Posted to News on 29th Jul 2008, 22:41
ELAU simplifies integration of Schneider products
ELAU, a Schneider Electric Group company, has simplified integration of its parent company's fieldbus-equipped automation components into ELAU's modular automation system. 'Easy Integration' uses IEC 61131-3-compliant function blocks to interface Schneider Electric components over a variety of networks both quickly and easily.
As an 'open automation solution' the ELAU system can be used with all common products that communicate via Profibus, Ethernet/IP, CAN-based networks and CANopen. With its new 'Easy Integration' capability, a growing number of Schneider Electric automation components are becoming even easier and faster to integrate into an ELAU packaging automation system.
Consistent with ELAU's goal of providing the fastest route from concept to running machine, the company is developing IEC-61131-3-compliant configurable Function Blocks, providing for bus connections by parameterisation instead of by programming. Users implement the Function Blocks in either the ELAU programming template or in the OEM's existing programming structure.
Already the Advantys STB, OTB, FTB and FTM families of I/O products have been integrated into the ELAU system, including distributed I/O couplers rated from IP20 to IP67.
Integration of Schneider Electric Altivar ATV 31 and ATV 71 variable-frequency drives is also becoming even simpler. Three-phase asynchronous motors from 0.18-2.2kW (ATV 31) and from 0.37-500kW (ATV 71) integrate nearly as seamlessly into the automation architecture as ELAU's own servo drives. The VFDs communicate with the ELAU automation controllers via CANopen or Profibus DP. The ATV 71 provides two interfaces, while the ATV 31 uses an Advantys I/O platform for Profibus communication.
Soon it will be possible to integrate the communications on TeSys U drive protection products via CANopen, Profibus DP or Advantys STB I/O modules via Function Blocks. The TeSys U is a multifunctional contactor/motor protection switch for currents up to 30A.
'Easy Integration' will also be extended to the ICLA motor/drive already supplied by ELAU. Available as a multiphase stepper motor or as a brushless DC motor, the compact drive combines the motor, control and communications electronics in one unit. It can be used as a variable-speed drive connected via CANopen or Profibus DP. The ICLA fulfils the increasing demand for fully automatic format changeovers in packaging machines.
ELAU's future vision is to integrate every aspect of packaging machine automation as plug-and-play software modules, thereby reducing engineering time even further.
