Functional safety standards EN/IEC 62061 and EN/ISO 13849-1 ensure safety via electronic solutions, unlike traditional safety systems, which used electromechanical components to achieve safety. And while functional safety applies to a machine and its control system (not to individual components), the drive lies at the heart of the safety implementation. In fact, functional safety specifies that […]
Drives + Supplies
Inverter series G120C extends Siemens offering into more markets
With the Sinamics G120C, Siemens Drive Technologies expands its product portfolio of inverters. This compact device has been designed for various applications in industrial environments. It is suitable for use with pumps, compressors and fans, as well as mixers, extruders, conveyor belts and materials handling machines. The target groups for this new line are production […]
New integrated 400-W servo motor with 12 to 48-Vdc battery supply voltage
The MAC402 is the complete 400-W solution for medium power ratings with battery supply of 12 to 48-Vdc. Peak power is up to 1200 W. Choose between models with or without brakes. IP55 rating is standard, and IP66 is optional. Connectivity options include wireless, industrial Ethernet, or a built-in PLC. New features of the MAC402 Absolute multiturn encoder […]
What are functional safety standards for servo drives?
Safety is a serious concern for machine builders, system integrators, and end users. Not only do they have a responsibility to provide a safe production environment, they must also meet regulatory requirements for machine safety. And of course, all of this should occur with minimal impact on operational efficiency and productivity. Fortunately, functional safety features […]
VFD Troubleshooting 101 — with no-power checks
Before you rip that variable frequency drive (VFD) off the wall and send it in for a rebuild, stop. Some simple checks diagnose a VFD in moments. Here’s how to make the necessary inspections with a multimeter. By Daniel Schubert • Yaskawa Product Training Engineer Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are a staple component of many industrial […]
New BDE PRO controller optimizes motor performance and speeds prototyping
Crouzet North America now offers the BDE PRO controller — a high performance external motor drive specifically designed to optimize operation of five of Crouzet’s ultra-quiet DCmind brushed motors ranging in size from 42 to 62 mm diameter and in power from 15 to 100W. This new analog controller is suitable for use in a variety […]
What’s the difference between single-axis and multi-axis (rack or cabinet) controls?
By Craig Dahlquist • Application Engineer at Lenze Americas || As with most applications, the requirements of the application can determine what type of drive architecture is selected. The single-axis control means that the DC power supply is internal to each drive. The multi-axis control utilizes a central DC power supply that a number of axes share through the […]
How to use servo drives with asynchronous (induction) motors?
With high construction costs of rare earth permanent magnet synchronous servo motors, asynchronous (induction) motors are more acceptable, when possible. By Craig Dahlquist • Application Engineer at Lenze Americas One way to get servo control of an asynchronous motor (on 400 to 480 Vac supply voltage) is to use a conventional 230/400 or 230/460 Vac (delta/wye connection) […]
FAQ: What is microstepping?
Microstepping is driving a stepper motor at less the one full step per movement. Under usual operating conditions, a stepper motor operates by turning one full step with every pulse of current. Microstepping allows a motor to make far finer steps. This done by having the controller and drive send the proper kinds of current […]
FAQ: What drive conditions make stepper motors run poorly?
When selecting a drive for a stepper motor, remember that certain drive setups and may cause the stepper motor to run poorly. These include improperly sized motors, incorrect drive types and incompatible wiring schemes. Having a correctly sized stepper drive is vital. If this is not done, then there is the risk that the motor […]