Distributed electronics: modularity from a single element

Fast response times, flexibility and simplification are key requirements for machine builders and automation suppliers alike. Servotecnica offers the Italian market the systems with AMK distributed drives, designed with the same flexibility and consistency of the machine that houses them.

A pioneer in the production of decentralized architectures, AMK (proposed in Italy by Servotecnica) offers a wide portfolio of decentralized “field” products at the service of OEMs, who can choose between different distributed solutions, complete and modular, in a wide range of power and size: from controllers/PLCs, to decentralized drives, to integrated servomotor + drive units. Following, some top proposals.

• Decentralized iSA controller with IP65 protection. In addition to the motion control/PLC functionality, it also offers an integrated power supply designed to deliver 5 kW of power and requires only 3x400 Vac for the generation of the DC BUS dedicated to powering the servo drives.
Applications with 36 drives have already been implemented with the iSA controller (EtherCAT master), which can also be used as gateway for Ethernet/IP, ProfiNET and EtherCAT slave. Thanks to its computing power, the iSA controller/PLC forms the basis for complex motion functions and multi-axis PLC/motion projects.

• The decentralized iX series drive, available with IP65 protection, delivers continuous power up to 5 kVA (8.2 Amp continuous and 16.4 Amp peak). If decentralized drives are installed in a machine module and with other modules make up a complete production line, the wiring architecture also changes: the motor cables (power and encoder) no longer have to be routed from the control cabinet to the servomotor while the power supply cables and real-time Ethernet cables run from the power supply to the first and next drive. The plus of this type of cabling with “daisy chain” connection is particularly evident on moving machine modules or rotary tables, where several drives are installed, reducing the cable chain to the power supply line only.
Another significant advantage of the daisy chain connection is the possibility to connect all the drives to the same DC BUS: in this mode, the required and regenerated energy in the different operation phases is balanced, allowing optimal use.

• Servo controller integrated in the motor. Servomotors with integrated drive offer the maximum savings potential as power cables to the motor and encoder can also be eliminated. They are available in various flange sizes, from 55 (ihXT series) to 100 mm (iDT5 series), each with different lengths.
These decentralized systems with IP65 protection level ensure reliability even in harsh environments and harsh applications, thanks to their high resistance to shock and vibration. With regard to safety, the STO function is integrated as standard, while other functions such as SS1 and SS2 can be implemented via FSoE.
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