Sensorless vector drives with control and communications

Although aimed at price-sensitive applications in conveying and factory automation, the new SK 200E drives include a wealth of sophisticated standard features, modules and options, enabling users to select only those necessary for the application. This, in turn, keeps costs to a minimum yet preserves the option to upgrade performance and scaling by adding additional modules as required.

Standard features include high-quality current vector control, Class A line filtering, plug-in EEPROM parameter storage, motor brake management, internal and external braking resistors, integrated diagnostics, energy-saving functions, incremental encoder evaluation and positioning control capability.

Integrated safety options

Furthermore, version options are available for EN 954-1 (EN 13849-1) compliant safety with Nord's Safe-Stop feature providing category 4 safety, with stop category 0 and 1. For large-scale factory automation applications, an integrated AS-Interface protocol version is also available, which may be supplied separately or combined with the Safe-Stop feature.

The SK 200E's modular design covers both simple and complex applications. Entry-level units provide simple speed control from parameters set via easily accessed dip-switches with four control inputs and two externally adjustable setpoint potentiometers for machine control interfacing. The built-in status and diagnostics cockpit provides LEDs for I/O signal status with an RS232/RS485 diagnostics interface available to ensure optimal set-up.

For increased functionality, the SK 200E can be directly programmed with Nord's NORDCON PC-based software or with externally mounted control box options. These dedicated interfacing options range from a simple potentiometer adapter for forward/reverse operation and speed setpoint, to the SimpleBox and ParameterBox controllers that include status display and parameter input functionality; the more sophisticated ParameterBox includes a plain text display, a tactile keypad for text-based commissioning and set-up, parameter storage for up to four parameter sets, and it includes direct connection to a PC via a built-in USB port.

Programming via NORDCON software may also be configured through an optional RS232-to-Ethernet gateway to provide control, status and parameter setting directly on each SK 200E. Plans are also in hand to extend this capability to EtherCAT, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP and Ethernet Powerlink.

Expansion options

Internally and externally mounted customer interface cards and Technology Units are available to expand the capability of the SK 200E. These include Profibus, CANopen and DeviceNet modules for direct Fieldbus control and parameter adjustment, as well as I/O expansion modules.

For maximum functionality, Nord offers the ability to tunnel parameter data to up to four SK 200E drives via its own internal System Bus. Machine I/O expansion modules are also available, either working through the fieldbus interface or independently, offering many inputs and outputs plus status LEDs. Multiple SK 200E units may also be configured for independent standalone applications using the Systems Bus in combination with Control Units and Technology Units.

Where simple relative or absolute position control is required, the SK200E comes as standard with the POSICON intelligent positioning system that can replace more expensive servo motor-based control for straightforward rotary and linear indexing applications such as carousel drives and feed-to-length. POSICON intelligent positioning provides up to 15 pre-programmed moves with easy-to-operate parameter based programming that does not require specialist knowledge.

Follow the link for more information about the SK 200E frequency inverter range.