September 2007

2008 Motor, Drive & Automation Systems Conference Announces Preliminary Program

The 2008 Motor, Drive & Automation Systems Conference, which will take place February 14-15, at The Omni Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, is proud to announce an expanded program, featuring a brand new track on Automation technology and applications. The 2008 event will feature more than 40 technical presentations, including these just announced:

PANEL DISCUSSION
Medium Voltage Drive Technology: Overview, Challenges & Outlook
Moderated By Dr. George Holling, Rocky Mountain Technologies, Inc.
Panelists to Be Announced

PANEL DISCUSSION
Comparison and Selection of High-Resolution Servo Motor Feedback Protocols
Moderated By Dan Jones, President, Incremotion Assoicates, Inc.
Panelists to Be Announced  

Innovations in Single-Phase AC Controls
Dr. Howard Abramowitz, President, AirCare Automation, Inc. Minimization of Losses in Converter-Fed Induction Motors - Optimal Flux Solution

Minimization of Losses in Converter-Fed Induction Motors - Optimal Flux Solution
Hugo Gustavo Gomez Mello, Researcher, WEG Motors

Active Front End Technology on AC Drives
Craig Nelson, Product Manager, Siemens Energy & Automation

Permanent Magnet Machines for Direct Drive Applications
Roberto Lamberti, Technical Manager, Sicme Motori SpA
Gianmario Pellegrino, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Politecnico Di Torino

MCU Performance for Various Control Algorithms of BLDC Motors
Dr. Jani Yashvant, Director of Application Engineering, Renesas Technology America, Inc.

Integrating Motion Control with Programmable Automation Controllers
Paul Derstine, Motion Product Manager, GE Fanuc Automation

AND MANY MORE!  

Make plans now to attend, space is limited!

View the Preliminary Program - http://www.e-driveonline.com/motors_conf08_program.htm

Register Today and Save! - http://www.e-driveonline.com/motors_conf08_registration.php 

Electronic Concepts recently introduced a refreshed series of AC film capacitors to its line of capacitors. The company is placing a renewed emphasis on its 5MPA series of film capacitors, and thus is offering stock and revised market pricing. By means of material acquisition, product design efficiencies, production optimization, and a strong commitment to the line, Electronic Concepts, Inc. is refreshing product pricing and committing to a limited stocking arrangement with Elcon Sales, the company's distribution partner.

Electronic Concepts, Inc. will begin a program of stocking specific, high-demand capacitance and voltage values among its 5MPA capacitor products, which are available this summer. Additionally, customers should notice around a 50 percent price reduction, across the product line, in 25 to 50 piece quantities.

"With a renewed commitment in the 5MPA capacitor line, ECI expects to exhibit leadership in the fast-growing AC dry film market," said Bernard Lavene, President of the company.

The 5MPA series of AC film capacitors - a dry polypropylene metallized film-features a combination of physical and electrical properties that maximize performance, reliability, and space utilization.

The 5MPA series is suited for use in AC motor-drive applications in which high PWM and other feedback currents are present, along with high frequency.

The 5MPA series has been approved by Underwriters Laboratories, and includes other key advantages, such as AC ratings of 300, 530, and 900 VAC; capacitance of up to 100.0 µF; slotted tabs to "bridge-and-bolt" terminations; and components all wrapped with flame-retardant insulating sleeves and end-filled with a flame-retardant potting compound.

For more information visit www.ecicaps.com

PiezoMotor Awarded Global Electric Motor Technology Innovation of the Year

Frost & Sullivan has awarded the Global Electric Motor Technology Innovation of the Year to PiezoMotor AB, a micro-motor producer.

Frost & Sullivan’s motivation for presenting the award was that “PiezoMotor has been able to identify customers’ challenges in the micro-motor market and has taken initiative to improve the existing piezo motor” The motors produced by PiezoMotor achieve greater precision and strength to size ratio compared to today’s conventional electromagnetic motors. Moreover, PiezoMotor has developed patented technology, making its micro-motors more easily utilized in applications on the commercial market.

Frost & Sullivan credits companies that have shown exceptional results in a specific field or that have taken a leadingmarket position. The awards are handed out once every year, in 18 different categories. The selection criteria used by Frost & Sullivan add to the importance of the award; if Frost & Sullivan’s analysts should come to the conclusion that their preset criteria has not been met by any company in a given category, the award is not handed out.

Piezo motor has two standard motors. Piezo LEGS is a strong nano-precision motor, for example used in high-precision positioning devices and in sensitive medical technology. The exceptionally small PiezoWave is designed for mass volume applications such as handheld devices, mobile phone camera auto focus and household medical technology devices.

Having supplied motion solutions to several leading multinational companies, PiezoMotor signed important deals with the German companies PMDM (part of the Mincemeat group) and the Faulhaber Group (known as MicroMo in the US) earlier this year. These two co-operations give PiezoMotor the ability to mass-produce its products and enable the company to offer its technology to more consumer applications.

Ø12mm Miniature Stepper Motor from MicroMo

MicroMo Electronics, Inc. has expanded its miniature stepper motor product line with the addition of its series ADM1220S. The miniature stepper motor has an external motor-diameter of 12 mm and a length of 17.2 mm. The ADM1220S has a holding torque with current of 2.4 mNm and can achieve a high boost torque of 4.1 mNm. The ADM1220S offers 20 full steps per revolution in full step mode and is capable of 160 microsteps per revolution with a maximum error of +/- 0.2º at speeds ranging from 10 rpm to 6000 rpm. The miniature stepper motor is rugged, with a strong 1.mm diameter output shaft and large bearings. The ADM1220S has no axial endplay meaning that rotational audible noise is lessened.

The series ADM1220S can be combined with a gearhead and/or lead screw for a complete miniature stepper motor drive system or linear actuator. The planetary, spur, and zero-backlash gearheads are available in both 10 and 12 mm diameter with various reduction ratios allowing a continuous torque up to 300 mNm. Stable low-outgassing lubricants are a particularly attractive for optical, space, military, photonic, and telecommunication applications. Precision ball bearings for the motor are optional.

For more information visit www.micromo.com  

GE Fanuc Introduces VersaMotion AC Servo Motors and Amplifiers for Motion Control Applications

GE Fanuc Automation, a unit of GE Industrial, recently made available its new VersaMotion AC Servo Motors and Amplifiers, a family of cost effective motion controllers that can be combined with the company’s VersaMax Micro for low-end position control applications. The VersaMotion can also be used as a standalone single axis position controller for simple indexing or electronic gear follower applications.

The VersaMotion features power ratings from 100 W to 3 kW and a continuous torque range from 0.3 Nm to 19.1 Nm (2.7 to 169 in-lb). In addition, it provides motor speed ratings up to 5,000 RPM for most models. The range of torque and motor power ensures that users can get exactly what they need for their application, optimizing performance, size and cost.

“The freedom to configure the VersaMotion to many different system architectures gives users options when it comes to their application,” continued Derstine. “That means greater freedom to make the most out of your manufacturing line. Its ability to act as a standalone motion controller reduces the amount of hardware and integration services required allowing you to get your application running more quickly and with fewer chances for errors.”

For more information visit www.gefanuc.com

Plug Connectors Provide Continuous Power Distribution

Phoenix Contact’s DUPLICON Power Distribution System is a stackable plug connector system that meets protection category IP67 standards. Designed for energy distribution in large-scale machinery and systems, DUPLICON is the first product of its kind to offer uninterrupted communication from the mounting rail in the control cabinet across the decentralized power distributor to the device connections in the field.

The DUPLICON connector has six positions plus ground in 24 to 12 AWG for 600V/ 25A for power, 24V and ASi bus. DUPLICON inserts use universal screw-connection technology and are compatible with Phoenix Contact’s ST-COMBI plug connectors. Direct PCB connection on the device is available in 90° and 180° models, which eliminates the need for one switching level.

The removable cover makes it easy to conduct an inspection during operation. The square design allows for flexible cable connections in 90° increments. DUPLICON’s sturdy housing design in die-cast aluminum is resistant to salt water, vibration, UV exposure and extreme industrial conditions.

For more information visit www.phonenixcontact.com

Don’t Miss Phoenix Contact’s Presentation at the 2008 Motor, Drive & Automation Systems Conference

New Valve Position Sensors Can Replace Mechanical Limit Switches on Standard Pneumatic Actuators

Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced Series F31 Valve Position Sensors. These low profile inductive proximity sensors are 1.25 inches tall and mount directly to the top plate of any standard pneumatic actuator with just two screws for highly accurate position indication. They feature two electronic switching points integrated into one compact housing, and integral LEDs for quick visual status indication and diagnostics. Additionally, electronic switch contacts facilitate network communication and provide for direct control of a solenoid valve.

In contrast, mechanical limit switches always require adjustment during installation and are actuated by an adjustable cam that is prone to needing re-adjustment during its service life. F31 sensors will not fail over time due to metal fatigue. Additionally, these sensors do not require a bulky and costly metal enclosure to protect them from the environment and to keep unauthorized personnel from tampering with switch settings.

F31 valve position sensors may be used on clockwise or counter-clockwise rotating actuators, or mounted onto a manual valve with an optional mounting bracket. Accuracy and repeatability are unaffected by the speed or frequency of the actuator. They are available in 2 and 3-wire DC models, and 4-wire AC/DC models. AS-Interface, Namur, direct solenoid valve connections, and cabled or terminal connections, are also available.

For more information visit www.pepperl-fuchs.com

Don’t Miss Pepperl+Fuchs’ Presentation at the 2008 Motor, Drive & Automation Systems Conference

New Grounding System Protects Large Motors and Power Generators from Bearing Failure

Electro Static Technology’s new AEGIS iPRO Shaft Grounding Ring safely channels harmful shaft currents away from bearings to ground. Specially designed for high current applications, it is well suited for protecting generators, turbines and medium-voltage motors against electrical bearing damage.

The rugged, reliable and maintenance-free split-ring AEGIS iPRO prevents damage that could otherwise cause generator or motor failure, unplanned downtime, costly repairs and lost revenues. Available in a range of sizes to accommodate even the largest diameter motor shaft, the iPRO shaft grounding ring comes in mating halves to facilitate field retrofits on coupled equipment. With multiple rows of conductive microfibers completely surrounding the shaft — literally millions of discharge points for harmful shaft currents — it is suited for any high-current application, including medium-voltage motors over 1,000 HP controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs), power generators and OEM systems.

If not diverted, VFD-induced high-frequency shaft currents and circulating currents discharge through motor or generator bearings, or through coupled equipment, causing severe electrical damage. Bearing failure and catastrophic generator/turbine failure often result in as little as six months or less. Compatible with current-monitoring equipment, the AEGIS iPRO’s patented MicroFiber technology effectively diverts these currents away from the bearings by providing the least-resistant path to ground.

The AEGIS iPRO is engineered to safely divert up to 120 amps of continuous shaft current and works even if oil, dirt or grease contaminates the shaft. As part of a preventive maintenance program, it can be installed whenever bearings are replaced.

For more information visit www.est-static.com

System from B+R

There are a number of new approaches to safe field bus systems that are heavily influenced by proprietary standards and long response times. The ACOPOS drive system from B&R is different, as it’s based on POWERLINK Safety.

Enabling functions such as safe limited speed is done directly over the network. Wiring these safety-related signals to the drive is now a thing of the past. The information is collected from its source via safe digital inputs and outputs, then distributed to the corresponding sensors and actuators, in this case the drive, via the SafeLOGIC central processing unit.

POWERLINK provides a good communication connection between the SafeLOGIC and the non-safety grade controller.

Safety in the ACOPOS drive system comprises the following functions according to Cat. 3, EN 954-1:

- Uncontrolled and controlled stops

- Safe stop and safe operation halt

- Safe limited step measurement and safe limited absolute position

- Safe limited speed

- Safe rotational direction

This intelligent safety system, which is integrated in the drive, improves machine safety and ensures stabile and very economical operation of the system.

For more information visit www.br-automation.com

Don’t Miss B&R’s Presentation at the 2008 Motor, Drive & Automation Systems Conference

Safety in Motor Control
By John Pocs, Senior Systems Applications Engineer, Standard Solutions Strategic Business Unit, NEC Electronics America, Inc.

Safety is one of the most important aspects of motor control. During the operation of a drive, there are situations when a fast shutdown is critical to save the motor or the inverter from irrecoverable damage. Known causes of these situations include overloads, locked rotors and damaged mechanical or electrical parts, among others. Detecting these extreme conditions requires the monitoring of external signals such as motor current, DC bus voltage, motor speed, drive and motor temperature, as well as the monitoring of internal situations such as power supply voltage, software runaway and system clock operation. Ultimately, the goal is to shut down or bring the drive to a safe state as quickly as possible. When it comes to response time, hardware is still faster than software. With this in mind, designers must make sure they have the resources necessary to address these potentially disastrous situations.

When looking for a microcontroller, the more built-in protection you can find, the less you will have to spend on a new drive implementation. One can argue that most power modules these days have built-in safety features. Strictly speaking, that may be true, but those features may not be adequate in applications that use discrete power semiconductors and predrivers. In those cases, the controller should have basic features that allow it to tri-state the six pulse-width modulation (PWM) outputs to the power stage, and perhaps also have a watchdog timer. When choosing among microcontrollers, it is important to know what other built-in protection hardware is available. NEC Electronics America’s line of microcontrollers for motor control has a rich set of safety hardware especially designed for motor and drive safety applications.

NEC Electronics America’s lineup of V850E/Ix3 microcontrollers offers some of the most advanced safety features on the market, including the high-impedance PWM output control circuit shown in Figure 1. Motor current/voltage and DC bus voltage can be continuously monitored with built-in comparators. Two independent threshold levels can be referenced externally to detect both low-level and high-level extremes. The internal clock monitor ensures that the main clock is operating properly and triggers a shutdown if the monitor detects the loss of the main clock. External trigger pins are available for both the 6-channel PWM output and the additional single-channel PWM timer output that can be used for power factor correction. The shutdown also can be controlled by software. Besides these features, the microcontroller has other built-in peripherals to ensure safe operation, such as a power-on-clear reset circuit, low-voltage indicator, watchdog timer and internal voltage regulator.

For more information visit www.necel.com

September 2007
25-27
National Manufacturing Week, Rosemont, Ill.
Assembly Tech, Rosemont, Ill.
Quality Expo, Rosemont, Ill.

October 2007
15-17
Pack Expo West, Las Vegas, Nevada

Zero Downtime 2007
November 6-7, 2007
Scottsdale, Az.
Radisson Ft. McDowell Resort and Casino

Zero Downtime 2007 is a new spin on the popular Equipment Protection Conferences. This two-day conference focused on the latest advancements in protecting electronic equipment for data centers, communication and control networks, 24X7 industrial and facility systems, infrastructure and emergency service operations and other mission-critical electronic systems.

For more information about speaking please contact Nick Depperschmidt at nickd@infowebcom.com

For more information about exhibiting or sponsorships please contact Suzanne Harrold at suzanneh@infowebcom.com

* Now co-located with Remote Monitoring and Networking 2007 and Onsite Power 2007!

For Advertising information, contact Sue Hannebrink at
sueh@infowebcom.com or 330-725-5812.

For Editorial submissions, contact Jeremy Martin at
jeremym@infowebcom.com or 800-803-9488 x118.

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