Easy to program digital DC drive saves space too

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 15, 2000

Sprint Electric introduces the new PLX range, designed to be the most powerful, flexible and easy to program digital DC drive on the market, with a compact design to save panel space

Sprint Electric introduces a major new development in drives technology.

The new PLX range is designed to offer the most powerful, flexible and easy to program digital DC drives on the market, with a compact design to save panel space.

Both 2 and 4 quadrant options are available, covering the power ranges 5 to 50 kW and 65 to 145 kW.

This will be extended to 265 kW later in the year.

As the drives are designed and built in the UK, it is no surprise that they have a friendly, easy to use menu structure using English language parameter names.

There is also an extensive range of application software functions to enable the most difficult tasks to be completed easily and efficiently, making costly external hardware a thing of the past.

There is a large 40 character backlit LCD display and the programming menu is designed for rapid travel to the desired parameter by using the four ergonomically designed keys.

The extensive multi-function programmable I/O are short circuit proof and five feedback transducer options are standard, making on-site commissioning quicker and safer.

There is a non-volatile trip alarm memory even after power down and a built-in 'oscilloscope' output for full parameter monitoring during commissioning.

There are built-in system application blocks with descriptive connection points and the unique 'configuration checker' detects shorting of user programmed block diagram outputs.

The serial communications facility allows off line programming and remote diagnostics and most two-quadrant models have a unique regenerative stopping facility for rapid, energy efficient braking.

There is in-depth fault monitoring and a comprehensive alarm system, available from an on-board display and built in meter.

The field is fully controllable with five operating modes and there is a full suite of encoder functions a standard.

This is a major benefit to users, as most motor types and methods of operation will work without the need for extra boards or other equipment that competitive products often require.

Protection levels are extensive with instantaneous overcurrent, field failure, motor over temperature, mains phase loss, armature overvoltage, overspeed, thyristor trigger failure and digital output short circuit plus many others, as standard.

The easy to use product manual has clear display graphics and block diagrams, showing default conditions.

It also features a quick start section and has extensive cross-referencing to make reading less of a chore.

The new Sprint PLX range represents a major investment for this dynamic British company and is sure to set the standard for the myriad of applications where DC drives provide significant advantages over their more boisterous AC cousins.