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Servodrives target protective extra-low-voltage applications

26 February, 2019

Siemens is launching a new servodrive system for extra-low-voltage (ELV) safety applications, which comprises a PDC (Profidrive Control) servo converter used in conjunction with compatible motors and connecting cables. The Simatic Micro-Drive is designed for use with DC and EC (electronically commutated) motors from 24–48V and is suitable for applications such as precision positioning, AGVs (automatic guided vehicle systems), and shuttles used in storage and warehousing systems.

The four-quadrant drives come in four housing sizes for motor outputs from 0.05–1kW. They have disconnectible brake choppers, enabling regenerative braking during battery operation. An built-in SLT (Safely Limited Torque) function limits torque by monitoring motor currents.

There are two variants: the Simatic Micro-Drive F has the STO, SS1, SLT, SLS, and SSM safety functions built in; while the FIO variant offers the SBC function. Siemens’ TIA Portal can be used to activate the safety functions.

The system’s motion control functions can be supplemented by additional controllers such as Simatic and Simotion. Easy connection to Simatic controllers helps to reduce the engineering workload, while integration into Siemens automation technology via TIA Portal simplifies commissioning and servicing. Communication takes place via Profinet IRT using Profisafe und Profidrive profiles.

Siemens' safety-related servodrive system covers a wide range of protective extra-low-voltage applications

Operating data from the Micro-Drive can be sent to a controller and transferred to cloud platforms such as MindSphere over MindConnect.

Siemens has partnerships with companies including Dunkermotoren, ebm-pabst, Harting and KnorrTec to supply motors and connecting cables for the new servodrive.




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