Compact Altivar ATV32 drives benefit from Bluetooth link

Designed for advanced mid-range machines, the ATV32 drives cover asynchronous and synchronous motors from 0.18kW to 15kW. A key feature is the slimline 'book' housings for models rated up to 4kW. Models up to 1.5kW are claimed to represent an industry first with a frame width of just 45mm and 'the smallest footprint on the market.' At this size, side-by-side mounting can mean a reduction in enclosure size of up to 40 per cent - or enable more drives to be fitted into the same space.

Included within the compact package are 150 application-specific functions, simple programmable control system functions and embedded machine safety features - including safe torque off, safe limited speed and safe stop - which make the ATV32 particularly suitable for cutting processes and applications in the wood and metal industries.

Bluetooth connectivity

Management benefits include Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity through Schneider Electric's SoMove software suite, which enables remote configuration and control without having to open the control cabinet.

In addition, the ATV32 has embedded CANopen and Modbus communications and the ability to communicate with most industrial networks for complex and automated applications. At the same time, embedded ATV Logic makes it suitable for standalone applications.

A wide range of configuration options is available: with a simple loader, which has a copy-and-paste tool, the drive can be configured with power on; with a multi-loader, the operator can click and configure the drive with the power off. The SoMove software removes the need for a PC and all of the configuration data can be stored on an SD card. HMI (human/machine interface) options include remote terminal or a simple-to-use drive navigator with a full-text clear display.

New softstarters

Launching alongside the ATV32, the new Altistart 22 (ATS22) is a range of user-friendly softstarters. These all incorporate an embedded shorting contactor, which means fewer components are required, there is less cabling and the overall footprint is smaller, while true three-phase control is still maintained. The products offer a wide power range and all benefit from a new HMI design with the 'simply start' concept that allows 10 basic parameters for adjustment and then the operator simply presses the start button. (A second level of parameters is available for advance fine-tuning.)

Other benefits of these next-generation softstarters include full starter and motor protection, fieldbus communication, as well as being embedded Modbus and CANopen communications. They have identical navigation to the ATS48 models but incorporate a simpler display, with a reduced number of keys and an easy-to-use diagnostic function, an LED for status indication, a trip history and selectable values to monitor.

Competitive and impressive

Paul Pryor, Schneider Electric's drives product manager, says: "The response to field trials of the ATV32 has been overwhelming, with many respondents claiming 'it represents a real breakthrough.' In terms of book size, safety and modularity, it was seen as a very competitive and impressive product.

"For many years Schneider Electric has continued to keep pushing the boundaries of what technology is capable of and, with the Altivar 32, we know that it will be a real industry driver and represents something very different for the market."

The ATV32 VSDs also work seamlessly with the company's new Lexium 32 servo drives. The Lexium 32 range has been developed to meet OEM architectures, with advanced tuning features and motors with a wide machine inertia of up to 20:1 mismatch.

Follow the links for more information about the new Altivar 32, Lexium 32 or ATS22 ranges or call +44 (0)870 608 8 608.