Exclusive: Servo drive adds asynchronous control

Model 940 PositionServo drive with asynchronous control from AC Technology is a simple, yet robust motion controller that can operate ac servo motors and ac induction motors.

By Control Engineering Staff July 31, 2006

Model 940 PositionServo drive from AC Technology, a member of the Lenze Group, offers a full range of functions, from basic torque control to full programmability.

Model 940 PositionServo drive with asynchronous control from AC Technology is a simple, yet robust motion controller that can operate ac servo motors and ac induction motors. Latest addition to this line reportedly lets users continue to use asynchronous (induction) motors while driving them with a full-featured servo-drive. Device uses a Basic-like motion-programming language to provide high-performance indexing and positioning, but can also run in traditional velocity or torque modes.

Model 940 includes an Ethernet connection to provide ease of use, high-speed connectivity, and low cost. It also is available with other open communication protocols, such as CANopen, RS-232, and RS-485/Modbus. MotionView software for configuration and programming is included free with the drive.

Motion control features include 64-bit indexing (incremental, absolute, registered, or segmented), linear or S-curve acceleration/deceleration, and a real-time oscilloscope. Drive has torque, velocity, and step-and-direction control and is UL, cUL, and CE approved. It also includes an electronic programmable module (EPM), a specially designed, removable memory chip that allows servo control parameters and motion control programs to be transferred from one drive to another in seconds, without power applied.

Recommended applications include torque, velocity, and direction control. PositionServo is also suited for a ratio-following application such as when the axis must follow an encoder signal or for high-performance distributed control, and where a motion controller and drive are needed in one package. www.actech.com

AC Technology, a member of the Lenze Group