Product category:
Stepper and Servo Drives, Motors, Controls
News Release from: Aerotech | Subject: BL amplifiers
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 09 January 2004
Linear amplifiers ensure stability and
accuracy
Aerotech's new linear servo amplifier range provides a stand-alone analogue interface or intelligent networked drive solution for any brushed or brushless three-phase servomotor.
Aerotech's new linear servo amplifier range provides a stand-alone analogue interface or intelligent networked drive solution for any brushed or brushless three-phase servomotor The amplifiers operate transistors in the linear range, so the nonreliance on pulsewidth modulation (PWM) means the electrical noise is significantly lower - a vital characteristic where interference with other controls in the system could pose problems
Providing up to three-phase commutated output, the direct online 115-230V AC stand-alone linear servo amplifiers are especially suitable for users demanding stability and high accuracies without any of the inefficiencies caused by dead bands found in equivalent PWM systems.
Using +/-10V or FireWire based command inputs they can commutate up to three brushed motors, providing either velocity- or current-loop - control via separate analogue outputs.
Users will benefit from a host of features; one of the most advantageous being the amplifier's "out of the box" set up.
This is especially apparent when matched, in a system, with other Aerotech hardware such as controllers and amplifiers.
When supplied in this form, the company will also provide all drawings, cables, parameter files for the controllers and significant documentation.
Connection to Aerotech's A3200 motion platform reveals every diagnostic detail the user could need.
The whole package is backed up with comprehensive local support as well as training which can be performed on site or at a dedicated training facility.
Primary markets suggested by Aerotech include semiconductor manufacturing, flat-panel manufacturing and inspection machines; in applications ranging from air-bearing stages, co-ordinate measurement machines, x-y stages, scanning equipment and medical device fabrication.
They are suitable for applications that demand high performance, high bandwidth and smooth velocity in combination with low electrical noise.
The BL amplifier is a complete modular package.
It includes an internal heatsink, which operates in combination with temperature compensation, as well as control and bus power supplies.
It operates at +/-40V DC (10 or 20A peak) or +/-80V DC (10A peak) and features a self-commutation mode, using analogue or digital Hall effect feedback signals.
It also includes a 5V DC 250mA supply to power encoders and Hall-effect devices.
The power stage is also completely isolated from the control stage - reducing electrical noise yet further.
The amplifier is protected against control power supply under voltage, excess RMS current limit, power stage bias, supply undervoltage, overtemperature, overcurrent and excessive power transistor dissipation.
Operating modes include current command, velocity command, or dual-phase command (for brushless operation only).
For brushed operation, operating modes available include current command and velocity command.
Differential inputs are used for better noise immunity.
Velocity feedback is from either an encoder or tachometer, and logic inputs include directional current limits and shutdown.
Fault, current, and velocity outputs simplify monitoring drive status.
The NL amplifier uses the same base amplifier but can be connected to the A3200 digital motion platform via FireWire.
The networkable NL model converts the digital signal to analogue using a very high resolution D/A convertor.
And, through the use of a discrete sampled system (updated at 20kHz), there are fewer "quantisation" errors - digital anomalies that arise when curves are converted into best-fit steps. Request a free brochure from Aerotech ...
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