June 2008

2008 Motor, Drive & Automation Systems Conference – Call for Presentations

This sixth annual, two-day technical conference will take place March 3-4 in Orlando, Fla. and serve an audience of decision makers from around the world  who are interested in learning the latest advancements and capabilities in electric motor, drive, power & automation systems technology. Don’t miss the once- a-year opportunity to share your technology solutions with hundreds of potential business partners.

We are looking for various types of presentations as they relate to the following categories:
 
• MOTOR & DRIVE SYSTEMS
• POWER ELECTRONICS & EFFICIENCY - NEW!
• MECHATRONICS - NEW!
• PRECISION MOTION CONTROL
• AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY & APPS

The deadline for submitting abstracts is July 31, 2008.
Speaking slots are limited and early submissions are strongly encouraged.
 
 For more information about Motors 2009 visit www.e-driveonline.com or contact jeremym@infowebcom.com.   

Precise Automation Awarded Patent for Traction Drive Robot

Precise Automation, a provider of automation product development, has been awarded US Patent 7,343,684 for its new traction drive. This zero backlash drive, currently used in Precise Automation's three- and four-axis PrecisePlace Cartesian robots, provides linear motor repeatability and smoothness at a fraction of the cost.

This traction drive system enables every PrecisePlace robot to operate much more quietly than ball screw axes and with much greater repeatability than belt drives, but at a comparable cost. Combined with the company’s motion controllers and machine vision software, PrecisePlace robots provide low cost, smooth, quiet motion; require no external controller cabinets; and are easy to set-up.
 
Brian Carlisle, president of Precise Automation, said, "This Traction Drive patent is one example of the innovative technologies Precise Automation has developed to provide high-performance, cost-effective automation for small part material handing and assembly"
     
For more information visit www.preciseautomation.com.  

1. A SQUIGGLE motor design that is a planar instead of a tubular form. This shorter and flatter motor design was created to fit into lower-profile assemblies where height must be minimized.

 2. An optical module design that integrates lens assemblies inside hollow threaded shafts in the thin SQUIGGLE motor. The optical and motor centerlines are co-incident and the lens assemblies move axially to create a short and compact focus and zoom optical system. Designs for both rotating and non-rotating optics are described.

US patent # 7,339,306 was issued by the US Patent and Trademark Office on March 4, 2008 to inventor David Henderson. It is a continuation-in-part of Henderson's fundamental SQUIGGLE motor patent #6,940,209 issued September 2005.

"This latest patent covers unique embodiments of SQUIGGLE motor technology that enable innovative form factors for micro digital cameras," said David Henderson, New Scale's founder and co-CEO. "It delivers significant advantages over voice coil motors currently used in these systems, and further demonstrates our team's capability to deliver customized motion module solutions."
 
For more information visit www.newscaletech.com  

ABB Ensures Universal Connectivity to Virtually Any Automation Architecture

Via ABB fieldbus adapters, drives users are free to choose, and integrate, their power devices to virtually any automation architecture. The company’s new RETA-02 PROFINET IO and Modbus/TCP adapter enables fast and simple connectivity of ABB drives to a PROFINET IO or Modbus/TCP network.

“Our technology platform is designed for total flexibility,” said Greg Semrow, product manager, ABB Low Voltage Drives. “With ABB, your PLC does not dictate the rest of your automation equipment. Instead, a wide array of fieldbus adapters makes it easy to integrate ABB drives and power devices to the architecture you have – or choose!”

The RETA-02 Ethernet Adapter module, like other fieldbus modules the company offers, is an optional device mounted under the cover of ABB drives; the RETA-02 PROFINET IO and Modbus/TCP Adapter modules, makes it possible to:

-- Send control commands to the drive (Start, Stop, Run enable, etc.);
-- Send motor speed or torque reference to the drive;
-- Send a process actual value or a process reference to the PID controller of the drive;
-- Read status information and actual values from the drive;
-- Change drive parameter values; and
-- Reset a drive fault.

The fieldbus adapter snaps into a drive in seconds, and can be ordered installed on new drives, or the module can be retrofitted to ABB’s existing drives, according to Semrow. Key features for easy connectivity of the adapter between drives and your automation architecture include the following:

- Compatible devices: Ethernet standard IEEE 802.3 and 802.3u devices
- Medium: 10base-TX or 100base-TX
- Termination: Internal
- Wiring: CAT 5 UTP, CAT 5 FTP* or CAT 5 STP* (*Recommended)
- Connector: RJ-45
- Maximum segment length: 100 m
- Topology: Bus, star
- Serial communication type: Half and full Duplex
- Transfer rate: 10/100 Mbps
- Carrier protocol: TCP/IP
- Application protocols: Modbus/TCP & PROFINET IO

The RETA-02 module is currently available for ABB’s line of ACS drives for industrial markets and application, as well as for the HVAC/commercial market..

For more information visit www.abb.us/drives

IR Introduces Rugged Family of Single-Phase High-Voltage ICs for Sinusoidal and Trapezoidal  
Motor Control

International Rectifier, IR, a global provider of power management technology, has introduced the IRS260xD family of single-phase high-voltage ICs (HVICs) for motor drive applications including air conditioners, fans, pumps, micro, mini and general purpose inverter drives.

The IRS260xD family of high speed power MOSFET and IGBT drivers offers optional dependent or independent high- and low-side referenced output channels with a gate drive supply range from 10 V to 20 V. The output drivers feature a high-pulse current buffer stage designed for minimum driver cross-conduction while the floating channel can be used to drive N-channel power MOSFETs or IGBTs in the high-side configuration operating up to 600 V. The devices provide matched propagation delay for both channels and an advanced input filter to improve noise immunity in addition to negative voltage spike (Vs) immunity to protect the system against catastrophic events during high-current switching and short circuit conditions.

“The IRS260xD family of single-phase gate drivers with integrated bootstrap functionality provides a flexible solution to suit a wide variety of PWM schemes, including trapezoidal modulation. With a comprehensive set of protection features including negative Vs immunity, the new devices enable compact, rugged motor control designs,” said Henning Hauenstein, vice president of product marketing for IR’s Automotive, Appliance and Industrial Motion products.

The IRS2607D high- and low-side driver features outputs in phase with inputs and is suitable for both trapezoidal and sinusoidal motor control.

The IRS2608D and IRS2609D half-bridge drivers feature internal 540 ns dead-time. The IRS2608D provides high-side output in phase with HIN input and low-side output out of phase with LIN input and is also suitable for both trapezoidal and sinusoidal motor control. The IRS2609D features high-side output in phase with IN input, and a shut down input to turn off both channels.

The new ICs utilize IR’s advanced high-voltage IC process which incorporates next-generation high-voltage level-shifting and termination technology to deliver superior electrical over-stress protection and higher field reliability. The IRS260xD features under-voltage lock-out protection, integrated deadtime protection, shoot-through protection, a shutdown input and is compatible with 3.3V input logic.

For more information visit www.irf.com

ANT-LX Miniature, Direct Drive, Linear Translation Stage

Aerotech’s Nanotranslation Crossed-Roller (ANT-LX) stages incorporate direct-drive technology to offer the robust, accurate, and high-speed positioning necessary for mass production of precision devices. ANT-LX performance includes 2 nm linear resolution, ±0.3 µm accuracy, ±0.05 µm repeatability, 5 g acceleration, 500 mm/s velocity, a maximum load up to 8 kg, and a standardized, universal base-mounting pattern that allows the use of this flexible stage family in a wide range of configurations.

ANT-LX stages utilize Aerotech’s direct-drive technology to achieve high levels of positioning performance. The company’s direct-drive technology is non-cogging, noncontact, high-speed, high-resolution and high-accuracy, and the use of crossed-roller bearing elements allows high precision, small incremental moves to be accomplished reliably and repeatably. This compact linear stage is 90 mm wide by 33 mm high by 102 mm long for the 25 mm travel version and 144 mm long for the 50 mm travel version. Its small footprint offers distinct advantages in fiber optics, photonics, MEMS, scanning and any applications that require smooth, precision motion in limited space.

The universal mounting and tabletop patterns allow for easy integration of two, three or more axes. Both 25 mm and 50 mm travel versions can be integrated without the need for interface plates, preserving low profile system designs. The ANT-LX may be combined with other ANT series stages (vertical lift, rotary, goniometer) to create a complete multi-axis motion platform.

For more information visit www.aerotech.com 

Linear Drive with 800 lbs Thrust -- Reverses Direction Automatically without Reversing Drive Motor

Amacoil/Uhing has introduced the model RG80 linear drive which supplies up to 800 lbs. of side thrust for heavy load linear motion applications. The drive features "rolling ring" linear motion engineering enabling mechanical control over reversal thereby eliminating the need for electronic controls and a reversible motor. Additionally, linear pitch (speed) may be manually adjusted without gear reduction or adjusting drive motor speed.

With travel direction and linear speed independent of the drive motor, OEM design engineers will find the RG80 drive simplifies machine design. Operator training and maintenance are also facilitated. The RG80 drive provides linear motion in packaging and converting equipment and in other production machinery requiring a reciprocating linear motion component. Applications include spraying, slitting, scanning, winding and the like.
The RG80 drive is a friction drive which must run on a case hardened and ground shaft. The angle of the specially contoured rolling ring bearings relative to the drive shaft determines the drive's speed and travel direction. At the end of a stroke the drive contacts an end stop which pivots the rolling ring bearings to reverse travel direction. The drive motor continues to rotate in one direction and no gear changes or other control adjustments are required. Amacoil offers the RG80 drive separately or in an assembly complete with shaft, pillow block end supports, bearings and adjustable end stops. Assemblies are custom built to meet customer requirements. 

For more information visit www.amacoil.com    

DC Output Modules with Fault Protection

AutomationDirect’s line of DirectLOGIC option modules includes new fault-protected output modules designed for the DL205 PLCs. The F2-16TDxP 16-channel current output modules, available in sinking and sourcing configurations, feature 16 input points which are automatically assigned as fault status indicators for the corresponding outputs. Equipped with electronic short circuit protection, the modules detect missing external 24VDC, open load, overtemperature, and overcurrent load. The protected output modules also feature user-resettable fault conditions. The modules are priced at $119, are in stock and available for same-day shipping.

For more information visit www.automationdirect.com/dl205

Powerex NX-Series IGBTs Provide 10 Times the Operational Life versus Competing Devices

NX-series, a new family of IGBTs from Powerex, features high power cycling capability and more than a ten-fold improvement in thermal cycle life in comparison to competing devices. Performance is achieved using high thermal conductivity Aluminum Nitride (AlN) ceramic to provide improved heat transfer from the power chips to the heat sink which results in significantly lower chip temperature (Tj).High elastic Sn-Ag-Cu solder and a proprietary technique ensure uniform solder thickness which results in less wire bond thermal fatigue failures.

The NX-series features a new package design that uses a building block concept.  Multiple configuration options in one footprint, improved manufacturability, reduced development time and lower costs have all been achieved with the NX package.

A common base plate and frame are used with different screw terminal configurations and pin terminals to create single, dual, seven-pack and converter-inverter-brake circuit configurations ranging from 75 to 600 A at 600 V and 35 to 600 A at 1200 V with an NTC thermistor output in a 17mm thin package.  Pin terminals connections can be soldered or used with off-the-shelf sockets.

The NX-series devices are manufactured using exclusive fifth generation Carrier Stored Trench Gate Bipolar Transistor (CSTBT) technology. CSTBT devices have reduced switching and conduction losses compared to conventional IGBTs. NX-series devices are also RoHS compatible.

NX-Series IGBTs are well suited for low frequency, general purpose motor drives. Dual and single types are also applicable to power quality and alternate energy applications.

For more information visit www.pwrx.com

Compact Permanent Magnet Motor and Drive Package Meet Highest Efficiency Levels

WEG Electric Motors Corp., a global supplier of motors, drives, controls, transformers and generators, now offers a family of WMagnet permanent magnet synchronous motors and specially developed CWF-09 variable speed drive frequency inverters. These new motors and drives with efficiency levels better than NEMA Premium (or EFF1 in Europe) deliver high energy savings for a range of applications, including elevators, conveyors, pumps, ventilation and compressors.

“With outputs from 20 to 200 HP (15 kW to 150 kW), the cost competitive WMagnet motor/drives offer efficiencies of around 95 percent to 97 percent, low noise and vibration from a motor up to nearly 50 percent smaller, and they are 36 percent lighter than the equivalent induction motor,” said Gerardo Elias, marketing manager at WEG.

WMagnet motors use rare earth permanent magnets in the rotor to limit temperature rise during operation, leading to high reliability and long working life. Cool running also lowers maintenance costs by prolonging the bearing lubrication interval. The WEG-developed WISE insulation system also provides extended life and reliability through enhanced specifications of all insulation materials.

The compact size of the WMagnet motors (between one and two frame sizes smaller than the equivalent power/torque ratio standard squirrel cage induction motor) derives from the low temperature rise feature, and the fan cooling system is therefore reduced in size.
“Significant noise reduction to under 73dB(A), -3dB(A) better than standard induction motors, means the WMagnet is ideal in applications within buildings or other sensitive areas,” Elias said, “and a forced ventilation kit is not required even for heavy loads.”
For precision control and optimum energy efficiency with the WMagnet motor, the specially-configured CFW-09 drive uses WEG’s unique vector control technology algorithm. This enables control without the use of an encoder / position sensor and, by reducing the number of components, helps improve reliability. As a synchronous motor, the WMagnet cannot be started directly from the power supply because accurate synchronization of the supply waveforms with the rotor position is continuously required.

For more information visit www.wegpermanentmagnetmotors.com

B&R Unveils X20 Stepper Control

Stepper motors have a long and varied history in motion control and are therefore very widespread in the machine manufacturing industry. Despite the apparent benefits of migrating to servo motors for some applications, stepper motors still hold an advantage in many technological areas. B&R therefore decided to introduce the X20 stepper motor controller, its IP20-rated stepper controller for the X20 controller and I/O system, in addition to its X67 modules for power control which are IP67-rated. B&R now offers two X20 stepper motor connections with different output power levels. The compact X20 modules were designed for bipolar 2-phase stepper motors, 1 A (24 V) or for 3 A (18-48 V) rated current.

The X20 stepper motor connections can resolve each full step into up to 256 microsteps. The module always carries out the maximum number of microsteps possible at a particular step frequency. On the one hand this greatly increases the positioning precision, and on the other it makes operation much smoother. Additional measures for reducing resonance are no longer necessary. Holding, boost and continuous current can all be set separately. This allows the coil currents to be individually adjusted for each motor. The motor is only supplied with as much current as it really requires.

Additional features include automatic motor detection when booting and stall detection, which identifies overload situations or any unwanted blocking of the motor. In addition to the outputs for the motor, the module also has four digital inputs. These can also be used as standard inputs, e.g. for limit switches. The integrated counter functions make it possible to connect an AB or ABR encoder as an external feedback signal.

All settings for the module are software-based and are quick and easy to adjust, even during runtime. B&R Automation Studio is an efficient tool that simplifies the commissioning process. Stepper motors can be operated in single-axis mode, with an axis group, or connected to other axes. The B&R soft CNC can handle up to 100 axes per interface.

For more information visit www.br-automation.com

MCG MA34000 Series Brushless DC Motors with Integral Drive

MCG brand MA34000 series brushless DC motors feature an integral drive to simplify installation and promote smooth, quiet and efficient operation over a wide speed range. The elimination of external motor cabling minimizes required space for the package and reduces cable-related potential for electrical noise.

These NEMA 34 motors can power equipment in a wide range of applications in the medical/biotech, semiconductor processing, packaging and automation industries, among others. They are well suited for non-traditional servo applications where one direction is required and speed (velocity) control is not crucial.

The integral single quadrant drive for 3-phase electronic commutation allows for an overall compact design; internally pre-wired drive and feedback connections contribute to lower EMI and reduced audible noise; internal Hall sensors provide closed loop velocity control; and integral electronics can be tailored for specific operating parameters.
Brushless technology imparts long service life without the maintenance and wear issues typically associated with brush-commutated products.

Standard motors in this series are available in three different lengths with rated power from 168 watts (0.22 Hp) at speeds up to 1750 RPM and rated power from 746 watts (1.0 Hp) at speeds up to 3450 RPM.  All motors and drives are factory-matched and tested for high reliability as completely self-contained units.Custom solutions can be developed and options are available to satisfy specific application needs.

For more information visit www.ametektechnicalproducts.com

BKL-DOUBLEFLEX for Higher Misalignment Applications
Highly Flexible Servo Coupling

Tolerance stack-up in machined interfaces between motor frames, gearboxes, and their driven shafts will normally result in slight misalignment in the lateral and angular directions. While most motor mounting brackets allow for sufficient alignment to work with standard bellows couplings, occasionally a given machine layout will require high performance couplings to accommodate more than a few thousandths of an inch of shaft offset. For this purpose R+W has recently released a special series of double flex bellows couplings for higher misalignment.

The BKL-DOUBLEFLEX allows for a multiplication of lateral misalignment tolerance by taking advantage of the greater flexibility in the angular direction of each bellows. Compared to its single-flex counterparts, the BKL-DOUBLEFLEX allows for up to 5 times more lateral misalignment depending on the size. Compared to other types of dual-flexture couplings, this new series possesses a very high level of torsional stiffness with zero backlash, and a low moment of inertia, making it ideal for servo drives in packaging equipment and special machinery.

The BKL-DOUBLEFLEX series is currently available in torque ratings from 15 – 500 Nm (132– 4425 in-lbs.) and can accept English or metric shafts from 8 – 62 mm (5/16" – 2-5/16" in.). Special miniature versions are also available for troublesome encoder coupling installations.

For more information or a datasheet, contact R+W America at (888)479-8728 or info@rw-america.com.

For more information visit  www.rw-america.com

Baldor Electric Company

From our home office in Fort Smith, Arkansas, we support the sales offices/warehouses that stock Baldor products
worldwide, selling to distributors and original equipment manufacturers in more than 70 countries.

Baldor products are available from 50 sales offices/warehouses in North America and 26 offices serving international markets. These products are produced at 26 plants in the US, Canada, England, Mexico and China.

At Baldor Electric Company, our mission is to be the best (as determined by our customers) marketers, designers and manufacturers of industrial electric motors, power transmission products, drives and generators.

For more information visit www.baldor.com

2009 Motor, Drive & Automation Systems Conference
March 3-4, 2009
Hilton Disney / Orlando, Florida
http://www.e-driveonline.com/Conf-09/motors_conf09_index.php

Contact Jeremy Martin regarding speaking opportunities.
jeremym@infowebcom.com

Ecosystems Summit 2008 • Denver, Colo. • June 25-26

The rules are changing in IT alliances and partnerships. Today, more than ever, software, IT and technology companies need to know how to build their ecosystems of strategic alliances and partners, and how best to profit from these relationships.

At Ecosystems Summit 2008, Charles Weaver, President, Managed Services Alliance, will discuss the business drivers behind the growth in companies outsourcing key business processes such as network security, data protection, network administration and more, and what this growing acceptance of the service provider model means for future business opportunities. He'll also offer specific advice on how MSPs and vendors should work more closely together to benefit end-users.

Join alliance & partner program managers, C-level executives, channel managers, VARs, market development and product managers at Ecosystems Summit 2008, June 25-26 in Denver, to learn from the best at developing, managing and profiting from strategic alliances.

Click here to register: http://www.softwarebusinessonline.com/ses_conf08_reg.php.

WELCOME TO NMB Technologies Corporation

NMB - The world leader in high volume manufacturing of innovative components (Stepping Motors, Keyboards, Axial Fans, Speakers, and Ball Bearings) is currently seeking a Program Manager to work in our Illinois Office or Ohio to East Coast remote office location for the right candidate.
For more than 50 years, NMB has demonstrated its value to OEM customers worldwide. When OEMs rely on us for motors, keyboards, fans, speakers or other products, they receive what we believe are the highest-value components available. Because of our vertically integrated operation, enormous capacity, and highly automated facilities, NMB is able to produce high-quality components at industry-leading prices.
We offer a great working environment, competitive salary and excellent benefits including 401k, and company pension plan.

PROGRAM MANAGER/APPLICATION ENGINEER
Primary Job Duties:

• Lead motor qualification and program launch process
• Provide technical support of US customers and sales force
• Lead development of new products for US market
• Report technical trends, changes and new development possibilities  within target markets
• Coordinate and communicate technical issues with division engineering, factories, customers and sales staff
• Hands-on problem solving and application development with customers
• Develop value add solutions for customers utilizing NMB components and outside sourced components
• Travel required 50%

Experience Required:

• BA/BS,  Electrical or Mechanical Engineering Preferred 
• Minimum 5 years experience in the motor and/or motion control industry
• Application engineer, motion control design, or medical product development/design experience
• Background in electrical engineering with driver and software knowledge a plus
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks a plus
• Strong communications skills, verbal and written communications
• Bilingual English/Japanese a plus but not required

SPECIAL NOTE: Remote Office may be available to the right candidate in the East Coast.
To apply send your resume to Lucia Martinez, Human Resources Manager at lmartinez@nmbtc.com or fax to 818-773-0523.  To learn more about our company you can view the website at www.nmbtc.com.  

SEMICON West 2008
July 15-17
San Francisco, Calif.

SEMICON West2008–Infinite Innovations, Infinite Ideas SEMICON West is the place to see the companies, technologies, and people driving the future of micro design and manufacturing. No other event this year has more new products, more new technologies, and more solutions than SEMICON West.
From the latest developments in cutting-edge materials, to the systems and technologies driving semiconductor designs to the limits of Moore's Law, you'll find everything and everyone in the industry at SEMICON West.

Registration is now open! Plan now to participate and get ready to discover the infinite opportunities shaping the design and manufacture of semiconductors, MEMS, photovoltaics, flexible electronics, and more!

For more information, visit www.semiconwest.org.

IMTS 2008
September 8-13, 2008
Chicago, Illinois

You’re Invited: IMTS Will Help You Become Greener
Attend IMTS, the largest manufacturing show in North America.  There are two ways attendance at IMTS can help you make your operation greener. First, by helping you reduce manufacturing costs, thus leaving your company greener and more prosperous. And second, by helping you become more efficient—savings in materials, tool consumption, reducing waste and scrap. IMTS 2008 features more than 1200 exhibitors offering some 15,000 products. You’ll see faster, more precise machines; cutting tools designed to process virtually any material; finishing technologies; automation systems; sophisticated quality instruments and manufacturing software. You’ll see how to reduce cycle times and increase productivity. Sign up now and save. Go to www.imts.com.

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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