Control Techniques launches realtime Ethernet module.
SM-EtherCAT is Control Techniques’ latest module to extend the functionality of its variable speed drives range by providing support for realtime, high performance Ethernet communication.
“We have been monitoring the market and listening to our customers, this has resulted in us initially choosing EtherCAT over PowerLink. We also believe that EtherCAT potentially offers customers a greater benefit,” says Control Techniques’ product manager, Imad Rajraji. “EtherCAT is the first in our planned range of realtime Ethernet solutions with more protocols to follow.”
The module is for use with Control Technique’s full range of AC and servo drives from 0,37 kW simple conveyor or pump control, through high precision servo applications to high power 1,9 MW multimode drives. This allows customers to standardise their network across the whole machine.
The SM-EtherCAT module is the latest in a wide range of communication options that already include Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP as well as traditional fieldbus.
The company says that EtherCAT is increasingly being requested by customers because of its excellent performance and bandwidth, allowing users to get good dynamic performance from their drives. It covers the whole range of communication requirements from high-end motion control through to central factory computer control of conveyors and pumps.
Control Techniques’ SM-EtherCAT module can operate at cycle times down to 250 μs, synchronising the drive’s position or speed loop to the communications network thus improving overall system performance.
Control Techniques now has 24 SM option modules, used to extend its I/O, feedback, communications, automation and motion capability. All AC and servo drives use the same option module format allowing flexible connectivity and functionality with Digitax ST, Control Techniques’ new servo drive, Commander SK, as well as Unidrive SP, which has a total of three internal option slots for modules.
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