Electrical switching & drive systems & components


Decentralised field device controller

2nd Quarter 2012 Electrical switching & drive systems & components

The Movifit FDC decentralised field controller from SEW-Eurodrive enables the construction of modular and flexible materials handling systems. Together with the Movigear mechatronic drive system and SEW’s Single Line Network Installation, energy saving, easy to install drive solutions can be implemented. Standardised function modules can be controlled via Profinet or Ethernet/IP and allow for easy diagnostics and maintenance, in addition to their short startup phase and quick reaction times.

Complex functions, easy use

Application solutions that can be user programmed and configured as required are one of the strengths of the Movifit FDC field device controller. It comes in a parameterisable variant with preconfigured application solutions for all types of materials handling technology or in an IEC 61131-programmable version for customer specific solutions. The application software runs on the controller, and data sets are saved there as well. Engineering access to the device is accomplished using USB or Industrial Ethernet. For system control, the controller has openings on top for all fieldbuses and has interfaces for the Ethernet protocols Profinet IO, Modbus TCP and Ethernet/IP. The individual axes are connected to the controller via a system bus on the input side.

Only one line needed

The Single Line Network Installation (SNI) technology from SEW has the significant advantage that instead of a 400 V supply system and communication bus, only one line is needed. This is used to daisychain all Movigear SNI drives. The communication for the SNI is modulated onto the power cable, which reduces time and effort needed for cabling and startup. This bus also provides good diagnostic options.

Dynamic applications

The CAN-based SBus system bus from SEW-Eurodrive can be used for especially dynamic applications. It combines the controller with the Movigear SBus mechatronic drives. This provides short reaction times and access to complex technology functions, for instance an electronic cam. Up to 10 participants can be connected to the SNI, and further ones via the SBus. In all, Movifit FDC can control a total of 16 drives.

Preconfigured application modules

Graphical parameterisation is made extremely easy with the help of preconfigured application modules that run on the controller. The three application modules – speed control, bus positioning and rapid/creep speed positioning – cover most of the processes that arise in intralogistics. The individual axes are selected and configured using the software. Only the DIP switches need to be set on the mechatronic drives. An SD card in the control saves all the drive data. If a Movigear is replaced in the course of servicing, the parameter set is automatically reloaded to the drive. Then a mechanic can proceed with replacing the device without any special programming knowledge.

The application configurator allows for easy and quick function diagnostics through a display with traffic light colours. Using the graphical diagnostics, the drive system can be tested and easily started up, even without a higher-level controller. This makes even complex functions easy to use.

The same application software can also be used for startup, PLC control and data storage for other SEW drive systems, for example a control cabinet installation with the Movitrac frequency inverter. Customers can also mix installation topologies regardless of their preferred topology. Movifit FDC is the flexible and economical controller solution for decentralised drive systems.

For more information contact Renee Rose, SEW-Eurodrive, +27 (0)11 248 7000, [email protected], www.sew.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Precise detection of complex rotational movements
Beckhoff Automation Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The EP3751-0260 EtherCAT Box module by Beckhoff connects an acceleration sensor with an inertial measurement unit - a gyroscope. This provides accurate detection of acceleration and rotational motion in addition to shock, vibration and tilt measurement, both as preprocessed values and as raw sensor data.

Read more...
Energy management system for electrohydrostatic actuation systems
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In the machine manufacturing industry, more drive systems are being converted from servo-hydraulic throttle to electrohydrostatic actuation systems. The four-quadrant capability of the electrohydrostatic pump unit and servo drive used in this technology, in combination with the new Moog energy management system, allows regenerative power flows generated during braking or pressure relief to be stored and reused.

Read more...
Drive solution for stacker reclaimer
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hägglunds Drives South Africa recently completed a retrofit project on the bucket wheel of a stacker reclaimer at Richards Bay Coal Terminal. The project entailed replacing a gearbox drive solution with a direct drive solution from Hägglunds Drives SA.

Read more...
Kamoa-Kakula power pack order for SEW-EURODRIVE
SEW-EURODRIVE Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With well over 100 units already delivered, SEW-EURODRIVE is set to continue supplying Ivanhoe Mines’ prestigious Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Read more...
Seven ways to reduce production downtime on the plant
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Production downtime is one of the biggest risks in the manufacturing industry. Follow these seven tips to reduce machine downtime in your production line.

Read more...
The time is now to implement a motor management strategy
Schneider Electric South Africa Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Motor management plays an all-important role in controlling motor energy costs in various industries, segments and applications. Research and practical experience have consistently shown that effective motor management practices can result in significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and improved overall system reliability.

Read more...
Rapid overhaul of compressor motors
ACTOM Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Marthinusen & Coutts Zambia was requested by a smelter based in the Copperbelt to provide an in-country repair solution for its two critical 4,5 MW compressor motors. The company was given only three weeks in which to overhaul and commission the motors.

Read more...
PC-based motion control on a labelling machine
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
For 50 years, Bausch+Ströbel in Germany has been developing packaging and production systems for the pharmaceutical industries. The company’s goal is to offer the best technical and economical solutions for the challenges of modern industry. Its new ESA1025 labelling machine shows how this is achieved with PC-based control from Beckhoff as the central motion controller.

Read more...
Thrust for hybrid electric flying
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Several leading academic institutes in Germany are collaborating on the future of hybrid electric flying. The partners are researching an entirely new propulsion system for medium-range aircraft with up to 35 passengers.

Read more...
Precise knowledge for precise applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech has been supplying standard product solutions such as motors, drives, controls and positioning tables since 1970. Customised motion subsystems include positioning systems on granite structures with undercarriage and vibration isolation, and also external measurement systems.

Read more...