Posted to News on 24th Sep 2014, 14:49
ESCON Module 50/4 EC-S servo motor controller
As addition to the ESCON servo controller family, Maxon Motor is presenting a miniaturised OEM plug-in module for sensorless BLDC applications. The compact, powerful 4-quadrant PWM servo motor controller offers efficient control of permanent magnet-activated sensorless BLDC motors (brushless DC motors, so-called EC motors) without Hall sensors up to approximately 200W. As part of the ESCON family it stands for high usability, exceptional performance, and unprecedented power density in servo motor controller technology. Sensorless operation offers the best conditions for a high reliability at low system costs.
This OEM plug-in module features excellent control properties. The drift-free yet dynamic speed behaviour enables speeds up to 120,000 rpm and provides extensive functionality with free configurable digital and analogue inputs/outputs. It matches Maxon's motor range to suit even high-demand applications and dynamic drive systems, and can be operated in speed controller (closed loop) and speed controller (open loop). All these features create conditions suitable for use in cost-sensitive applications as well as elevated reliability requirements. The decisive factor is the low system complexity due to sensorless operation. Thereby, it fully integrates into complex applications with little effort, allowing customers to fully focus on their main task: the development of their own device. For the motor control part they can make use of Maxon Motor's vast drive know-how already built into the ESCON Module. A detailed Motherboard Design Guide is available for integration to OEM PCBs and a suitable motherboard makes initial commissioning an easy task.
The compact servo controller is controlled by an analogue set value. It can be specified by means of analogue voltage, by external or internal potentiometer, by defined value, or by means of a PWM signal with variable duty cycle. Other interesting features are the ability to enable or disable the power stage depending on the direction of rotation as well as sensorless acceleration and deceleration by employment of defined speed ramps.
Top performance should not be a matter of "practice makes perfect'. Therefore, the servo controller has been designed specifically with easy startup and user-friendliness in mind without requiring in-depth knowledge of drive technology.
When connected to a PC via a USB port, it can easily and efficiently be parameterised with the graphical user interface "ESCON Studio'. A variety of functions and user-friendly wizards as well as a well-designed automated fine-tuning controller procedure assist during commissioning, for configuration of inputs and outputs, and diagnostics.
The ESCON Module 50/4 EC-S features protective circuitry against overcurrent, excess temperature, undervoltage and overvoltage, voltage transients and short-circuits in the motor cable. It also is equipped with protected digital inputs and outputs and adjustable current limitation to protect motor and load. Motor current and actual motor shaft speed can be monitored by means of analogue output voltage.
Low system complexity
A large input voltage and operating temperature ranges allow flexible use in almost all drives. Low system complexity of sensorless operation opens fields of application demanding high reliability, such as medical devices for ventilation and respiration therapy, surgery power tools, or in the dental industry. In addition, the Hall sensor-free design reduces wiring and system costs even more without abstaining from full-grown, dynamic 4-quadrant operation. Operational areas would be fans and blowers, scanners, pumps, drills and milling cutters, or grinding and cutting drives. With its efficiency of 97 per cent, the ESCON Module 50/4 EC-S is a good choice for mobile, highly efficient yet consumption-optimised applications.
For further details about the ESCON Module 50/4 EC-S please go to www.maxonmotor.co.uk.
