Motion Control & Drives


PowerFlex DC drives from Rockwell Automation

December 2010 Motion Control & Drives

Rockwell Automation’s range of Allen-Bradley PowerFlex DC drives combine the performance capabilities of DC technology with the benefits of digital control, diagnostics, easy programming and system integration through the flexible communication options inherent in the PowerFlex drive architecture. The rugged, compact design of the drives make them ideal for a variety of demanding standalone or co-ordinated drive control and system applications.

Currently, units are available in two and four quadrant power ranges, from 1,2 to 224 kW @ 230 VAC, 1,5 to 671 kW @ 480 VAC, 447 to 932 kW @ 600 VAC and 447 to 1044 kW @ 690 VAC. The drives feature extensive analogue and digital I/O options for flexible installation, while the PowerFlex drive peripheral interface (DPI) allows easy connectivity to a variety of communication adapters and programming tools. An LCD human interface module helps simplify drive configuration and tuning.

Software connectivity through the DPI allows connectivity to a common set of DPI-based host products, including communication adaptors, operator interfaces and software tools. DC tachometer and encoder feedback capabilities are embedded into the control circuitry as a standard feature, which helps save space and provide enhanced functionality. This is complemented by the extensive diagnostics that are easy to interface for integration into larger systems. Users can program, monitor and control the drives using Allen-Bradley DriveExplorer and DriveTools SP software suite.

Like all products in the PowerFlex family, the DC drives feature internal communication options to help users assemble highly integrated applications cost effectively. Network connectivity options include DeviceNet, ControlNet and Ethernet/IP, allowing users to integrate seamlessly and manage information from the plant floor to the top floor.

Regenerative and non-regenerative DC drive configurations are available.

For more information contact Adrian van Wyk, Rockwell Automation, +27 (0)11 654 9700, [email protected], www.rockwellautomation.co.za



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