Module adds Sercos to AC drives

Control Techniques has added a Sercos networking module to the range of option modules available for its Undrive SP. The SM-Sercos module includes two high-speed (1µs) probe inputs for position capture and supports position-loop closure rates of up to 250µs.

The module plugs into the SP internally and needs no panel space. It supports torque, velocity and position control modes and Sercos data rates of 2, 4, 6 and 16 Mbit/s. It also supports Type 7 telegrams, allowing users to define their own telegrams in addition to Sercos` standard telegrams.

There are no hardware switches to set - the module is configured using Unidrive SP parameters.

CT says that the new module (one of more than 20 released so far for the Unidive SP) will allow the drives to exploit the growth in high-performance, multi-axis Sercos-type applications. It will also allow Sercos to be used with servo and synchronous motors from 2.1-156A.