Electrical switching & drive systems & components


New generation of drives from Beckhoff: compact servo drive AX5000

Fourth Quarter 2006 Electrical switching & drive systems & components

The AX5000 Servo Drive product line from Beckhoff sets new standards in drive performance. The AX5000 series is available in single- or multichannel form and is optimised for exceptional functionality and cost-effectiveness. 2-channel servo drives with variable motor output allocation optimise the packaging density and the costs per drive channel. The drives utilise EtherCAT as a high-performance communication system and providing an ideal interface with PC-based control technology.

The AX5000 Servo Drive series complements the Beckhoff drive range with a new generation of drives. Featuring integrated, high-speed control technology with a current control cycle of up to 31,25 μs supports fast and highly dynamic positioning tasks. The drives are designed for 1- or 2-channel servo drives:

* AX51xx.

* 1-channel servo drive.

* Rated motor current: 1 A, 3 A, 6 A, 12 A (18 A, 25 A, 50 A, 75 A in preparation).

* Wide voltage range of 100 to 480 V a.c. ±10%

* AX52xx.

* 2-channel servo drive.

* Rated motor current: 2 x 1 A, 2 x 3 A, 2 x 6 A.

* Flexible allocation of the total device current to both axes.

The 2-channel servo drives with variable motor output allocation enable operation of two motors with identical or even with different capacity on a single servo drive. An asynchronous motor with a rated current of 1 A and linear motor with a rated current of 9 A can be operated with a 2 x 6 A servo drive, for example. The total current is relevant for the device utilisation.

Optimised for multi-axis applications

The AX5000 Servo Drive system enables simple and fast connection of several drives to form a multi-axis system. The pluggable supply and connection module 'AX-Bridge' combines power supply, DC link, and 24 V d.c. control and braking voltage. It enables a fast installation and commissioning.

The AX5000 offers flexible and universal connection options. The module supports almost any feedback system and motor type including synchronous, linear or asynchronous motors.

Each AX5000 Servo Drive features eight additional on-board, programmable, digital I/Os for functions such as enable, output stage lock or axis limit switch. Due to the short response time of 11 μs they can also be used as capture inputs.

The EtherCAT drive with outstanding performance

The AX5000 was developed specifically for use with the EtherCAT realtime Ethernet system. The outstanding features of EtherCAT are particularly beneficial for drive technology. They include short cycle time, synchronicity and simultaneity. A cycle time of 125 μs enables set values and actual values to be exchanged cyclically with more than 100 drives.

The AX5000 Servo Drives are fully integrated into the TwinCAT automation software. The combination of TwinCAT and AX5000 offers a high-performance motion control solution for NC and CNC applications.

TwinSAFE: Integrated safety

The system can be expanded with optional cards to meet different safety requirements. The optional AX5800 card offers personal protection against inadvertent restart of the drive axis. The optional AX5805 card enables connection of an independent, safety-relevant drive axis via digital I/Os or of a drive axis that is fully integrated into TwinSAFE, according to safety category 3. TwinSAFE enables integrated automation, ranging from digital inputs and logic systems to drives or digital outputs.

Variable cooling concept

The specially developed heatsink enables fanless operation of the AX5000 through natural convection up to 2 x 3 A rated current. Devices with higher output feature integrated, temperature-controlled ventilation. The rear of the AX5000 is designed as a cold plate and enables straightforward installation on common cooling systems.

The AX5000 can be connected to a wide range of voltage systems worldwide without additional components. The wide voltage range covers the range 1 x 100 V a.c. to 3 x 480 V a.c. This significantly reduces the inventory management effort for the machine manufacturer and minimises the risk of damage through incorrect mains connection. The device features integrated filters for the power supply and the 24 V auxiliary supply for operation directly from the mains.

For more information contact Beckhoff Automation, +27 (0) 11 792 3374.





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