New all-digital 1kVA servo controller from Parker

Parker Hannifin's Electromechanical Division has launched an all-digital 1kVA servo controller that is set to significantly increase the use of this type of technology in low-power automation

Parker Hannifin's Electromechanical Division has launched an all-digital 1kVA servo controller that is set to significantly increase the use of this type of advanced technology in low-power automation applications.

The new Compax 1000SL combines a high-functionality position controller, digital drive and power supply in a single, extremely compact unit.

All communications between the controller and the servo motor are handled in the digital domain, conveying levels of control flexibility, response speed and positional accuracy that are unprecedented in the sub-1kVA servo market.

Compax 1000SL servo controllers are designed specifically for applications involving precise multi-axis synchronisation and a high degree of system integration - such as high-speed assembly machines - and are cost-effective electronic alternatives to precision mechanical positioners.

The Compax 1000SL is designed for direct-on-line operation from a single-phase 230VAC mains supply, which lowers equipment costs and simplifies system integration, especially when space is at a premium.

The drive amplifier has a peak output current of 5A and is suitable for applications involving continuous power levels up to 1kVA; it accommodates any standard 3-phase brushless servomotor using sinusoidal commutation with a suitable resolver.

Parker carries a comprehensive range of compatible high-performance servomotors, capable of producing holding torques up to 2.5Nm and speeds to 9000rpm, as well as a range of mechanical drive components to help users incorporate the servos in their applications.

A particular feature of the Compax 1000SL is that it employs a dual-processor architecture to maximise dynamic performance.

The host processor handles all I/O and low-speed communications, while an application-specific digital signal processor (DSP) performs all computationally-intensive tasks, such as current loop control and real-time evaluation of encoder and resolver data.

Unlike conventional servo systems, which physically and electrically separate the motion control variables from the actual machine or process, the DSP in the Compax 1000SL has access to all relevant data at all times, including motion profiles, external moments of inertia and instantaneous motor currents.

This fully-integrated approach provides exceptionally fast servo response times, facilitating very tight synchronisation of multi-axis systems and allowing easy implementation of leading-edge motion control functions such as on-the-fly switching between different cam profiles.

All parameters and runtime variables are processed in the digital domain using powerful control algorithms, making the results extremely accurate and reproducible, and imposing less of a burden on the machine or process controller - which can consequently be simpler and less expensive.

A further key benefit is that the controller and drive can be optimally configured via application-specific firmware options; these include cam control, electronic gearing, rotary table control and synchronous positioning.

The PC-based software supplied with the servo package includes an easy-to-use tool for handling cam profile data, as well as a full suite of motion control program management functions.

The servo package can be controlled directly from a computer, or operate semi-autonomously from an internally-stored motion control program.

The controller's built-in non-volatile memory can store up to 250 command lines, and the program employs an easy-to-understand BASIC-style language, with powerful comparison operators and sequence control functions.

Each command line is individually addressable, so that the program can contain a number of independently executable motion sequences.

Comprehensive communications facilities include RS232C and RS485 interfaces as standard, with CANopen, PROFIBUS DP/FMS and Interbus-S fieldbus interfaces available as options.

The controller also offers encoder, resolver and step/direction inputs, as well as 8 user-definable digital inputs and 8 user-definable digital outputs.

Compax 1000SL drive modules are fitted with an advanced power output stage that employs high-speed IGBTs to maximise switching efficiency and ensure fast response times, and are fully protected against overheating, short-circuits, earth faults and power supply failure.

The products meet the rigorous EMC immunity/emission requirements of EN 61800-3, and fully comply with the requirements of the VDE 0160 and EN 50178 safety standards.

The introduction of this latest low-power unit means that Parker's Compax high performance digital servo controllers now span a power range of 1kVA to 35kVA.

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