Omron has released an EtherCAT version of the Accurax G5 servo series, complementing the existing analogue/pulse and Mechatrolink-II models. The release is just one aspect of a complete series of products centred on EtherCAT that include motion and position controllers, I/O modules, vision systems and inverter drive interfaces.
What is EtherCAT?
EtherCAT is an Ethernet-based industrial network system which provides high speed communications, and uses standard Category 5 or higher cables between devices. The design and implementation are simplified when a network like EtherCAT is used in a project, as the need for multiple wires to each axis is removed. Furthermore, the user can access all of the axis information.
The Accurax G5 servo series
The Accurax G5 series will initially be released in ratings up to 1,5 kW, with further ratings released later. The drive is compact, and support for side-by-side mounting allows users to achieve cabinet space savings of up to 50%. Yet, despite their diminutive size, the new drives combine outstanding performance – sub-micron accuracy and millisecond settling times are easily achieved – with a comprehensive range of built-in features, including safety.
Safety and features
Omron’s new servo drives have two safety inputs and an external device monitoring output, which can be linked from one drive to another without the need for additional safety relays. The safety torque off function of the drives conforms with PL-d in line with ISO13849, SIL2 in line with EN61508 and Cat 3 in line with EN954.
The drives support full closed loop operation for applications where additional accuracy is needed, and incorporate advanced tuning algorithms that feature an anti-vibration function, a torque feed-forward function to reduce following error, and a disturbance observer.
The drives are complemented by motors which are 25% lighter and 15% smaller than their conventional counterparts, and which use 10-pole construction to achieve a 40% reduction in cogging. The Accurax G5 motors, which have an IP67 ingress protection rating, also feature an integrated 20-bit encoder.
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