Industrial drive has integrated safety, swappable memory block

The ACS850 drive module from ABB, designed for industrial machinery and applications such as extruders, cranes, mixers, web handling and converting in the power range 1.5 to 600 hp at 480 Vac, is now available. Targeted specifically at OEMs, panel builders and system integrators, the module features on-board safe-torque-off, a removable memory block, an intelligent user interface with a series of assistant wizards, and modular hardware and software.

Safety is provided by an integrated safe torque off (STO) feature, which removes the torque from the motor shaft, and conforms with the requirements of SIL 3 / IEC 61508, Cat 4/EN 954-1, EN ISO 13849-1:PL e. There also are solutions available for safe stop 1(SS1), safe limited speed (SLS), safe brake control (SBC), safe speed monitor (SSM), and safe direction (SDI).

A removable memory block increases flexibility and provides for easy maintenance. The memory block stores the firmware plus all user settings and motor data so, if the drive is replaced, it can be re-commissioned by simply plugging the memory block into the new drive. Moreover, the memory block allows the application software and parameter configuration changes to be made at an OEM’s assembly plant before being sent to the end-user site.

Product manager Thomas Junger said the drive includes an advanced adaptation of ABB’s high-performance motor-control platform, Direct Torque Control (DTC), which "makes the ACS850’s performance at low speed and with permanent magnet motors truly remarkable." Enhanced features include:

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This provides excellent process control for induction and permanent magnet motors, yielding higher productivity and a high overall efficiency, according to Junger.

The ACS850 also works with the latest generation of ABB high-speed serial interface modules, which support protocols including DeviceNet, Modbus RTU, Profibus, and CANopen. Before the end of 2009, the ACS850 also will support Ethernet/IP and Modbus-TCP, said Junger.

These compact drive modules, with protection class IP20 (G frame IP00), are optimized for installation into cabinets, added Junger. The smallest module width is only 3.7 in. wide, and modules can be installed side-by-side. The ACS850 uses ABB’s DriveStudio 1.5 and has new setup wizards that speed up parameter configuration during commissioning.

– Edited by Renee Robbins, senior editor
Control EngineeringNews Desk

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