Posted to News on 11th Nov 2010, 23:11
Nord EtherCAT box connects multiple inverters to one cable
NORD Drivesystems now offers an EtherCAT technology box for integrating motor-mounted Nord SK 200E inverters into EtherCAT networks and the Beckhoff control technology environment. The EtherCAT industrial Ethernet protocol is said to provide significant benefits for distributed networks such as conveyor systems. It provides a high data throughput rate but eliminates the need for the short lines associated with standard bus systems. Harnessing this high data throughput, the new Nord EtherCAT box cost-efficiently connects a large number of inverters to a single bus line, as there is no need for repeaters or additional bus master interfaces.
The bus module can be mounted either directly on the SK 200E's interface unit or separately from the inverter by means of an optional wall-mounting kit. The EtherCAT bus line is connected to the box via an M12 plug connector. Additionally, the box features eight integrated 24V inputs and two 24V outputs. A single technology box can address up to four inverters via EtherCAT. An integrated RS232/RS485 interface allows for on-the-spot access to the parameters of the bus module and connected inverters by means of the SK PAR manual control unit or via NORDCON PC software. The EtherCAT technology box has a standard protection rating of IP55, and can be supplied sealed to IP66 on request.
All SK 200E sensorless vector inverters include brake chopper and a control module for an electromagnetic brake. Even the basic model allows for speed control (incremental encoder input HTL signal) and positioning control by means of the integrated POSICON function. The extended range of features includes the integrated safety function 'Safe Stop' and an onboard interface for the AS-Interface bus system. A dedicated website at www.sk200e.de presents the full range of inverters, their features and application areas.
