Electricity and Control September 2020

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Compact motor controller for conveyor systems

The EP7402 EtherCAT Box from Beckhoff boosts efficiency and space saving in roller conveyor systems.

Current sensing is a key requirement for the development of smart motor controls and high-efficiency power supplies. Mouser Electronics, Inc., leading new product introduction distributor in its field, is offering customers a new resource site dedicated to current sensing solutions from Microchip Technology and Vishay Intertechnology. The new site features a range of controllers, resistors and amplifiers from Microchip and Vishay and provides a single resource for designers seeking reliable resistor- based current-sensing solutions. The Microchip and Vishay Current Sensing Solutions reference site on the Mouser website offers links to a comprehensive selection of products from these companies, including product descriptions and ordering information. The site also provides a link to an informative white paper on using current-sense resistors to measure current for closed-loop power control. The white paper, titled Basics and Trade-offs of Resistor-Based Current The new EP7402 EtherCAT Box fromBeckhoff has been developed to make the control architecture and cabling of roller conveyor systems significantly more efficient. The integrated, compact motor controller reduces cabling effort and increases diagnostic capabilities for roller conveyor systems. With a high IP67 protection rating, the motor controller for BLDC (brushless dc) motors is ideal for conveyor tasks in intralogistics and assembly technology as well as in the packaging, food and beverage industries. The EP7402 EtherCAT Box offers two outputs with integrated motion controller for the direct connection of 24 V dc conveyor roller motors or other BLDC motors (up to 3.5 A). Eight additional digital inputs/outputs enable connection of photoelectric switches, for example, and communication between the different box modules in operation without a PLC. The EP7402 takes complete control of a roller motor, inde- pendently of the conveyor or motor manufacturer. The control of the motors is sensor-less. Maximum rated current, acceleration or deceleration ramps and various other parameters can be config- ured, allowing optimal adaptation to different applications. In conveyor operation the EP7402 can also be operated without a PLC and provides functions such as zero pressure accumulation (ZPA), and single or block discharge. Further EtherCAT devices such as digital and analogue I/Os, barcode readers or safety devices can be connected to the additional EtherCAT junction. A solutions site for resistor-based current sensing

The EtherCAT Box measures only 174 mm x 60 mm x 36.5 mm and can be mounted easily in standard C-channel or L-brackets on the conveyor frame. It does not require any additional protective covering, which also saves on installation space. Power supply and EtherCAT communication take place via a single cable with a B23 ENP hybrid connector (28 A/45°C current carrying capacity). For more information contact Beckhoff Automation. Tel: +27 (0)11 795 2898

Email: info@beckhoff.co.za Visit: www.beckhoff.co.za

Sensing, examines high-side versus low-side sensing, with information on associated amplifier electronics, and provides information on determining the resistor value, selecting the right type of resistor, and physical connection factors. The new Current Sensing Solutions site presents a se- lection of eight products designed to provide a reliable current sensing solution for motor control applications. Current sensing resistors often provide the most appeal- ing solution when compared with Hall-effect devices and current sensing coils, and the combination of current sensing resistors and amplifiers meets the demanding requirements of rugged industrial applications. The Vishay/Dale WSLF power metal strip resistors support voltage division, current sensing, and pulse applications. The resistors feature low thermal electromagnetic fields (EMF) and very low inductance, and offer a resistance range of 0.003 Ω to 0.0003 Ω. Microchip’s MCP6C02 high-side current sense amplifiers provide input offset voltage correction for very low offset drift, making them a suitable choice for motor control, industrial computing, and battery monitor applications. The MCP6C02 amplifiers feature a zero-drift architecture, enabling design flexibility while minimising input errors.

The new site provides a single resource for designers looking for reliable resistor-based current sensing solutions.

For more information visit: www.mouser.com

8 Electricity + Control SEPTEMBER 2020