Drives: Mitsubishi introduces compact variable frequency drive

Mitsubishi Electric Automation introduced its latest compact variable frequency drive (VFD), the E700. The new VFD will replace the company’s E500 model. According to a company spokesman, the E700 offers a host of new benefits for the user, while being simple for an existing E500 customer to move across to it.

By Control Engineering Staff September 27, 2007

Mitsubishi Electric Automation introduced its latest compact variable frequency drive (VFD), the E700. The new VFD will replace the company’s E500 model. According to a company spokesman, the E700 offers a host of new benefits for the user, while being simple for an existing E500 customer to move across to it.

The E500 and E700 have the same footprint, and mounting arrangements will be unchanged. All the terminal markings and parameter numbers that the two drives share will have the same numbering systems as before.

Among the E700’s innovations are:

Improved speed range . 200% motor torque is now possible at 0.5 Hz, giving a smooth open loop speed range of 120:1.

More interoperability . The E700 shares the full range of communications options with the bigger F700 and A700 drives, as well as Mitsubishi’s own RS-485 programming protocol, Modbus RTU (supported as standard).

Simple interface . A dedicated USB port allows direct set-up and diagnostics via a PC.

Remote operation . Drive I/O can be remotely operated over any supported network, regardless of what the drive is doing.

Easy mounting . In smaller panel spaces, the E700 can be “bookshelf’ mounted without a gap in between, and DIN Rail mounting is also possible.

Greater robustness .100kA fault-withstand rating simplifies panel construction.

Self-containment . The E700 has a built-in operating keypad and display yet still supports standard panel mounting keypads. The successful‘M’ Dial has been adopted to ensure this is the easiest drive in its class to set up.

RoHS compliance . Approved for installation on Europe-bound machines.

High accuracy . Analog and pulse train inputs/outputs provide pinpoint master / slave control.

Removable control terminals speeds drive installation or replacement.

Reduced maintenance . Intelligent fan control, fewer moving parts, more robust bus capacitors and custom-made intelligent power modules are all designed to have a 10-year operating life so users can fit the E700 and forget it.

The E700 is covered throughout North America by Mitsubishi Electric’s five-year limited warranty program.