Beckhoff UK has integrated servo drives with higher performance and functionality directly in the EtherCAT I/O system, as MEPCA found out more.
The new ELM72xx EtherCAT Terminals from Beckhoff are fully functional servo drives in a robust metal housing that deliver an output current (Irms) of up to 16A at 48V DC for the power supply. They expand the Beckhoff portfolio of compact drive technology in I/O terminal format and offer all of the current technology features together with increased performance and functionality compared with comparable EL series I/O designs.
The ELM72xx modules’ metal housing provides optimum heat dissipation even at high output power and optimal shielding against electrical interference. The new servo terminals can be directly connected to other EtherCAT Terminals and form an integrated component of the Beckhoff I/O system. The comprehensive functionality includes the direct connection of the motor, feedback and brake via the convenient connector front end, an integrated absolute value interface and One Cable Technology (OCT). Additional I/Os enable latching of position values. In addition, the integrated brake chopper control allows a braking resistor to be connected directly. In addition, the system also integrates programmable TwinSAFE Logic for direct implementation of the safety application in the terminal and safe drive technology either as STO/SS1 via Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) or as a comprehensive package of Safe Motion functions for safety-relevant drive technology via TwinSAFE.
Five different ELM72xx models are currently available. These are equipped with either STO/SS1 or Safe Motion:
- ELM7211: 1-channel servo terminal with 4.5 A (Irms)
- ELM7212: 2-channel servo terminal with 2 x 4.5 A (Irms)
- ELM7221: 1-channel servo terminal with 8 A (Irms)
- ELM7222: 2-channel servo terminal with 2 x 8 A (Irms)
- ELM7231: 1-channel servo terminal with 16 A (Irms)
In contrast to the established EL series, the ELM72xx wiring level utilises a pluggable design. Matching motor and sensor cables further simplify installation. The drive design – ELM72xx combined with AM8100 Servomotors – is implemented using the familiar TwinCAT 3 Motion Designer software (TE5910) while the electronic nameplate and the TwinCAT 3 Drive Manager 2 software (TE5950) ensure effortless commissioning.
