THE TCF SERIES - Sensorless Vector AC drive

Delivering torque when you want it, where you want it - the TCF Series from AC Tech will control your motor down to 1Hz at full output torque! When you really need torque, for impact loading or acceleration, the TCF can provide up to 200% motor rated torque.

The TCF is designed for easy integration into your control panel. The compact, contactor style drive conserves panel space and simplifies wiring. Start-up is simplified as well with auto tuning to make sure you get all of the performance you need in either Vector or V/Hz mode

Modules Provide Real-Time Integrated Motion Control Using Award-Winning Stellaris® ARM® Cortex™-M3-based Microcontrollers

Luminary Micro (www.LuminaryMicro.com), creators of the award-winning Stellaris® family of ARM® Cortex™-M3-based microcontrollers (MCUs), have announced the immediate availability of rapid-time-to-market motor control modules based upon the company's popular reference designs for Brushless DC, AC Induction, and Stepper motor controls. Based on Luminary Micro's powerful real-time Stellaris microcontrollers, the motion control modules provide OEMs with a production-ready solution to immediately integrate high performance motor drive controls into their end products at cost-effective volume pricing.

Networked Brushless DC Motor Control Module (MDL-BLDC)

The Brushless DC Motor Control Module (MDL-BLDC) is a four-quadrant controller for three-phase brushless DC motors rated at up to 36 V, 500 W, and 60,000 RPM. Key features of the BLDC module include complete CAN and Ethernet network interfaces, a powerful 32-bit Stellaris LM3S8971 microcontroller with 256 Kbytes of single-cycle internal flash memory and on-chip Ethernet MAC+PHY and CAN, and embedded software to optimally control a wide range of motors in diverse applications. The Stellaris LM3S8971 microcontroller handles all PWM synthesis, position, and analog sensing as well as Ethernet and CAN networking. Only a few additional power ICs are necessary to complete the design. The entire circuit is built on a simple two-layer printed circuit board. The design includes an on-board braking circuit, optional power-managed fan for forced-air cooling, analog and digital control inputs, and screw terminals for all power and signal wiring. Interrupt-driven embedded software provides four quadrant operation for precise motor control using Hall effect, quadrature, or sensorless operation modes.

AC Induction Motor Control Module (MDL-ACIM)

The AC Induction Motor Control Module (MDL-ACIM) drives three-phase and single-phase AC induction motors up to 1 HP (750 W). AC input voltage can be either 230V or 115V. The module provides efficient AC Induction motor control with advanced variable speed control using a Stellaris LM3S818 microcontroller and a quadrature encoder/tachometer input for speed and position monitoring. Interrupt-driven embedded software provides a choice of sine or space vector modulation control algorithms. The design includes split low-side current sensing for accurate current sensing, and has both dynamic braking and active in-rush control circuits.

Stepper Motor Control Module (MDL-Stepper)

The Stepper Motor Control Module (MDL-Stepper) is a sophisticated motor control for driving NEMA17, NEMA23, and NEMA34 stepper motors rated at up to 80 V at 3 A. Key features include the feature-rich Stellaris LM3S617 microcontroller designed for motion control applications, a Fairchild Semiconductor power stage, and sophisticated software to optimally control a wide range of motors in diverse applications, including advanced chopper control of bipolar stepper motors. The motor control module supports high step rates up to 10,000 steps/sec, microstepping, and a programmable holding current. All power and signal wiring uses convenient screw terminals.

Having It All: Rapid Time-To-Market and Cost-Effective Volume Production with Open-Tooled Solutions

All three Stellaris Motion Control Modules support rapid time-to-market with cost-effective volume production price points. Luminary Micro supports very high volume applications by "open-tooling" each module: all the module design information is openly available, NRE- and royalty-free, for use and modification on any Stellaris-based design. Available module design information includes schematics, BOM, gerbers, software source code, and documentation. Luminary Micro also provides a Reference Design Kit version of each module that contains all components, cables, and a typical motor for out-of-the-box use in development environments.

The new drives from Baldor - the MotiFlex e100 range - can be used in both centralized control and distributed 'intelligent drive' scenarios for example, in both cases with substantial savings in the electrical power components typically required.

The initial launch of MotiFlex e100 provides drives rated for output powers up to 16 A, in five steps of 1.5, 3, 6, 10.5 and 16 A. A selection of higher power versions will follow in 2007.

Compatibility with the Ethernet Powerlink protocol introduces great flexibility into electrical system building. Each drive features an Ethernet hub enabling systems to be built using a simple daisy-chain connection scheme. The high-speed and deterministic Ethernet Powerlink network, operating at 100 Mbits/sec, cuts cabling substantially, and can greatly reduce the costs of building large multi-axis systems. For example, a single Baldor Ethernet Powerlink machine controller can manage systems up to 16 interpolated axes.

In terms of core performance as an AC drive, a Baldor development team has been working for over three years on MotiFlex. The resulting design incorporates a large range of features that serve to liberate high power machinery builders to make savings and improve machine performance.

Each MotiFlex drive can operate independently, or as part of a shared DC bus system. When operating in a shared DC bus system, power regenerated back into any drive during the deceleration phase of an axis may be utilised by the other axes, saving energy costs. As each drive has a local capacitor bank, an external braking resistor is often not required - because the total capacitance of the system may be sufficient to store the energy without reaching the over-voltage limit.

Unlike traditional shared DC bus systems, Motiflex drive systems do not require a separate power supply unit. Instead, the AC–DC converter stage in each drive is capable of supplying power not only to itself, but also to a drive or combination of drives of the same total rating. For many multi-axis applications, this will often mean that the highest-rated drive will be able to power the rest of the system. For many multi-axis systems, this approach almost invariably results in the need for fewer electrical components, and simpler system building, as only one set of contactors, fuses or MCBs, terminal blocks, and one EMC filter is needed for the whole system. Alternative approaches on the market today can require the same AC components for each drive, or the addition of separate power supplies and capacitor banks with fixed ratings that often mean they may be oversized for the application in question.

The drive's control electronics can draw power from the main AC-DC power supply, or from a 24 VDC linking system on the front panel. Using the 24 VDC supply ensures that the control and communications status are maintained if the system is used in an application subject to safety shut downs, where the mains supply is disconnected.

Configuration flexibility has been at the core of the design requirements. Each drive incorporates a universal encoder input (incremental encoder, EnDat, SSI, sincos, multi-turn and single-turn) and built-in I/O (three digital inputs, two digital outputs, a +/-10V analog input, brake control output, plus CANopen and USB ports). A further two 'option card' slots provide an expansion capability that allows users to precisely configure the local attributes of the drive, and/or provide an upgrade path. The choice of expansion options includes analog and digital I/O, resolver feedback, encoder feedback, and fieldbus interfaces including Profibus, Modbus and Devicenet. The CANopen interface and the fieldbus expansion option provide great flexibility to employ the drive as a gateway for interfacing with other machine control systems such as PLCs.

A further unique expansion option for the drive is a plug-in machine controller compatible with Baldor's Mint motion language. This option allows a MotiFlex e100 to be used as a standalone 'intelligent drive', providing a distributed motion solution that can cut hardware costs dramatically. This low-cost Mint card is also Ethernet Powerlink compatible, and will control up to three further daisy-chained MotiFlex e100 drives, providing a low-cost automation solution for many common multi-axis requirements. If more axes are required, Baldor's panel-mounting NextMove e100 controller provides a solution.

One additional feature of the drive's configuration flexibility stems from tools provided with the drive, in Baldor's configuration software, Mint Workbench. Options include configuration wizards, auto-tuning software, and anti-resonance filters that may be used for both rotary and linear servo and vector motors.

The Mint language has been developed over nearly 20 years and today offers a high-productivity development environment for automation applications. Its use of high-level English like commands simplifies program writing and comprehension. These commands include probably the richest motion control programming facilities available worldwide, with 'keywords' that effectively provide templates or 'canned' software functions for common motion/movement related functions. The incredible range of Mint's motion control functions compared with 'open' industry software - greatly simplifies complex machine design projects. The software also comes with its own license-free multi-tasking operating system, and free Active X components for easy connectivity with PCs.

The new drives complete Baldor's range of Ethernet Powerlink products for motion control. Developers can now choose from a portfolio that includes single-phase and three-phase drives, a panel-mounting machine controller suitable for large multi-axis systems and machinery, and a low-cost plug-in board for 'intelligent drive' and simpler applications, plus both linear and rotary servo motors. Many more compatible machine control system components and accessories are available from other Ethernet Powerlink suppliers, providing an advanced and highly economic platform for machine design. More information: http://www.baldormotion.com/epl/

Curtis AC Induction motor speed controllers represent the next level in drive systems for material handling and industrial vehicles, offering lower maintenance, higher performance and greater flexibility. The new Curtis AC controller family delivers an exceptional level of sophistication and adaptability for vehicle designers and end-users. Curtis AC controllers come in compact, fully sealed housings with advanced thermal management. These controllers combine the renowned power and smoothness of Curtis speed controllers with a Programmable Logic Controller to provide rugged strength and unequalled flexibility. From this powerful fusion came the next evolution in motor speed controllers - VCL.

Smooth, precise control sets Curtis apart from other controllers. Accelerating or decelerating, downhill or uphill, half-throttle or full-throttle, Curtis controllers enhance vehicle response with a difference you can feel. Our controllers reflect years of experience working with design engineers of major OEMs worldwide. We listened to the rigorous requirements of your customers, and tailored our controller technology for their special applications. That's why our motor control software ensures the best throttle response and efficient motor drive. Our hardware designs provide environmental ruggedness and cool, reliable operation.... And our patented power electronic circuits are recognized as the industry's best.

The 703BDC is a continuation of Dart Control's line of compact brushless DC motor speed controls, offering OEM customers greater customization at economical costs. The new 703BDC is a closed-loop microprocessor based control with added features like adjustable accel/decel, and current limit, plus a "wig-wag" feature allowing bi-directional control with a speed pot.

The 703BDC is offered with a standard euro-style screw terminal connector, or optional pluggable connector and also utilizes the latest surface mount manufacturing technologies to produce a cleaner, more space-efficient design.

Dart Controls, Inc. is a ISO9001 registered designer, manufacturer, and marketer of analog, and digital electronic variable speed drives, controls, and accessories for AC, DC, and DC brushless motor applications.

Bodine Electric Company is pleased to announce the expansion of its line of Pacesetter™ AC motor speed controls. These versatile new controls will complement the largest selection of fractional horsepower (FHP) variable-speed AC gearmotors and motors in the industry. The new models are competitively priced and packed with user-friendly features. Available for sale in April/May 2008.

The new Model 2994 offers NEMA-4X / IP-65 protection, and the high performance to be expected from a digital AC speed control. This control from Bodine operates from single-phase, 115 or 208-230 VAC line voltage. It is designed to power 230 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz, inverter-duty, 3-phase gearmotors and motors; ranging from 1/8 HP to 1 HP (746 Watts). The control can provide over 200% starting torque. The 4-Digit LED Display provides easy readout of drive operating parameters and programming functions. It displays Output Frequency, Motor RPM, Output Current, Output Voltage, Bus Voltage, and Fault Codes. Housed in a rugged die-cast aluminum enclosure, the control is UL and CE certified. The control is ideal for use with conveyors, feeders, blowers or pumps – harsh environments welcome!

For applications that don't require a feature packed digital drive, Bodine is also introducing a new NEMA-1 / IP-40, basic AC speed control for its popular line of PACESETTER variable-speed, three-phase gearmotors and motors. The new Model 2998 also operates from 1-phase, 115 or 208-230 VAC line voltage. It is designed to power a wide range of 230 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz, inverter-duty, 3-phase gearmotors and motors; rated 1/8 HP to 1 HP (746 Watts).

The control is simple to operate and requires no programming. Motor horsepower, AC line input voltage, and output frequency are jumper selectable. Advanced protection features include motor overload with RMS current limit, electronic inrush current limit, short-circuit protection. The control is UL and CE certified with built in RFI (EMI) filter as a standard feature.

Typical applications are conveyor systems, packaging equipment, blowers and pumps, automated gates, and many other industrial and commercial applications.

For more information, visit us at www.bodine-electric.com