DC drive configuration made simple

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 8, 2001

Sprint Electric introduces a Microsoft Windows-based graphical configuration and diagnostic software package to aid DC drive commissioning.

Sprint Electric introduces a Microsoft Windows-based graphical configuration and diagnostic software package to make the programming, installation and commissioning of its recently launched range of PL and PLX digital DC drives even simpler.

The new PL Pilot software is easy to use and requires no previous specialist knowledge of programming languages.

By making extensive use of block diagrams, graphics, drop down menus and help screens, it enables a drive to be programmed in minutes.

The PC running the PL Pilot software, which operates under any version of Windows from 95 onwards, is easily connected to the drive via the PC's standard serial port.

PL Pilot works in two modes - "On-line" and "Off-line".

In Off-line mode, without the drive connected, the operator can create and save a "recipe" of parameters and block connections for downloading later.

This makes the cloning of multiple drives requiring the same settings quick and easy - perfect for OEMs and commissioning engineers.

Recipes can be also copied and pasted complete or in sections, speeding the programming of drives for similar applications.

There are three levels of recipe creation available to suit all requirements.

The top level is "Total recipe", used to manipulate the entire range of parameters.

The next level, "Bar sub-menus" is to manipulate each main sub-set of parameters, while the lowest level, "Block pages", is for the manipulation of parameters of individual blocks within the drive.

The software features a unique "configuration checker" that automatically scans for faults and conflicts in the programmed connection of software blocks.

These conflicts are highlighted to make it easy for the operator to trace and correct them.

In On-line mode, with the drive connected and running, PL Pilot can be used to set, monitor and adjust drive parameters.

In this mode it also serves as a powerful real-time diagnostic tool that enables the operator to troubleshoot the drive system and modify parameters and settings accordingly.

The recently launched Sprint PL and PLX family of three phase digital drives has been designed to be easy to program, with a logical menu structure and English language descriptions as well as numerical codes for every parameter.

The PLX series also comes with a wide range of software function blocks such as high performance PID controllers, reel diameter calculator, taper tension calculator, multi-function signal processors, spindle orientation and many more.

The PLX, including these additional software functions, can be programmed either via its built in LCD display and pushbuttons or the PL Pilot configuration software.

The menus and parameter descriptions are identical in both environments and are mirrored in the easy-to-follow operator manual.

The software tool comes ready programmed with useful default values, which appear in blue in the set-up screens.

When the operator alters a default value it changes to black to clearly differentiate defaults from input values.

All the default values are saved in a read-only memory accessible via a drop-down menu and can be easily reinstated if necessary.

Once the settings have been saved in the drive's non-volatile memory they will be retained even if the power supply is disconnected.

The PL Pilot software can also be used as an on-line diagnostic tool when the drive is running.

Real time values including motor speed, current, voltage and torque can be displayed and adjusted on-line to optimise the drive settings.

PL Pilot is provided free on a CD-ROM with every new Sprint digital drive, and makes the setting up of what are already the most user- friendly DC drives on the market even simpler.