An easier route to multi-axis drive control
December 2006
Motion Control & Drives
Multi-axis drive applications like transfer lines or web processes usually require some form of special interface between the host controller and the various drive elements of the machine. This can involve the purchase of expensive secondary hardware or alternately, the embedding of special control functions within each drive in the form of bespoke software. In both cases, the additional systems integration tasks add cost and time to the project.
Some recent drives and drives control product developments from KEB could make life easier for machine control systems integrators. The company has recently come up with an effective alternative approach to this problem in the form of its Combicontrol C5 module, which can be interposed between controllers such as PLCs or industrial PCs, and the motor drives themselves. It is primarily designed to interface controllers to KEB's Combivert F5 series of AC motor drives, and is freely programmable using the company's CoDeSys IEC 61131-3 compliant software. In some cases, the Combicontrol C5 module can replace a PLC in a decentralised control application.
With a 32-bit microcontroller at its centre, the Combicontrol C5 offers a host of communications options, including drive bus connections for up to eight separate axes, Ethernet for parameterisation and visualisation, CANopen and Profibus fieldbus connectivity, and eight digital inputs and outputs. The unit mounts on a standard 35 mm top-hat rail.
KEB's latest offering in the Combivert F5 series of drives is the Version SCL (sensorless closed loop) option, which is available across the power range, 0,75 to 630 kW. Working on the principle of real field orientation without encoder feedback, this drive package could save unnecessary investment in motor-mounted encoders, the additional cabling required to route encoder signals back to the drive and the cost of a drive encoder interface. Combivert F5 SCL can presently be used in conjunction with servomotors, spindle motors and torque motors, with linear and asynchronous motor operation promised in the not-too-distant future.
For more information contact PECS, +27 (0) 11 907 1910.
Further reading:
AG Lubricants partners with
Motion Control & Drives
AG Lubricants has partnered with a major player in the South African steel industry to supply high-performance Mobil lubricants, Quaker Houghton industrial fluids and value-added technical services.
Read more...
Smart features increase crane safety
Motion Control & Drives
The newly launched Konecranes S series hoist offers a large bouquet of smart features which not only increase lifting device safety but also deliver a higher level of operator protection.
Read more...
Compact, powerful hexapod for high-precision applications
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.
Read more...
Hexagon Electrical services electric motor sector
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.
Read more...
NORD modular drives for frequently changing motor speeds
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
BMG has made a substantial investment over the years to ensure assembly, stockholdings and technical support for the Nord range are in line with stringent international quality, safety and environmental standards.
Read more...
Cutting-edge robotics and smart manufacturing solutions
Yaskawa Southern Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Yaskawa Southern Africa made a compelling impact at this year’s Africa Automation and Technology Fair
Read more...
Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation
Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.
Read more...
Powerful high-precision hexapod
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.
Read more...
Servicing the electric motor sector
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.
Read more...
Control system for deep antenna
Rockwell Automation
Motion Control & Drives
When a major university in South Korea set out to build a 21-metre deep space antenna, the researchers needed a control system that could track celestial objects with pinpoint accuracy, a level of precision they thought was out of reach. By partnering with Rockwell Automation, they discovered that the right technology and support could turn their vision into reality.
Read more...
printer friendly version