Fieldbus & Industrial Networking


Reliable distributed control of motor starters

March 2001 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

Allen-Bradley's Modular DeviceNet Starter Auxiliary (MDSA) is available from Rockwell Automation. This modular communication system can be directly mounted onto cable flange panels and has been specially developed for efficiently incorporating motor starters into distributed structures.

The device complements the existing range of DeviceNet Starter Auxiliaries (DSA). In and output devices, like sensors and magnetic coils, can be directly connected at this point. This type of system extension, however, requires no increase in the number of DeviceNet nodes. This simplifies network planning considerably, making data transfer more efficient.

Rockwell Automation says that the MDSA is the only additional starting device that can be directly mounted onto the cable flange plate. As part of the distributed Allen-Bradley starter system it simplifies the connection of sensors and magnetic coils to the field bus. Direct fixing onto the flange or onto the casing wall and the M12 standard plugs on the casing (which substitute terminal blocks on the DIN rails) results in a considerable reduction in the wiring effort required for sensors and actuators.

The MDSA's electrical features, for instance, 5 A relay outputs or 2 A transistor outputs and software filters to eliminate fault signals during contact bouncing, enhance the field of application. Due to its increased temperature, shock and impact resistance, the device is well suited to harsh industrial operating conditions.

The MDSA system consists of a range of modules that can be combined depending on the actual configuration required. A configuration can consist of up to 16 modules, which can be addressed via one single DeviceNet node. The starter module with 2 inputs and 1 output is equipped for controlling one motor. Further modules for connecting sensors, actuators, frequency converters, inputs or outputs complete the available range.

Fewer terminals, faster assembly

More and more, distributed starters substitute conventional motor control centres with their complex, hardwired controls and cables to the motors. The distributed starter concept allows looping power cables from one motor to the next. The control inputs and outputs as well as communication are routed through one single DeviceNet cable with standardised M12 micro connectors. The MDSA is suitable for installation in casings protected to IP66. It reduces the number of terminals required and, thus, cuts down on installation time and reduces the probability of wiring errors. It also simplifies project-planning and subsequent changes, reduces space requirement, improves system monitoring and diagnosis and permits a comprehensive system test in the factory, which reduces the commissioning time on site.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

EtherCAT interoperability removes industrial networking barriers
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Selecting the right communication technology is one of the most important decisions engineers make, and interoperability helps with that decision. Key development tools and standards ensure interoperability among many EtherCAT devices and manufacturers.

Read more...
Condition monitoring to go
Turck Banner Southern Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Anyone who wants to efficiently monitor the climate in control cabinets will find a comprehensive range of control cabinet monitors for the DIN rail in Turck Banner’s cabinet condition monitoring family.

Read more...
Innovative separation of recyclable materials
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A plant built by Belgian specialist machine builder, Absolem Engineering features an innovative process for separating recyclable materials. Using PC-based control from Beckhoff, a major problem has been elegantly solved - the generation of different signal sequences for the exact synchronisation of different camera systems.

Read more...
Enhancing AI-powered object detection and recognition capabilities
Vepac Electronics Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Innodisk has announced its cooperation with Advantech, a global leader in AIoT and edge computing. This collaboration leverages Innodisk’s customisable MIPI camera modules and Advantech’s Intel x86-based AFE-R360 solution to enhance AI-powered object detection and recognition capabilities, expanding visual applications for autonomous mobile robots in smart factories and warehouses.

Read more...
Rugged, agile and scalable boards
Vepac Electronics Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Embedded computing pioneer, AAEON has launched the PICO-ASL4 and GENE-ASL6, both featuring the new Intel Atom x7000RE Processor Series for the edge.

Read more...
Rugged gateway board with open-source flexibility
Vepac Electronics Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The SRG-CM4 from Vepac brings all the open-source flexibility of the Raspberry Pi OS and ecosystem to AAEON’s signature rugged, durable gateway design to create a truly industry-ready modular system.

Read more...
New safety I/O modules for functional safety in highly automated operations
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Belden has expanded the Lumberg Automation LioN family with its new LioN-Safety I/O Modules. Designed to support functional safety efforts in industrial operations, the modules streamline the transmission of data over existing networks.

Read more...
IO-Link master for the automation and IT world
ifm - South Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The decentralised IO-Link master modules from ifm serve as a gateway between intelligent IO-Link sensors and the fieldbus. Important information on the intelligent sensors can also be simultaneously sent.

Read more...
Condition monitoring with IO-Link rotary encoders
Pepperl+Fuchs Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Whether in the materials handling industry, in packaging machines or in wind turbines, sensors with an IO-Link interface are increasingly being used to pave the way to Industry 4.0. Pepperl+Fuchs was one of the first manufacturers to launch an absolute rotary encoder with IO-Link interface, that was available in numerous variants and with a wide range of setting parameters.

Read more...
Efficiently consolidate analogue signals and reduce wiring
Turck Banner Southern Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Control engineers can bring analogue signals into a control system more efficiently with the new R95C 8-port analogue input to modbus hub.

Read more...