Required Drive Features
Applications often require a precise measurement of load speed. Typically, an encoder is mounted to the motor shaft and its signal is used to indicate shaft speed. The drive can then adjust its output to the desired condition. Closed loop offers the highest accuracy and performance.
Requires: A drive with feedback capability, either as standard or as a plug-in option card.
Digital I/O
Each application has specific requirements for I/O. Digital I/O is generally used to control the drive (Start, Stop, Jog, etc.) and annunciate the drive status.
Requires: A drive that offers sufficient I/O and needed flexibility to perform all required func¬tions.
Applications that require rapid deceleration or quick stops can regenerate energy back to the drive. A dynamic brake dissipates this energy through a resistor as heat.
Requires: A drive that has an internal DB chopper and connectable resistor or has an external DB kit.
Dynamic Response
High performance applications often demand nearly instant response to changes in speed or torque commands or input status changes. The higher the dynamic response, the more capable the drive is in meeting these demands.
Requires: A drive that meets the response demands.
Function Blocks
Some processes require some basic logic functions (timers, boolean (and/or) logic, etc.) but are too small for a PLC or other logic controller.
Requires: A drive with internal function blocks that can be programmed to achieve the timer, etc. requirements.
Mechanical Brake Control
A mechanical brake is used for holding the motor and driven machinery at zero speed when the drive is stopped or not powered.
Requires: A drive with mechanical brake control.
Slip Compensation
A squirrel-cage motor slips under load. To compensate for this, the frequency can be increased as the motor torque increases.
Requires: A drive that provides adjustable slip compensation.
Speed Range (10:1)
All applications operate over a given speed range, defined as the ratio of maximum continuous speed to minimum continuous speed.
Requires: A drive that can produce the needed torque and speed torque regulation (accuracy) over the required speed range.
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