March 2024 Product Round-Up: Drives

March 22, 2024

Servo Systems

The new SureServo2 systems from AutomationDirect accept 460Vac three-phase input power and have output power from 400W to 15kW. All 12 sets of servo motors, drives, cables and their accessories in this series retain the features of existing SureServo2 systems, including acceptance of pulse and direction input, analog velocity or torque inputs, external encoder signals and enable full control across EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP Ethernet networks. These servo systems can be programmed via the front panel keypad or use the free configuration software. Built-in oscilloscope and multiple auto-tuning modes are also available. 

Safety Functions Module

ABB’s CIP Safety FSCS-21 is a compact and standalone safety module that connects ABB’s ACS380, ACS580 and ACS880 drives to a safety PLC. The safety functions in the module mean no special parameterization, software or safety password are required for safety configuration in the drives. Users can combine ABB drives of different types and sizes with their CIP Safety network. The Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) over EtherNet/IP allows safety communications and drive controls to be achieved using a single ethernet cable without the need for external components. The CIP Safety FSCS-21 features two built-in safe stopping functions: Safety Torque Off (STO) and Safe Stop 1 (SS1-t). It also fulfills the performance requirements in machinery safety up to SIL3/Ple. 

Variable Frequency Drive

The GA800 variable frequency drive from Yaskawa features a high-resolution multi-language display with setup wizards and data-logging, Bluetooth connections, DriveWizardMobile and DriveWizard Desktop to program without main power through the embedded USB port, closed or open loop vector control and popular network connections. Embedded in the drive are function blocks to accomplish automation tasks that would otherwise need a separate controller, auxiliary control power input (24V), and Safe Torque Off. The GA800 also has several integrated features including a dc reactor, a 12-pulse version for low harmonics and a brake transistor. Flange protection gives it IP55/UL Type12 protection. It is also RoHS compliant and meets the standards for SIL CL3, PLe, Category 3. 

Electric Cylinder Series

Beckhoff’s scalable AA3000 electric cylinder series has been expanded to include new AA3100 devices. These devices are designed as a drop-in replacement for hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. The AA3100 devices feature an ISO 15552 flange size and bolting points on both sides as well as an external thread mount on the shaft end of the spindle to mount ball heads, clamping hooks or other common adapters. The AA3123 and AA313 cylinders each have two variants with different peak and continuous forces and maximum speed. As with the previous devices in the AA3000 series, these cylinders feature TwinCAT 3 automation software, a safe 24-bit multiturn encoder with high resolution and one-cable technology, a range of spindle pitches and a backlash-free holding brake for customizability. 

Drive Modules

The AcoposMicro provides drive modules for up to two axes for low-power applications. Designed for both stepper and servo motors, it features integrated I/O with a compact and uniform design for inverter and stepper motor modules. The two-channel variant of this system requires an area of less than 50 cm² per axis. In addition to trigger inputs, this system also includes a 24Vdc output. The first voltage variant was designed for a nominal voltage of 80Vdc and has the ability to withstand overvoltage up to 95Vdc. The modules are also protected against over temperature; warnings are output via the fieldbus. 

Inverter Drive

The Frenic-Ace is a compact drive for use in most types of industrial applications—from fans and pumps to specialized machinery. Fuji Electric drives can operate from single phase to 3-phase power up to 460Vac and can operate at an optimal speed throughout the application, reducing overall power and energy consumption. The Frenic-Ace offers advanced integration capabilities including applied power ratings, sensorless dynamic torque vector control, permanent magnet synchronous motor control, two-channel on-board RS485 communication port and customizable logic.

120V Source Inverter

The FR-E810W is an expansion of the Mitsubishi Electric’s FR-E800 series inverter lineup. This new inverter offers the improved safety, energy savings and reliability of FR-E800 inverters with an additional voltage class for facilities with only a 120V source available as an option. This allows users to avoid using 240V inverters with an external step-up transformer. The features of the FR-E800 series include support for CC-Link IE TSN technology, two Ethernet ports, enhanced predictive maintenance and artificial intelligence-enabled fault diagnostics.

Plug-and-Play AC Drive

Danfoss’s VLT AutomationDrive EZ FC321 is an ac drive that features variable speed control of all asynchronous and permanent magnet motors. The drive is flexible and expandable with plug-and-play options. Safe Torque-Off is a standard feature that can be applied through hardwired safety. Enclosures are available up to NEMA 4X, and integrated dc chokes and RFI filters in all models protect installations by minimizing harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interferences. All drives are tested at full load before leaving the factory.

Inverter Drive

The Omron Industrial Automation VZAB0P4BAA inverter drive features current vector control, high starting torque and a 1:100 speed control range. With double ratings for enhanced durability, online tuning and low-noise technology, this drive is designed for a 10-year lifetime. This drive can connect to various fieldbus communications, including Modbus, Profibus, CANopen, DeviceNet, LONworks, CompoNet, Ethernet, ML-II, Profinet and EtherCAT. It also has embedded safety features with CE, UL, cUL and TÜV certifications. 

Distributed Servo Drive

Extending the Kinetix 5700 platform, Rockwell Automation has launched the ArmorKinetix Distributed Servo Drives. These servo drives have a simplified architecture that allows mounting to the outside of a cabinet for modular implementation and control cabinet size reduction as well reduced cabling and cooling requirements. Key features include minimal derating, power output up to 5.5kW, advanced analytics using integrated vibration and thermal sensors, integrated safety technology capable of achieving SIL 3, CIP security and IP66 certifications. This drive platform is available as a distributed servo drive or as an integrated servo drive and motor. 

Multi-Axis Servo Inverters

Built for control quality in demanding applications, the MoviAxis servo inverter is a dynamic servo drive that meets requirements for asynchronous or synchronous servo motors. These inverters come in a compact design with a power range of 10kW to 187kW. The inverters also include optional modules such as master module, motion control or 24V switched-mode power supply, which integrate within the servo system mechanically and electronically. Also available are a selection of communication and automation options as well as energy-efficient components such as an energy storage unit. MoviAxis supports all common encoder systems on the motor and track.

Sinamics V20 Drive

DigiKey now offers the Siemens Sinamics V20 drive, which has a compact design and can be individually adapted to a particular application or user requirement using options such as an external basic operator panel, connecting cable, filter, braking resistors and shielding. The rugged construction of the V20 makes it suitable for operating pumps, fans, compressors and conveyor belts as well as for basic drive applications in the process and manufacturing industries. It covers a power range extending from 0.16hp to 40hp. It also features commissioning via web interface or the commissioning wizard as well as diagnostics reporting. The Sinamics V20 Smart Access Module offers flexibility for adapting the drive to various end devices.