Stand Alone AC Motor Drives
Reviewed by: Jon Lowy, consulting engineer
Description
Stand Alone AC Motor Drives are devices that control the speed, torque, and direction of AC motors. They function independently without requiring integration into a larger system, providing precise control over motor operations.
Working Principle
Stand Alone AC Motor Drives work by converting the fixed frequency and voltage of the AC power supply into variable frequency and voltage. This is achieved through power electronics components such as inverters and rectifiers. By adjusting the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor, the drive can control the motor's speed and torque. This capability makes them useful for applications requiring precise motor control, enhancing efficiency and performance.
Applications
Stand Alone AC Motor Drives are used in a variety of specific applications. For example, they are employed in HVAC systems to control the speed of fans and pumps, optimizing energy use. In industrial automation, they are used to regulate conveyor belts, ensuring consistent speed and reducing mechanical stress. They are also found in machine tools, where precise speed control is crucial for operations like drilling and milling.
Advantages over other AC Motor Drives
Stand Alone AC Motor Drives offer several advantages over other types of AC motor drives. For instance, they provide better energy efficiency by adjusting motor speed to match the load requirements, reducing energy consumption. They also offer improved process control and flexibility, as they can be easily reprogrammed for different tasks. Additionally, they tend to have a smaller footprint and are easier to install and maintain compared to integrated systems.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, Stand Alone AC Motor Drives have some limitations. They may not be suitable for applications requiring extremely high precision or very high power levels. Additionally, they can be more expensive upfront compared to simpler motor control methods. There can also be issues with electromagnetic interference (EMI), which may require additional filtering.
Considerations
When selecting a Stand Alone AC Motor Drive, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can be higher than other motor control methods, but this can be offset by energy savings over time. Operating expenses are generally lower due to improved energy efficiency. Durability is typically high, but the specific environment and application can affect lifespan. Accuracy in speed and torque control is a significant advantage, but it may require periodic calibration. Replacement and maintenance costs are generally low, but it's essential to consider the availability of spare parts and technical support.
from PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
ACS driver module for the operation of different motor and encoder types, can be configured for a variety of applications. 4 axes, 5 A continuous current per axis possible. 4 motor brakes via PWM brake driver, reduced heat generation of the motor brake. Motion profiles are generated by an external... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Rack
- Motor / System: AC Servo
- Axes: 4.0
- Frequency: 50 Hz; 60 Hz
from Yaskawa America, Inc. - Motion Division
10W to 55kW, 1.6 kHz Bandwidth. The Sigma-5 servo amplifier delivers the highest performance in the industry due its unmatched frequency response, reduced settling times and more precise control. In addition it provides a faster set up, simpler tuning, and vibration suppression. With a wide range of... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount; DIN Rail
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Multi-Axis; Speed Controller; Amplifier
- Motor / System: Linear
from Yaskawa America, Inc. - Drives Division
350 - 1800 HP. The G5HHP was a high horsepower AC drive. The drive was of modular design with separate rectifier and inverter sections installed in a common enclosure. The sections can be paralleled to increase capacity. The drive was available in constant torque and variable torque ratings. The... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Speed Controller; Variable Speed; Inverter
- Motor / System: Vector Feedback
from PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P.
Integrated Driver for up to 2 Axes, EtherCAT Master for Synchronizing up to 4 Axes. ACS motion controller with integrated ACS driver module. Upgradable to up to 4 axes with the G-910.RC01 driver module. Directly compatible with positioners from PI. For AC servo motors / brushless DC motors, brushed... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Motor / System: AC Servo
- Axes: 2.0 to 4.0
- Phase : Three Phase
from Yaskawa America, Inc. - Drives Division
1/2 - 500 HP. This innovative drive utilizes 3 level control to offer the best solution for challenging installations. Yaskawa is the only manufacturer to offer a low voltage drive with this architecture. 3 level technology minimizes drive induced problems associated with long motor cables and... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Speed Controller; Variable Speed; Inverter; High Frequency; Pulse Width Modulation Drive
- Motor / System: Induction; Synchronous; Pole Number Control; Sensorless Vector; Vector Feedback
from Yaskawa America, Inc. - Drives Division
3/4 - 1000 HP. The Yaskawa GA800 drive provides the ultimate combination of power, ease of use, flexibility, and performance. In addition to its exceptional torque production and precise control, you ’ll enjoy effortless setup with GA800 ’s high-resolution display and connection to your... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Motor / System: Induction; Synchronous
- Product: Speed Controller; Variable Speed
- AC Input: 600
from Yaskawa America, Inc. - Drives Division
1 - 500 HP HVAC-Specific AC Drive with Disconnect Switch. The Z1000 Configured package provides a Z1000 Drive in a NEMA 1 (uL Type 1), NEMA 12 (uL Type 12), or NEMA 3R (uL Type 3R) enclosure, with space for several commonly used options, such as reactors, fuses, circuit breakers, etc. The Z1000... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Power: 373
- AC Input: 208
- Continuous Current: 2.4
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Output power range from 50 A peak to 100 A peak at 320 VDC. No transformer required; direct connection to AC line. Capable of running brushless or single-phase DC brush motors. Velocity, torque, and dual-phase mode input command. Accepts both encoder or tachometer feedback for... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Amplifier; Variable Speed; Pulse Width Modulation Drive
- Motor / System: AC Servo
from Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric industrial automation and control products and solutions cover the breadth of the industrial, infrastructure and building sectors -- from programmable relays to motion controllers and interface modules, for applications from simple machines to complex process systems. [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; DIN Rail
- Power: 187 to 671531
from Danfoss A/S
Danfoss Drives provides low voltage VLT AC drives in a power range up to 5.3 MW. With a wide variety of built-in functionality, they improve energy efficiency, cut costs and optimize the productivity of your processes. Our dedicated drives bring optimized process control for specialized applications... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Frequency: 50 Hz; 60 Hz
- Motor / System: Synchronous
- Power: ? to 5.30E6
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
The NFX9000 adjustable frequency AC Drives are designed to provide adjustable speed control of 3-phase motors. These microprocessor-based drives have standard features that can be programmed to tailor the drive's performance to suit a wide variety of application requirements. The NFX9000... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- AC Input: 100 to 240
- Product: Speed Controller; Variable Speed; Inverter
- Phase : Single Phase; Three Phase
from Toshiba America, Inc.
The Motors & Drives division offers a full range of low and medium voltage motors and adjustable speed drives. These products, hallmarked for quality, performance, and durability, can be customized to meet the most demanding applications. TIC entered the North American adjustable speed drives... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
from Nidec Control Techniques
Our packaged drive offering provides a wide variety of enclosure, power and control option configurations to meet even the most demanding application requirements. Built with the quality and reliability you'd expect from an industry-leading global supplier, these UL508A-engineered solutions are... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Speed Controller
- Motor / System: Induction; Sensorless Vector; Vector Feedback; AC Servo
from Parker Hannifin / Automation / Electromechanical Division - Europe
Compact Digital Servo Drive. From 1.25Arms to 15Arms continuous current. 230 VAC, 1 and 3 phase operation. Internal braking resistor. Resolver and incremental encoder feedback. +-10V velocity and torque control, Step & direction input for position control, Current, torque and speed control. [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Motor / System: AC Servo
- Axes: 1.0
- AC Input: 230
from PERFORMANCE CONTROLS, INC.®
The ACD Series of four-quadrant AC motor servo drives utilizes a high performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP), high efficiency MOSFETS, and proprietary control techniques to perform smooth, reliable motor control functions with a high degree of flexibility. Parameters are available to optimize... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Motor / System: Induction; AC Servo
- Product: Speed Controller
- DC Input: 24 to 48
from Delta Electronics (Americas)
The VFD-C2000 series is a high-level field oriented control AC motor drive with a high-performance variable-frequency technology, FOC control. It features versatile driving controls, modular design, wide variety of applications, easy maintenance, low malfunction rate, self diagnosis and competitive... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount; DIN Rail
- Axes: 4.0
- Product: Variable Speed; Inverter; Pulse Width Modulation Drive
- Motor / System: Induction; Sensorless Vector; Vector Feedback
from GE Power Conversion
Energy saving variable speed motor control. GE ’s Power Conversion drives can substantially improve the quality and efficiency of your process or production. LV7000 drives are compact and user-friendly, and compared to constant-speed solutions they can save up to 50 percent in your energy... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Setup: Computer
- Power: 250 to 2.00E6
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Network drives through a high-speed serial interface to coordinate up to ten axes of motion. Coordinate motion using up to five independent tasks. Drive and control linear or rotary brushless, DC brush servo, and micro-stepping motors. Command various motion types including:... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Multi-Axis; Amplifier; Variable Speed; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
The 3G3MX2 Series micro AC drive is specially designed to drive machines. They have been developed to harmonize advance motor and machine control. With this advance design and algorithms, the 3G3MX2 AC drives provide smooth control down to zero speed, plus precession operation for fast cyclic... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- AC Input: 200 to 480
- Motor / System: Sensorless Vector; Linear
- DC Input: 0 to 10
from Nidec Control Techniques
Unidrive SP Free Standing drives are fully engineered and tested drive cabinets for AC input and AC motor output configurations. The entire enclosure is certified to comply with international standards such as CE and UL. Proven design and international approvals free your engineering resources to... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Speed Controller; Variable Speed; Regenerative
- Motor / System: Induction; Sensorless Vector; Vector Feedback
from Parker Hannifin / Automation / Electromechanical Division - Europe
Digital drive for brushless motors. [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Motor / System: AC Servo
- Axes: 1.0
- AC Input: 90 to 480
from Delta Electronics (Americas)
Delta's Sensorless Vector Control Drive CP2000 Series has extended the idea of energy saving and uses this principal as the basis of its design. The CP2000 is specifically designed for applications such as air blowers, pumps and HVAC drives with its intelligent PID control providing the greatest... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount; DIN Rail
- Axes: 8.0
- Product: Variable Speed; Inverter; Pulse Width Modulation Drive
- Motor / System: Induction; Sensorless Vector
from GE Power Conversion
LV8000 modular low voltage drive system. GE ’s Power Conversion drives can substantially improve the quality and efficiency of your process or production. LV8000 solution includes decades of experience in drives development. LV8000 is a low voltage converter designed for variable speed drives. [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- AC Input: 400 to 690
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Network drives through a high-speed serial interface to coordinate up to ten axes of motion. Coordinate motion using up to five independent tasks. Drive and control linear or rotary brushless, DC brush servo, and micro-stepping motors. Command various motion types including:... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Multi-Axis; Amplifier; Variable Speed; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
The Cutler-Hammer MVX9000 Series sensorless vector adjustable frequency AC Drives from Eaton's electrical business are designed to provide adjustable speed control of 3-phase motors. These microprocessor-based, sensorless vector drives have standard features that can be programmed to tailor the... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Motor / System: Sensorless Vector
- Product: Variable Speed
- AC Input: 100 to 600
from Nidec Control Techniques
Unidrive SP Free Standing drives are fully engineered and tested drive cabinets for AC input and AC motor output configurations. The entire enclosure is certified to comply with international standards such as CE and UL. Proven design and international approvals free your engineering resources to... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Speed Controller; Variable Speed; Regenerative
- Motor / System: Induction; Sensorless Vector; Vector Feedback
from Parker Hannifin / Automation / Electromechanical Division - Europe
Digital drive for brushless motors. [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Motor / System: AC Servo
- Axes: 1.0
- AC Input: 230
from Delta Electronics (Americas)
Delta's MS300 series is a standard compact vector control drive that inherits Delta ’s superior drive technology. It supports both IM and PM motor control for application flexibility and provides STO safety mechanism. Also built-in various essential functions, including PLC capacity for simple... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount; DIN Rail
- Axes: 4.0
- Product: Variable Speed; Inverter; Pulse Width Modulation Drive
- Motor / System: Induction; Sensorless Vector; Vector Feedback
from GE Power Conversion
The flexible, general purpose medium voltage low power drive. Enabling increased efficiency, accuracy and flexibility in your processes, GE offers an advanced air-cooled medium voltage drive for efficient motor control. Building on our extensive experience, the MV6 Series drive provides a flexible... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- AC Input: 6000 to 13800
- Motor / System: Sensorless Vector (optional feature); Vector Feedback (optional feature)
- Phase : Single Phase (optional feature); Three Phase (optional feature)
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Up to eight integrated drives in one stand-alone controller. Additional external drive axes can be added to provide up to ten axes of coordinated motion. Controller architecture capable of coordinating motion of up to five independent tasks. Capable of driving and controlling linear... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Axes: 1.0 to 8.0
- Product: Controller / Drive; Multi-Axis; Amplifier; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from Delta Electronics (Americas)
The VFD-EL series is multiple function new generation micro type AC drive. It has built in EMI filter, RFI switch, easy DC bus sharing for side-by-side installation, high precision current detection, overload protection, and a built In keypad. [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount; DIN Rail
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Variable Speed; Inverter; Pulse Width Modulation Drive
- AC Input: 115 to 480
from GE Power Conversion
The medium voltage medium power drive technology for efficient and flexible power control. GE ’s Power Conversion drives can substantially improve the quality and efficiency of your process or production. GE ’s MV7000 is a drive technology delivering efficient and flexible control of... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- AC Input: 3000 to 10000
- Motor / System: Induction (optional feature); Synchronous (optional feature); Sensorless Vector (optional feature); Vector Feedback (optional feature)
- Phase : Single Phase (optional feature); Three Phase (optional feature)
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Up to six integrated drives in one stand-alone controller. Additional external drive axes can be added to provide up to nine axes of coordinated motion. Controller architecture capable of coordinating motion of up to five independent tasks. Capable of driving and controlling linear... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Axes: 6.0 to 9.0
- Product: Controller / Drive; Multi-Axis; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from GE Power Conversion
Large-scale expansion of a new electric age. GE ’s Power Conversion drives can substantially improve the quality and efficiency of your process or production. GE ’s SD 7000 is a medium voltage load commuted inverter that offers high efficiency and reliability. SD 7000 is high power drive... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Product: Inverter
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Network drives through a high-speed serial interface to coordinate up to ten axes of motion. Coordinate motion using up to five independent tasks. Drive and control linear or rotary brushless, DC brush servo, and micro-stepping motors. Command various motion types including:... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Multi-Axis; Amplifier; Variable Speed; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from GE Power Conversion
Precision and high reliability for electrical solutions. GE Power Conversion ´s ProCrane drive is particularly designed to work and perform reliably under often severe environmental conditions. We supply complete electrical systems including fully integrated automation solutions, as well as... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Communication: CANbus (optional feature); Ethernet (optional feature); PROFIBUS (optional feature)
- Setup: Computer
- Operating Temperature: -25 to 55
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Network drives through a high-speed serial interface to coordinate up to ten axes of motion. Coordinate motion using up to five independent tasks. Drive and control linear or rotary brushless, DC brush servo, and micro-stepping motors. Command various motion types including:... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Multi-Axis; Amplifier; Variable Speed; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from GE Power Conversion
Low voltage power enhanced for marine applications. GE ’s Power Conversion drives can substantially improve the quality and efficiency of your process or production. GE ’s ProMarine S-AFE & D-AFE range offers compact and class compliant power control for main propulsion and thruster... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Power: 1.00E6 to 4.00E6
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Network drives through a high-speed serial interface to coordinate up to ten axes of motion. Coordinate motion using up to five independent tasks. Drive and control linear or rotary brushless, DC brush servo, and micro-stepping motors. Command various motion types including:... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Multi-Axis; Amplifier; Variable Speed; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from GE Power Conversion
Designed to meet electric propulsion needs of the Navy. GE ’s Power Conversion drives can substantially improve the quality and efficiency of your process or production. GE ’s two-level Pulse Width Modulated Medium-Voltage Converter is a multi-megawatt power converter designed for... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Network drives through a high-speed serial interface to coordinate up to ten axes of motion. Coordinate motion using up to five independent tasks. Drive and control linear or rotary brushless, DC brush servo, and micro-stepping motors. Command various motion types including:... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Controller / Drive; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Networkable with any Ensemble drive to control up to ten axes of piezo and/or servomotor stages. Multi-axis Position Synchronized Output (PSO) for real-time triggering of events. High-precision 20-bit sensor resolution for capacitive sensor feedback. Thermally-stable feedback... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone
- Resolution: 20
- Product: Controller / Drive; Multi-Axis
- Axes: 10.0
from Aerotech, Inc.
Aerotech ’s XL4s network digital drive is a high-performance linear amplifier designed to drive single-phase motors and eliminate the non-linearities common with PWM amplifiers. The drive provides deterministic behavior, auto-identification, and easy software setup. The XL4s ’... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Phase : Single Phase
- DC Input: 40
- Frequency: 50 Hz; 60 Hz
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. 3U plug-in drives. 19 inch rack-mount design. Flexible design provides the ability to drive brush, brushless, or stepper motors with the same amplifier. 5 A to 30 A peak output current. PWM or linear amplifier. Integral power supplies. IEEE-1394 FireWire interface. Digital current,... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Rack
- Axes: 1.0 to 6.0
- Product: Controller / Drive; Multi-Axis; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. 3U, 19-inch rack-mount design with integral drives. Flexible design provides the ability to drive brush, brushless, or stepper motors with the same amplifier. 5 A continuous, 10 amp peak output current. PWM or linear amplifiers. Integral power supplies. IEEE-1394 FireWire interface. [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Rack
- Resolution: 12
- Product: Controller / Drive; Multi-Axis
- Axes: 4.0 to 8.0
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Single-axis digital servo controller with integral power supply and amplifier. Advanced software architecture shortens customer development time; use C#, VB.Net, C, and LabVIEW combined with our full IDE and multitasking operating system. Host-mode operation allows you to send... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Amplifier; Variable Speed; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Single axis digital servo controller with integral power supply and amplifier. Advanced software architecture shortens customer development time; use C#, VB.Net, C, and LabVIEW combined with our full IDE and multitasking operating system. Host-mode operation allows you to send... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Amplifier; Variable Speed; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Single-axis digital servo controller with integral power supply and amplifier. Advanced software architecture shortens customer development time; use C#, VB.Net, C, and LabVIEW combined with our full IDE and multitasking operating system. Host-mode operation allows you to send... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Amplifier; Variable Speed; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Single axis digital servo controller with integral power supply and amplifier. Advanced software architecture shortens customer development time; use C#, VB.Net, C, and LabVIEW combined with our full IDE and multitasking operating system. Host-mode operation allows you to send... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Amplifier; Variable Speed; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Single-axis digital servo controller with integral power supply and amplifier. Advanced software architecture shortens customer development time; use C#, VB.Net, C, and LabVIEW combined with our full IDE and multitasking operating system. Host-mode operation allows you to send... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Amplifier; Variable Speed; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear
from Aerotech, Inc.
Design Features. Single-axis digital servo controller with integral power supply and amplifier. Advanced software architecture shortens customer development time; use C#, VB.Net, C, and LabVIEW?? combined with our full IDE and multitasking operating system. Host-mode operation allows you to send... [See More]
- Configuration: Stand Alone; Panel Mount
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Controller / Drive; Pulse Width Modulation Drive; DSP
- Motor / System: AC Servo; Linear