New PowerFlex drive gives machine builders 'just enough' control

Rockwell describes the PowerFlex 523 ac drive as one that balances user needs for 'just enough' control with a design that lowers the total cost to design, develop and deliver machines.

To make configuration easier, machine builders can use a standard USB connection for uploading and downloading drive-configuration files. They can also program the drive through its built-in human interface module (HIM), which displays data on the drive’s LCD with scrolling QuickView text and detailed explanations of parameters and other codes.

The HIM also has multiple language options to address global needs. Exclusive to the PowerFlex 520-Series ac drives, AppView and CustomView tools help speed up configuration by providing groups of parameters for common applications and by allowing users to save their settings to new parameter groups. These tools can be easily accessible via the HIM, as well as configuration software tools. 

Connected Components Workbench software from Rockwell Automation also helps speed up drive configuration and further reduces development time with online and offline configuration, AppView and CustomView groups, and startup wizards.

For more sophisticated networked machines, builders can take advantage of an optional dual-port EtherNet/IP adapter for the PowerFlex 523. This module supports ring topologies and provides device level ring (DLR) functionality, which can help provide network resiliency and drive machine availability.

When a DLR network detects a break in the ring, it quickly provides alternate routing of the data to help recover. The dual-port adapter supports linear topologies in addition to ring configurations. Ring topologies can remove the need for an external switch and reduce necessary cabling.

Adding a dual-port EtherNet/IP adapter to a PowerFlex 523 provides automatic device configuration, which saves time by automatically downloading configuration files when a drive is replaced. 

The PowerFlex 523 has a power range of 0.2kW to 11 kW and motor-control options, including V/f, sensorless vector control and 'Economise' mode in sensorless vector control.

The modular design of the PowerFlex 523 gives machine builders greater installation flexibility. Removing the drive’s control module from its power module further reduces start-up time, as machine builders can complete configuration and installation simultaneously.