typical keypad toggles between parameter numbers to show position or value. Up and down buttons let operators change the parameter number or its value. Anotehr button lets operators run and stop the drive and reset drive faults. A variety of plug-in option modules are typically available for additional I/O … and to add additional communication protocols.

In an array of applications, smart drives can often control entire machines or systems … helping negate the need to purchase, install, and integrate separate PLCs and operator interfaces.

Some vendors provide free PC-based programming software for the SoftPLC portion of the drive — to let design engineers create custom-tailored control schemes. These then download from the PC to the drive (often via a USB connection). Such software typically includes ladder diagram programming for the creation of function blocks to monitor inputs, operate the drive, and control outputs. Besides controlling the VFD housed in the same package, the SoftPLC can also work to monitor additional components on the plant floor — including other VFDs.

A VFD with a built-in Soft PLC can monitor sensors and run programmed logic to properly convey products.

Driving conveyor, mixer, and other applications

Common applications for smart drives include packaging machines, mixers, kneaders, and dosing pumps. Other applications include the control of fans, exhausts, centrifugal pumps, granulators, palletizers, stirrers, and conveyor belts. Many conveyor or gate applications need to monitor inputs from a few sensors to properly control a VFD as well as an output to trigger a solenoid. Here a carefully selected smart drive having a built-in PLC (meeting full-load amperage, overload, and temperature requirements) can monitor sensors; make programmed decisions; and control field devices.

Jeff Payne is a product manager for the Drives & Motors Group at AutomationDirect. Before joining the company 20 years ago, he managed, designed, programmed, installed, maintained, and repaired a wide variety of automated equipment. He’s worked in the field of industrial automation for nearly 28 years and earned a degree in Industrial Systems Technology and Industrial Automation from Lanier Technical College.

What is nested vector interrupt control (NVIC)?

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In a microcontroller, such as those at the heart of industrial motion controllers, interrupts serve as a way to immediately divert the central processing unit from its current task to another, more important task.

An interrupt can be triggered internally from the microcontroller (MCU) or externally, by a peripheral. The interrupt alerts the central processing unit (CPU) to an occurrence such as a time-based event (a specified amount of time has elapsed or a specific time is reached, for example), a change of state, or the start or end of a process.

nested vector interrupt control

Interrupts can be triggered internally – from a timer, for example – or externally, from peripherals.

Another method of monitoring a timed event or change of state is referred to as “polling.” With polling, the status of a timer or state change is periodically checked. The downsides of polling are the risk of excessive latency (delay) between the actual change and its detection, the possibility of missing a change altogether, and the increased processing time and power it requires.

nested vector interrupt control

With polling, the CPU periodically checks for a change of state. Interrupts automatically notify the CPU when a change of state occurs, ensuring the change is not missed and its detection is not delayed.
Image credit: Renesas Electronics Corporation

When an interrupt occurs, an interrupt signal is generated, which causes the CPU to stop its current operation, save its current state, and begin the processing program — referred to as an interrupt service routine (ISR) or interrupt handler — associated with the interrupt. When the interrupt processing is complete, the CPU restores its previous state and resumes where it left off.

Nested vector interrupt control (NVIC) is a method of prioritizing interrupts, improving the MCU’s performance and reducing interrupt latency. NVIC also provides implementation schemes for handling interrupts that occur when other interrupts are being executed or when the CPU is in the process of restoring its previous state and resuming its suspended process.

The term “nested” refers to the fact that in NVIC, a number of interrupts (up to several hundred in some processors) can be defined, and each interrupt is assigned a priority, with “0” being the highest priority. In addition, the most critical interrupt can be made non-maskable, meaning it cannot be disabled (masked).

One function of NVIC is to ensure that higher priority interrupts are completed before lower-priority interrupts, even if the lower-priority interrupt is triggered first. For example, if a lower-priority interrupt is being registered* or executed and a higher-priority interrupt occurs, the CPU will stop the lower-priority interrupt and process the higher-priority one first.

* A register is a special, dedicated memory circuit within the CPU that can be written and read much more quickly than regular memory. The register is used to store information such as calculation results, CPU execution states, or other critical program information.

Similarly, a handling scheme referred to as “tail-chaining” specifies that if an interrupt is pending while the ISR for another, higher-priority another interrupt completes, the processor will immediately begin the ISR for the next interrupt, without restoring its previous state.

nested vector interrupt control

With tail-chaining, if an interrupt is pending as the ISR for another, higher-priority interrupt completes, the processor will immediately begin the ISR for the next interrupt, without restoring its previous state.
Image credit: Arm Limited

The term “vector” in nested vector interrupt control refers to the way in which the CPU finds the program, or ISR, to be executed when an interrupt occurs. Nested vector interrupt control uses a vector table that contains the addresses of the ISRs for each interrupt. When an interrupt is triggered, the processor gets the address from the vector table.

The prioritization and handling schemes of nested vector interrupt control reduce the latency and overhead that interrupts typically introduce and ensure low power consumption, even with high interrupt loading on the controller.

Feature image credit: Arm Limited

Applied Motion Products debuts programming tools for Python language

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Applied Motion Products now offers a set of free tools for programmers using Python, the popular computer programming language, to use with its stepper and servo motors to quickly and efficiently integrate motor control into their applications. These new tools, including an application note and sample code, guide Python programmers in sending high-level motion commands, using Applied Motion’s Serial Command Language (SCL), to one or more axes of stepper and/or servo motors. Step-by-step instructions and examples explain how to:

  • Establish communications between a Python application and the motion control axes
  • Send commands to one or more axes
  • Handle replies from the axes including acknowledgments and data requests

Simple and intuitive, the SCL commands are text-based, making them easy to read and understand. Programmers can stream SCL commands to one or more motor axes at a time, creating straightforward sequences of motion profiles on multiple axes. SCL provides commands for motion control including homing, absolute, relative and jog move types as well as input/output control, drive status, alarm status, and much more. SCL commands can be sent over Ethernet TCP or UDP, RS-485, and RS-232 connections.

programming

Based on the popularity of the Python language, the new tools from Applied Motion Products can help users worldwide to incorporate step motors and servo motors into their projects using a simple, yet powerful command set specifically designed for motion control.

To download Applied Motion Python programming tools for its stepper and servo motors, visit https://www.applied-motion.com/news/2019/03/new-application-note-python-programmers.

For information on the company’s motors, visit https://www.applied-motion.com/products.

 

New multi-touch control panel HMI for challenging installations

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ABB’s new control panel portfolio expands upon the current CP600 platform to provide premium HMI for high-end applications and challenging installations. The new CP600-Pro ensures reliable operation within a wide environmental temperature range of -4 through 140 °F, and features a true glass touch-screen for clear information display and easy operation. Strong aluminum front frames ensure IP66 protection, and the all black front design is a good match for multiple applications either in landscape or portrait format.

Available in 5, 7, 10.1, 15.6 and 21.5 in. screen sizes, the panels provide comprehensive HMI functions with multi-touch operation. Three Ethernet interfaces, one with 10/100/1000 Mbit, support up to three networks. With an OPC UA server and client protocol, the CP600-Pro is well prepared for TSN connectivity. A serial port simplifies integration of products without network interfaces, and USB ports and SD cards facilitate backups and system updates. HMI

Like the other control panels in the CP600 platform, the CP600-Pro is fully compatible with ABB’s AC500 and AC500-eCo PLCs, and includes all standard HMI functions such as alarm management, schedulers, recipes, trends, data acquisition, gateway function and user management.

The CP600-Pro can be configured and programmed with Panel Builder 600, which allows the easy creation of graphical HMI pages. This powerful programming tool offers numerous configuration options, which can be complemented by JavaScript for the easy design of tailor-made user interfaces. It includes libraries of ready-to-use vector graphics and a rich set of widgets so that applications can be designed efficiently.

The programming tool features an HMI simulator ensuring efficient set up either offline or online. HTML5 pages enable easy remote access to HMI applications via smartphone or other mobile devices.

For more information, visit https://new.abb.com/.

 

CC-Link IE TSN and motion-control applications: Technical update for engineers

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Time-sensitive networking (TSN) is not a protocol but an update to improve the IEEE Ethernet standard … and let engineers use general-purpose Ethernet for increasingly fast and sophisticated control and automation. It includes IEEE802.1AS defining its time-synchronization scheme and IEEE802.1Qbv defining its timesharing scheme. These make for punctual and reliable data and signal transmission to get synchronized and deterministic communications over Ethernet.

In a recent conversation about TSN, Design World asked CC-Link Partner Association for the Americas director Timothy Lomax as well as CLPA-Americas manager John F. Wozniak, P.E. several questions about CC-Link IE Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) — a new network offering based on CC-Link IE. CC-Link IE TSN supports integration of Operational Technology (OT) and IT while boosting the performance and functionality automated system communications.

Here’s what Lomax and Wozniak had to say when specifically asked about how CC-Link IE TSN supports motion designs.

How does time-sensitive networking (TSN) help motion applications?

Lomax: Over the last few decades, motion control has shown incredible advancement. Today’s designs include internal processing of motion-control commands and related functions … and other hardware driving ever-increasing performance. Consider high-resolution encoders: Now these are to 24 and 25-bit resolution … and we’re constantly seeing higher resolutions from encoders for motion applications. Here and elsewhere, the trend towards higher performance continues unabated for servo motion … and these benefit from components and networking (TSN in particular) to synchronize disparate motion axes.

Smart factories need to gather production information in real time; process it via edge computing; and transmit it onward to IT systems. Leveraging production-site data in this way necessitates a stable high-speed network such as CC-Link IE TSN.

What are networking challenges specific to motion control?

Wozniak: For motion applications, the biggest concern isn’t necessarily network speed. Rather, it’s jitter. So an engineer can have a slow motion control … but if it exhibits absolutely zero jitter (which means that latency is always the same amount of time) it’s an acceptable motion network. Unfortunately, traffic over standard general-purpose internet protocol (IP) Transmission Control Protocol and User Datagram Protocol (TCP and UDP) networks always exhibit jitter … and signals on that network can come nanoseconds (or more) sooner or later than expected.

TSN prioritizes signals and dedicates a lane and portion of the cycle time for prioritized messages. During a blockout time preceding the reserved cycle time, messages that threaten the prioritized messages’ timing are prevented from entering the TSN switch. CC-Link IE TSN also divides messages to ensure reliability. Set timeframes for set motion signals dramatically reduce latency (jitter time) and make the system predictable and deterministic.

In this CC-Link IE TSN application example, a servo motor is momentarily stopped during an alignment operation, and a vision system validates the quality of the workpiece. Here, a CC-Link IE TSN-compatible servo amplifier and vision sensor could enable time synchronization to let the vision sensor accurately scan and process the attributes of the workpiece while being moved by the servomotor. Such setups could boost cycle time and reduce wiring. The large volume of image data from the vision sensor can transmit via IP communication using the same single-network system — having less wiring and the same servo-control performance as traditional setups.

What other functions can CC-Link IE TSN support?

Lomax: TSN supports motion, sequence control, and safety functions and their related hardware offerings — including those for traditional I/O and safety, servo motion, CNC, and process functions. TSN even supports the challenging application of machine vision. As mentioned, the use of common Ethernet connectivity also means this TSN network supports IoT functionality.

How does CC-Link IE accommodate devices communicating at disparate speeds?

Wozniak: CC-Link IE Field runs off an ASIC and is fixed at 1 Gbps. CC-Link IE Field Basic (the general-purpose CC-Link IE) accommodates 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps networking such as TSN. But we recognize that not everybody needs 1 Gbps … and these engineers can execute slower software implementations while maintaining a path to motion and TSN. They can put lower-level software devices on TSN that may transmit messages once every five seconds, but that’s not going to affect devices sending messages once every millisecond. Other networks wait for the former to transmit; in contrast, TSN (and CC-Link IE-implemented TSN) proceeds with handling the every-millisecond signals and “works in” the every-five-second messages.

It’s a network that satisfies an array of applications, including those that have cost constraints … because it’s a software-based network that accepts slower devices … and it’s not expensive. In fact, CC-Link IE TSN lets engineers use hardware or software for masters or slaves (and not just ASICs) for one or the other or both. This is one of the few networks that lets engineers employ software-software, hardware-hardware, or any mixture of hardware and software to get a complete network.

How does CC-Link IE TSN enable IIoT functionality?

Lomax: CC-Link IE TSN supports IT systems and where edge processing and computing executes — acting as one network to bridge all systems together. Key here of course is having hardware architecture to enable that — with intelligence for diagnostics, safety, and security.

Consider the automotive industry, which requires capacity and bandwidth. Many of this industry’s operations already have diagnostics to make troubleshooting machinery across vast facilities easier — because remember, these are operations so big that employees literally ride bicycles from one end of the plant to the other. So it’s helpful to know whether a problem is next door or all the way on the other side of the plant. The semiconductor industry — including teams developing the smartphone hardware of tomorrow — also needs built-in connection and connectivity from the machines in its facilities … as does the packaging industry.

Look for manufacturers developing TSN-compatible products in this realm — for sequence control, safety, robotic applications, and HMIs, and the rest of it — with not just talk about TSN but actual hardware for engineers to connect and try.

CC-Link IE TSN combines Gb bandwidth with time sensitive networking to deliver open networking for smart factories.

What is an IK rating, and how does it apply to motion control products?

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If you deal with electrical components, including electrical enclosures such as control cabinets, you’re probably familiar with IP (International Protection) ratings, which specify the enclosure’s ability to prevent the ingress of solid objects and liquids. But you may be less familiar with the IK rating system, which defines the enclosure’s ability to protect its components from external mechanical impacts, as measured by the impact energy, in joules.

IK rating

Like IP ratings, IK ratings specify how much protection an enclosure provides for its contents. But rather than protection from ingress of solid objects and liquids, an IK rating indicates the amount of protection the enclosure provides against external mechanical impacts.
Image credit: Hoffmann

A joule is a very small amount of energy. A common example of one joule is the energy required to lift a small apple (100 g, or 0.1 kg) against gravity (9.81 m/s2, or approximately 10 m/s2), to a height of 1 meter.

0.1 kg * 10 m/s2 * 1 m ≅ 1 kgm/s2, or 1 J 

Although the units for the joule (kgm/s2) are the same as the units for torque (1 kgm/s2 = 1 Nm), a joule is a scalar quantity (it has magnitude only) of force applied through a distance, while torque is a vector quantity (it has both magnitude and direction) of force applied at a distance. 

The IK rating was originally introduced as the European standard BS EN 50102 in 1995, but was replaced by the international standard IEC 62262 (and the renumbered European standard EN 62262) in 2002. Prior to these standards, an impact protection rating was often added to the end of an enclosure’s IP rating. For example, IP66(9) would mean the enclosure had an IP rating of 66 and an impact rating of 9. The IEC 62262 standard provides ten levels of protection, designated by two-digit codes, from 00 (no protection) to 10 (highest level of protection).

IK rating

Image credit: APEM

An enclosure’s IK rating is determined by a testing procedure set out in IEC 62262. The testing procedure involves impacts administered by a pendulum-type device, which uses hammers of various weights to simulate different masses being dropped from increasing distances from the impacted surface. The impact tests, known as “Charpy tests,” are carried out for every surface that is exposed during normal usage of the enclosure. For an enclosure with an area to be tested that is less than 1 meter in length, three impacts are administered. For a tested area over 1 meter in length, five impacts are administered.

IK rating

The Charpy test simulates the impact of dropping specified weights from various distances.
Image credit: TWI Ltd.

The IEC 62262 standard specifies that the locations of the impacts should follow a certain symmetry and should be distributed evenly over the surface, but the manufacturer has significant discretion in choosing where the impacts are located. And parts such as hinges and locks are excluded from testing. Therefore, it’s important to understand the manufacturer’s testing procedure, as the enclosure’s IK rating can be affected by where the impacts were applied.

In addition to how and where the impacts are administered, IEC 62262 also specifies how the enclosure should be mounted and the atmospheric conditions that should be present during testing. It also provides instructions for the size, dimensions, style, and materials of the hammers to be used for testing.

Note that an enclosure must meet both the stated ratings, IP and IK, together. For example, if an enclosure maintains its IP66 rating after passing the test for IK06 protection, it can be labeled as both IP66 and IK06. However, if, after the enclosure passes testing for IK08 protection, it only maintains IP54 protection, then it must be labeled as IK08 and IP54, or IK06 and IP66, but it cannot be labeled as IK08 and IP66.

Beckhoff to premier new EtherCAT solutions, compact embedded controllers at ProMat 2019

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Beckhoff Automation will show multiple new technologies that bolster material handling and logistics operations at ProMat 2019 in Chicago. The North American product debuts include the ultra-compact CX7000 embedded controller and a preview of EtherCAT G gigabit industrial Ethernet technology. The 45,000 industry professionals from 115 countries expected to attend the trade show from April 8 to 11 will also find the latest innovations in space-saving distributed servo drive technology and flexible TwinCAT 3 automation software at the Beckhoff booth (S-4512) in the south building of McCormick Place.

Expanded EtherCAT offerings on display will include the EK1000 EtherCAT TSN Coupler and innovative EtherCAT G offerings. The EtherCAT TSN approach will assist distribution centers in the implementation of real-time systems. Ideal for new installations or retrofits, this flexible technology will keep pace with rapidly evolving networking methodologies in the material handling industry. Furthering this goal, Beckhoff also recently announced EtherCAT G and EtherCAT G10, which will provide communication at 1 Gbit/sec and 10 Gbit/sec, respectively, in conformance with the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard. An innovative branch controller model will enable the parallel operation of standard 100 Mbit/sec segments with EtherCAT G or G10 as the main trunk, or vice versa, to provide the fast communication needed in today’s distribution centers.

controllers

The recently introduced Beckhoff CX7000 embedded controller presents a compact yet powerful EtherCAT controller, boasting a single-core, 400 MHz ARM Cortex-M7 processor. The DIN rail-mountable controller maintains minimum footprint with dimensions of just 49 x 100 x 72 mm. Along with the ability to directly connect to the full range of Beckhoff EtherCAT I/O modules via a backplane, it has eight 24 V digital inputs and four outputs built into the device. With a low price point and the ability to leverage feature-filled TwinCAT 3 automation software, the CX7000 extends the range of Beckhoff controllers to include both ultra-compact controllers that can act as distributed control devices on the EtherCAT network across distribution centers all the way up to powerful many-core controllers capable of controlling entire warehouses.

Also appearing at ProMat will be compact multicore automation solutions such as the C6015 Industrial PC (IPC) with an Intel Atom processor and the C6030 IPC available with Intel Core i-series processors. These are ideal for mid-range to complex machine control, but they can also be used for other functions such as edge computing and IoT gateway devices to connect existing systems to major cloud platforms, such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and SAP HANA. Both IPCs are among the fast-growing assortment of Microsoft Azure Certified industrial devices from Beckhoff.

For more information, visit www.beckhoff.com.

 

Drive and logic in new mini servo drive from Elmo Motion Control use single power source

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Elmo Motion Control (Elmo) now offers a new enhanced Gold-Twitter version with single source up to 95 Vdc. This allows users to use a single source power for both the drive and logic power.

As part of its continuous engineering efforts, the Elmo R&D team was able to integrate a higher voltage internal supply into the ultra-small Gold Twitter. Gold Twitter 80-V and 100-V versions denoted with a new P/N suffix can now operate from a single power supply. VL (Control Supply) and VP+ (Power Supply) operating from a single source is a benefit for machine builders. The single control supply topology contributes to lower EMI, and reduced sensitivity to poor external wiring.

The ultra-small, extreme power density Gold Twitter servo drive will be available with an enhanced version, including a capability to be powered from single power source.

Despite the changes the new enhanced version will be completely F3 compliant. The strict compliance with the F3 rules (Fit, Form, and Function) ensures transparent usage for customers that currently use G-TWI. For ordering the single power supply G-TWI, add the suffix S to the part number …G-TWIR80/80EES, for example. For more information, visit this deep link on elmomc.com.

Elmo Motion Control – a leading manufacturer of advanced servo and motion technologies – offers intelligent, high power-density servo drives and motion controllers for more than 30 years. Elmo’s award-winning ultra-small drives and multi-axis controllers enhance overall machine precision, speed, and ensure a fast, real-time responses for any application. Founded in 1988, the company is headquartered in Israel, employs more than 300 staff worldwide, and has a dedicated presence in the United States, China, Germany, Italy, Korea, Poland and the United Kingdom.

See it at ATX West: Applied Motion Technology’s latest motors and integrated drives

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Applied Motion Products will give personal demonstrations of its latest motor, stepper drive, and servo drive technology at ATX West … at the Anaheim Convention Center Feb. 5 to 7, 2019. Visit Booth 4264 to check out the following technology:

MDX Integrated Servo Motors that combine high torque density, low inertia servo motors with on-board drives and controllers to create all-in-one integrated motor solutions that save on space, wiring, and cost over conventional servo systems with separate motor and drive components.

StepSERVO Integrated Motors that provide cost-effective and high-torque motion control for high throughput applications such as packaging and labeling, automated test and measurement, and automated assembly.

STF Stepper Drives that support a range of industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus network protocols including EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, CANopen, Modbus, Ethernet and RS-485, as well as a proprietary Serial Command Language (SCL) for efficient network communications over Ethernet (UDP or TCP) and RS-485. Using STF stepper drives, system designers and machine builders have the flexibility to control step motors using the network protocol of their choice.

SV200 Digital Servo Drives that operate on 24, 48, or higher dc supply voltages for space-constrained and multi-axis motion control applications.

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