Small AC drives feature flexible programming

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 10, 2002

AC Technology has launched the SCM series of small AC drives, designed to cut production costs and increase machine compatibility for OEM designers across Europe.

AC Technology has launched the SCM series of small AC drives, designed to cut production costs and increase machine compatibility for OEM designers across Europe.

The SCM range is available with or without EMC filters, providing a cost effective machine protection system or an opportunity to avoid additional expense.

Offering three different methods of programming including the revolutionary EPM chip, the SCM series provides big drive functionality features in an easy-to-use compact unit.

AC Tech's SCM series drives are aimed at designers and specifiers in high-volume OEM industries and are supplied with or without an integrated CE approved EMC filter.

The choice provides for a cost effective protection device or an opportunity to reduce costs where provision for EMC line protection has already been made elsewhere in the system.

Suitable for general speed control applications from 0.25 to 4kW, the new SCM series offers a more flexible, accurate and economic alternative to reversing, soft start equipped or multispeed motors.

The drives provide for 110 or 240V single phase and 208-240 or 400-480V three phase input options, allowing OEMs to design machines that are compatible in both European and North American markets.

The SCM series features AC Tech's unique EPM system, which is especially useful to OEMs, drastically reducing drive set-up times and quickly solving incumbent maintenance or servicing issues.

Having programmed one drive using face mounted controls or a PC and AC Tech's powerful Tech Link software, the drive's unique EPM memory chip can be removed and the information copied to an AC Tech desktop EPM programming module, this module can then copy the information across to other chips in seconds.

Using this system, the installer does not have to carry out any drive commissioning or individual programming; programs are copied onto a new chip at the press of a button and the chip is then plugged directly into the front of drives already fitted to machines.

The drive is ready to run without mains connection and the production time required for commissioning is reduced from hours in some cases to just seconds.

SCM drives can be programmed with an OEM's own default settings as a contingency for problems that may arise in the field.

The EPM chip however, also allows specific programs or updates to be kept on file by the manufacturer and copied to a new chip which can then be transported quickly and cheaply to the end user who simply plugs the new chip in and achieves an 'instant fix' for any problems.

The manufacturer or distributor can therefore achieve customer satisfaction quickly, but also avoid the cost and time commitments of sending qualified personnel to deal with on-site servicing and maintenance commitments.

For user safety, drives have rugged case designs rated to IP20 and feature a frequency fold back feature, preventing tripping and tolerating current spikes of up to 180%.

An internal memory function allows for storage of the last 8 faults, providing simple service diagnostics.

SCM drives also offer adjustable DC injection braking and are available with optional dynamic breaking kits, which are easily mounted within control cabinets.

The complete range of AC Tech drives, professional advice, system design and installation services are available from a network of approved distributors situated throughout the UK and Ireland.

24h maintenance, replacement and repair service is also available to customers across Europe thanks to an agreement between AC Tech and TP Serviceco.