Originally Published MPMN July 2003

HOTLINE

Servoamplifiers May Benefit Medical Systems

Features include low maintenance and high throughput

New digital servoamplifiers may ease motion control in automated systems. The Accelnet units, offered by Copley Controls Corp. (Canton, MA), are suited for use in medical pick-and-place operations. Automated blood testing and genome research would benefit, says the firm.

A new system design does away with the need for a dedicated motion controller. Feedback data are sent directly to the servoamplifier. By closing the loop internally, motor operation is made more efficient.

Labor-intensive wiring has also been eliminated. The one-cable, two-wire bus allows new motion axes to be added with a minimum of fuss. This setup also complies with the industry-standard CANopen networking protocol. The system is supported with free software building blocks, available as the Copley Motion Libraries. Software installation has been simplified, adds the firm.

The devices drive brush and brushless servomotors, including modern linear types. Up to 16 drive motors can be updated with positioning information every four milliseconds. Speeds up to 30,000 rpm are typical.

While free software, ease of maintenance, and cost are major selling points, "it's more exciting than that," says George Procter, vice president of motion systems at Copley Controls. "You get much more throughput--everything moves faster. This speeds up productivity." Field-oriented control provides roughly 20% higher motor speed than is common with analog models.

Five versions operating from 55 V at 18 A peak to 180 V at 20 A peak are available. The units provide sinusoidal commutated motor drive as well as field-oriented motor control.

The power and signal connections are solder-free. Current-, temperature-, and voltage-protection features are built in. Algorithms monitor the I2oT heating effect of load current. This enables the motor to run safely at its outer performance.

Copley Controls Corp.
20 Dan Rd.
Canton, MA 02021
tel: 781/828-8090
fax: 781/828-6547
contact: Dean Crumlish
e-mail: [email protected]
url: www.copleycontrols.com 

Laura Angela Bagnetto

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