Infrared remote talks to motor-inverter

A combined motor-inverter drive launched by FKI Industrial Drives can be programmed, controlled and monitored remotely using a handheld infrared transmitter. The company expects this facility to be particularly useful for motors in awkward locations.

The FID 2000 inverter is available fitted to a Marelli motor but can also be retrofitted to other motors. FKI says that it differs from other motor-mounting inverters in the variety of control options it offers. As well as the IR system, it can be programmed and controlled using:

• a choice of a fieldbuses, including Profibus and DeviceNet,
• an RS485 port; or
• a remote keypad linked via a two-wire connection.

The handheld controller, known as a Data Streamer, can transfer settings and operating data between the inverter and a PC. The settings can be programmed on a PC and then downloaded to the Data Streamer which can display them on its built-in screen as well as transmitting them to the drives. The data can also be emailed, allowing OEMs to program and diagnose their machines remotely.

Up to 63 FID 2000 drives can be linked for control and monitoring purposes via the RS485 port. In distributed control applications, a dedicated card in the inverter provides a "drop-in" fieldbus interface, supporting a variety of protocols.

The combined motor-inverter is available in ratings from 0.75-7.5kW. It can operate as a standalone "plug and play" system using 40 preset drive set-ups including pump and fan modes.