Integrated, intelligent motor-control (I²MC) update

Combining drive, controller, processing intelligence, feedback device, communication and more within a servo motor package represents an emerging class of motion control products.

By Control Engineering Staff June 24, 2004

Benefits of JVL Industri Elektronik’s integrated motor-control technology include space savings in control cabinets, reduced cabling between motor and controller, and simpler servicing of a combined unit.

Combining drive, controller, processing intelligence, feedback device, communication and more within a servo motor package represents an emerging class of motion control products. Although the emergence has been slower than initially expected, here’s an another step along the way for so-called integrated, intelligent motor-control (I JVL Industri Elektronik A/S has substantially raised the power output of its MAC Servo Motor line with models rated at 400 and 750 W (approx. 1 hp for the larger unit).

MAC motor consists of a complete servo system, including a high-dynamic ac servo motor, Hall-sensor, encoder, power supply, driver, and positioning controller and “facilities for incorporating various modules, such as Profibus, CAN, and Nano PLC,” says JVL. Yet the length of a MAC motor matches that of a standard servo motor of like rating, without integrated controls. For example, a 750-W MAC Servo Motor, rated for 2.4 Nm (21.3 lb-in.) torque has a length of 175 mm (6.79 in.).

Among numerous standard features of MAC motor are operation from a PC/PLC via RS-232/422/485; pulse/direction or quadrature inputs for electronic gearing; velocity and torque control (digitally or via

Expansion modules add further features to MAC motors, including:

Connection to 12-Mbit Profibus;

CANbus/CANopen module with 6 inputs/2 outputs for sensors and PLC;

Nano PLC, containing one controller that positions using 8 optically isolated inputs, which JVL claims can perform 80% of positioning applications;

High-speed serial (RS-485) interface, enabling multi-axis operation for robotics and advanced XYZ-axis operation. This module also interfaces directly to soft logic based on IEC 61131-3 standard; and

DeviceNet, Ethernet, USB, and other modules (which are under development).

MAC Servo Motors operate on 115 or 230 V ac supply. Encoder and microprocessor circuitry requires 24 V dc power for a properly functioning system.

Click here to learn more about MAC motors

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—Frank J. Bartos, executive editor, Control Engineering, fbartos@reedbusiness.com