Soft-start now talks in two tongues

Saftronics has developed a communications module for its 2S Soft Drive soft-start (shown below) that allows it to communicate simultaneously with both DeviceNet and Profibus DP networks.

The Soft Talk module fits inside the soft-start`s standard housing, so does not take up any extra panel space. Although the Soft Drive has previously provided communications via an RS422 port, it can now communicate with control and monitoring systems without having to develop custom communications protocols.

The new module can provide maintenance information such as the current consumption, the number of starts, and the number of hours run. Saftronics says that this will simplify panelwork by reducing the need for dedicated wiring and door-mounted monitoring equipment.

As an option, the Soft Drive can be fitted with a eight digital inputs and four outputs, to link I/O directly to a control and monitoring system without adding further DeviceNet or Profibus DP nodes.