EC: Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 527 ac drive

Motion Control - Drives, servo drives: The PowerFlex 527 drive is the first ac drive designed to work exclusively with a Logix-based PAC, and uses the same motion instructions as Kinetix servo drives to help simplify machine development and operation. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

October 15, 2015

The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 527 drive is the first ac drive designed to work exclusively with a Logix-based PAC. The drive leverages benefits of the controller capabilities and uses a single software package—Rockwell Software Studio 5000 Logix Designer—to help simplify machine development and operation.

The PowerFlex 527 drive is an ideal complement to machines using Allen-Bradley CompactLogix, ControlLogix or GuardLogix PACs and Allen-Bradley Kinetix servo drives. The PowerFlex 527 drive uses embedded motion instructions shared with Kinetix servo drives, providing the same user experience for configuration, programming and control of both types of drives, helping save valuable engineering time.

The PowerFlex 527 drive also offers a low-cost solution for machine applications—such as pumps, fans, and in-feed and out-feed conveyors—that need simple speed control for induction motors. The servo drive handles the more precise motor control operations involving speed, torque and position control.

Premier Integration allows users to seamlessly integrate PowerFlex drives into a Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, reducing the time and tools necessary to configure and program a system. The PowerFlex 527 drive introduces an added level of Premier Integration by using the defined, motion instruction sets within Studio 5000 software for machine control and motor synchronization.

Once programmed, drive configuration files can be more easily transferred to a new machine without painstaking, line-by-line copying. The PowerFlex 527 drive uses a standard EtherNet/IP infrastructure and features built-in, dual-port EtherNet/IP functionality. The infrastructure enables networked safety, which helps reduce hardware, wiring and labor costs associated with implementing a SIL 3/PLe safety solution.

The use of networked safety also reduces panel space and allows access to more diagnostic data on machine safety faults and causes, without requiring contactors or relays. The drive also offers an embedded, safe torque off function option for hardwired safety.

Rockwell Automation, www.rockwellautomation.com