Microstepping drives for high-torque step-and-direction control

Complementing AMP's existing DC-powered STR series drives, the new STRAC2 and STRAC8 drives are also suitable for OEMs and machine builders as a convenient and cost-effective choice where PLCs, PACs or pulse-generating motion controls are used in automation systems.

The new drives are powered from 90-240V AC supplies and offer continuous output currents in the range of 0.5-2.5 and 0.5-8.0A/phase, respectively; they therefore so suit larger microstepping motors with NEMA frame sizes of 23, 24 and 34, or where maximum power is required.

Both the STR and STRAC series microstepping drives include user-selectable step-and-direction or CW/CCW pulse control with full-step, half-step and microstepping resolutions up to 20,000 steps/rev. Microstep emulation is also included to provide smooth and quiet motion from low-pulse-frequency outputs. Advanced features such as electronic damping and a selectable digital input filter allow optimised application set-up to ensure smooth low-resonance motion and maximum torque over a wide speed range. Drive setup is straightforward with DIP and rotary selection switches or jumpers, while installation is said to be fast and easy via pluggable terminal block power and signal connections. An integrated self-test and status LEDs assist commissioning.

The fully protected drives include short circuit, over-voltage, under-voltage and over-temperature safety. Energy-saving idle current reduction is also featured. The STR and STRAC series drives cover NEMA motor frame sizes from 11 to 42.

With a design and build service that integrates its technologies into motion-centric sub-assemblies or complete mechatronic systems, Mclennan fully supports AMP's comprehensive range of stepper- and servo-based motion control products. These include advanced motion controls for single- and multi-axis drives as well as the EtherCAT communications-based StepSERVO closed-loop drive series for greater torque, acceleration and throughput than traditional stepper motor-based systems. Speed/torque curves and other detailed specification information is downloadable from the website at www.mclennan.co.uk.