ABB has launched the ABB Ability Mobile Connect for drives. This cloud-based software service, accessible through the ABB Drivetune mobile app, enables ABB Drives partners to easily commission and troubleshoot local drives remotely. Mobile Connect features live chat and end user-controlled access that can be used to pull backup files, change parameters, capture site and […]
Drives + Supplies
New versatile, easy-to-commission variable frequency drive from Bison Gear
Bison Gear & Engineering Corp. has released a new highly versatile and easy-to-commission Bison Variable Frequency Drive. The Bison VFD features adjustable operating speed, flexible mounting options and the capability to control most types of motors, and is suitable for a wide variety of industrial and outdoor applications. The Bison VFD significantly reduces energy consumption […]
New micro servo-drive system for extra-low-voltage manufacturing applications
Siemens is extending its drive portfolio in the extra-low-voltage range for 24 to 48-V EC motors with its new SIMATIC MICRO-DRIVE. The new product line with UL- and CE-marked components consists of the PDC (Profidrive Control) servo drive in conjunction with a flexible range of motors and connecting cables from product partners, along with the […]
Mitsubishi Electric Automation at Automate 2022
Mitsubishi Electric Automation will exhibit at Automate 2022 in Detroit to highlight solutions for a wide variety of applications and industries. The theme of the exhibit is “better together”, which shows creative solutions developed by a number of companies based on Mitsubishi Electric automation products. The “better together” approach includes an in-booth experience centered on […]
Part three of three: Example of a rotary axis needing a regenerative resistor
By Hurley Gill • Senior applications and systems engineer | Kollmorgen Please refer to part one and part two of this three-part series for background information on the functions and types of regenerative resistors for servo applications. Let’s now consider the worst-case deceleration of an axis needing to reach a zero velocity for a p-stop […]
Part two of three: Servo-system regenerative resistor types and accessories
In the first installment of this series, we explained the regenerative-power requirements for the controlled motion of servomotor systems. Here we detail common electrical protection circuitry. By Hurley Gill • Senior applications and systems engineer | Kollmorgen Designing a machine with servomotors, drives, and regenerative resistors requires consideration of numerous design factors. These components affect […]
Part one of three: Selecting regenerative resistors to harvest servomotor energy
Here we explain the data required for determining regenerative-power requirements and regen-resistor selection for the controlled motion of servomotor systems. By Hurley Gill • Senior applications and systems engineer | Kollmorgen Electric AC servomotors are either synchronous or asynchronous motors used in a closed-loop (servo) configurations for precise output control. Control over motion outputs — […]
What are biquad and other filter types for servo tuning?
One way to improve servo system performance is to increase the gains in the control loop, allowing the system to respond faster to commands and to settle more quickly, with less oscillation. But increasing the servo gains means that any resonances in the system — typically due to mechanical compliance — are further amplified, which can […]
What is external device monitoring and how does it relate to machine safety?
According to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, technical protective measures should be used to reduce risks that cannot be avoided through safe design measures. These technical protective measures include safety devices such as door locks, covers, light curtains, and other equipment that monitors the machine movements. When the safety device controls and external device, such as […]
Controllers, drives keep pace with automation demands
With the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a surge in interest in automation across many industries. As demand for automation has increased, suppliers of automation components such as motors, drives, and controllers are seeing increased demand as well. Controllers and drives on offer today are more powerful and offer better performance than […]
