Copley Controls' Accelus digital servoamplifier uses field-oriented control to enable motors to deliver higher torque, speed, and efficiency for a given drive current.

While some motor manufacturers have previously offered this control feature, their servoamplifiers were developed for specific servomotors, providing the technology within matched servomotor-servoamplifier pairs. Also, these makers offered the feature to provide fast response in specialized robotics applications, rather than lower power consumption, Copley says.

In contrast, Accelus operates with linear or rotary brushless servomotors from any vendor. With a DSP providing fast computing power, such control maximizes motor power by maintaining a 90° displacement between the magnetic fields of rotor and stator across all motor speeds. Getting more power from a given-size motor permits the use of a smaller motor than with analog control.

At the same time, lower drive currents reduce amplifier and motor heating. Therefore, some designs can use convection cooling rather than forced air. The servoamplifier also delivers peak currents that are three times higher than its continuous-current ratings, enabling more forceful acceleration.

Accelus works with Copley's Motion Explorer 2 software to automate system commissioning, eliminating the need to manually rewire wrongly phased signal cables. The software also automates amplifier current-loop fine-turning. So, even novices can fine-tune the motor and load.

A 6- by 3.1-in. pc board, Accelus accepts analog, PWM, and step-and-direction signal formats. Units deliver 9 A peak (3 A continuous) from 20 to 90 V or 18 A peak (6 A continuous) at 20 to 55 V. Pricing is $209 each per 100 with stock to four-week delivery ARO.

Copley Controls Corp., Dean Crumlish, (781) 828-8090; fax: (781) 828-1750; sales@copleycontrols.com; www.copleycontrols.com.

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