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Communication system connects to softstarters

An ABB Automation Tech (LV Products) product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 24, 2007

ABB's new PSR model softstarters can be ordered with a neutral fieldbus adapter, so that they are ready to communicate with DeviceNet, Profibus DP or Modbus RTU.

ABB's PSR softstarters now communicate easily with factory-wide networks and other equipment.

The key to cost-effective communication in this compact 3 to 45A OEM softstarter range is ABB's FieldBusPlug communication system.

The system offers a high level of flexibility of communication in/with all the most popular fieldbus protocols.

"Unlike competitors' units, which are protocol-specific, these PSR softstarters are 'communication protocol-neutral", notes Lorenz Eggenschwiler, who handles product marketing for the series.

"This means these units can be ordered with a neutral fieldbus adapter, so that they are ready to communicate with DeviceNet, Profibus DP or Modbus RTU".

"Then, to avoid the excess cost of built-in, universal-translator hardware, an accessory FieldBusPlug simply is plugged in - and the PSR instantly can communicate with these protocols".

This ability to adapt to all the leading fieldbus protocols makes the PSR series an extremely cost-effective solution for OEM equipment designers, whose equipment must be adaptable to a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.

"Our customers are asking for more monitoring and diagnostic capabilities on the smaller OEM controls and these features facilitate that market need", Eggenschwiler said.

The wider operating voltage range of the PSR softstarter family also provides a reduction in the cost of back-up inventory required to support multiple OEM applications for equipmen.

It also can reduce inventory needed for maintenance-critical, 100% uptime, and municipal- and process-control applications.

The PSR range includes three sizes, with widths from 45 to 54 mm.

The range covers rated currents from 3 to 45A, up to 600V AC, and is available for control voltages of 24V DC or 100-240 V AC.

All sizes include a "run" signal, while sizes from 25 to 45A add a signal relay for "TOR" or full voltage.

These can be attached to an automation control system to provide closed-loop control or operator indication.

The PSR softstarter has integrated by-pass, and a cooling fan can be attached to increase the starting capacity.

Standard starts without the fan are 10 per hour; with the fan, 20 starts per hour are possible.

The new softstarter family has a clearly marked front panel with knob adjustments for the three operational settings (no programming is required).

The connection terminals are clearly marked and an installation diagram is included to allow easy, fast, positive mounting and connection.

The enclosure can be either DIN rail or screw mounted.

A softstarter ensures the smooth starting and/or stopping of AC motors by reducing the effective voltage.

This facilitates reducing the in-rush current and the current required throughout acceleration to full speed or TOR.

Motor soft starting is popular with end users who want to improve equipment design reliability by eliminating the stress on drive train components typical with full-voltage starting methods.

Applications where drive train reliability is critical include pumps, fans, mixers and crushers.

Reduced voltage starting is important in conveyor applications where any initial start-up jolt would break fragile products or create a safety hazard; and in people mover applications like escalators, elevators and moving walkways.

The compact PSR Softstarter is an ideal design alternative for motor starting.

When selected over other approaches, it provides control feedback, consistent acceleration, and improved drive component reliability.

PSR Softstarters have been tested and approved for UL and CCC, include the CE logo and meet RoHS directives.