Mitsubishi FR-A800 drives boost performance and reliability

Models of FR-A800 drive are available with output ranges from 400W to 1MW; these can be used with standard asynchronous motors and IPM/SPM motors, and the drives feature intelligent autotune functions that are claimed to work with any manufacturer's motors. A powerful built-in PLC based on the Mitsubishi L Series ensures that the drives give users wide scope for application-specific coding. This is fully password protected to safeguard valuable intellectual property. A powerful built-in positioning function further enhances application versatility. FR-A800 drives also come with sophisticated functions for applications such as dancer arms and cranes.

USB host and USB device functions aid user-friendly programming and parameterisation, as well as short-term and long-term data-logging capability (a maximum of eight of the 72 variables can be monitored and the data stored on a USB memory stick). The FR-A800 variable-frequency drives (VFDs) are also fully integrated into Mitsubishi Electric's iQ Works programming environment. The built-in operator panel and optional LCD display allow easy and intuitive operation. Three expansion slots extend the drives' range of applications.

Real sensorless and full vector control enable speed and torque accuracy, while an overload capability of 250 per cent during start-up ensures trouble-free operation, even for arduous applications; in total there are four overload options. Terminal scan times of less than 3ms guarantee a fast response. At the same time, speed rise times of less than 80ms help to ensure performance and improved productivity.

Built-in and optional safety functions

Functional safety up to PLe/SIL3 guarantees operation in situations ranging from simple emergency stops to complex press actuation. Safe Torque Off (STO) comes as standard, while customers can purchase expansion cards for SS1 (Safe Stop 1), SS2 (Safe Stop 2), SLS (Safely Limited Speed) and SOS (Safe Operating Stop).

Matt Handley, the UK Product Manager for drive systems explains: "Like all Mitsubishi Electric inverters, the FR-A800 series comes with numerous protective, safety and overload functions, high-quality temperature-resistant capacitors, continuously lubricated encapsulated cooling fans and double-coated control and circuit boards. Integrated maintenance timers indicate component fatigue. All these features increase the equipment availability by providing predictive and condition-based maintenance functionality."

So extensive are the quality assurance measures taken at Mitsubishi that the company states that the estimated life expectancy for the FR-A800 is ten years, and the new drives come with a three-year warranty. Full backwards-compatibility with the FR-A700 series ensures that components can be replaced easily and safely. Moreover, a configurator tool enables A700 programs to be migrated for use on A800 drives.

Follow the link for more information about the FR-A800 series inverter drives.