The ARIES drive platform utilises Ethernet PowerLink technology to increase system performance while decreasing overall system costs and installation time. Engineers system design and machine installation times are greatly reduced through the use of inexpensive and readily available Ethernet cabling for the interface between the servo drive and the motion controller. This useful configuration removes the need for traditional and expensive to produce ±10V analogue control and feedback cables. The elimination of such cables, which are often the source of problems during the commissioning process, has the added benefit of increasing the reliability and noise immunity of the whole control system.

The drive operates in interpolated position mode, receiving co-ordinated position set-point commands over the Ethernet PowerLink network from a master motion controller. When using with the new ACR9030/9040 family of motion controllers, the ARIES drives offer the added benefits of auto-tuning, drive set-up and full real-time diagnostics, all via the Ethernet PowerLink network using the ACR-View front-end software.

Available with continuous power ratings of 400W, 750W and 1.3kW these drives operate direct online from a 120-240VAC single-phase supply and also feature a logic keep-alive facility. Both rotary and linear brushless servo motor technologies are supported, as are both standard quadrature- and EnDat-encoder feedback systems.

Ethernet PowerLink is a high-speed digital motion-bus network which enables the easy interconnection of PLC’s, motion controllers, drives and I/O products from a variety of automation vendors. By utilising standard, well proven industrial Ethernet network hardware the Ethernet PowerLink combines a mix of polling and time-slicing mechanisms to provide a real-time, deterministic communications channel via a reliable, low cost and easy to install hardware platform.

Importantly for designers, the Ethernet PowerLink is an open standard, free from patent and intellectual property ownership issues, unlike other proprietary motion-bus solutions. Parker Hannifin is just one of a number of manufacturers who are members of the ‘Ethernet PowerLink Standardisation Group’. This multi-vendor support for the Ethernet PowerLink standard ensures that a wide range of automation products are available for integration into Ethernet PowerLink-based automation systems.

For more details of this exciting product development contact Stirling Morley on 01376 333333 or email stirling@micromech.co.uk

‘A force in Motion’