Programmable motor is a marriage of convenience

Crouzet has merged two of its products - a brushless DC motor and a Millennium II logic programmer - to create a motor with built-in logic controls. It says that the Motomate motor will take up less space and be much quicker to install than traditional systems consisting of separate motors, controls, switches, timers and wiring

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The integrated motor (above), available in 30W or 80W versions, is aimed at OEM applications such as conveyors, robotics, automated doors and moving billboards. Options include right-angle or in-line planetary gearboxes.

The controller can be programmed (using Grafcet or flow chart languages) to provide functions such as ramp-ups (to overcome load inertia), and ramp-downs (for smooth control of items such as barriers). Programs can be downloaded to the controller from a laptop and any changes can be made remotely and emailed to the site.

The low-maintenance, low-noise motor is expected to give a life of more than 20,000 hours, compared to about 5,000 for a brushed machine. It has a built-in 12 pulse/rev encoder and will maintain torque during locked-rotor conditions. The controller incorporates four inputs and four outputs which can be linked to sensors and actuators.

Crouzet`s future plans for the Motomate include a 48V version for industrial applications, and interfaces for fieldbuses such as CAN and Modbus. It also plans to offer customised versions to high-volume customers.