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Servo amps improve safety and productivity
Published:  10 June, 2012

Mitsubishi Electric has announced a range of servo amplifiers which, it says, will improve safety and productivity, while being easy to commission and use. The Melservo MR-J4 amplifiers, which succeed the earlier J3 series, incorporate new functions, including automatic “vibration filters” and online auto-tuning, said to save time during start-up and subsequent operation.

The amplifiers also have a “life diagnosis function” that monitors the condition of their components, such as capacitors and relays, throughout their lives. It warns of any degradation in their operation, reducing downtime and machine outages.

The amplifiers’ modular architecture provides a redundant two-channel Safe Torque Off input, with optional modules adding Safe Stop inputs and supporting SIL 2 and PLd. Other safety functions can be added by combining the MR-J4 with a motion controller.

The amplifiers support 22-bit absolute encoders, providing a resolution of more than four million pulses per revolution for good rotational and positioning accuracies.

The servo amps can be used with rotary, linear or direct-drive motors. There are several variants available, including the MR-J4-A (with analogue, digital and pulse train I/O) and the MR-J3-B (for the SSCNET III/H motion network), as well as two- and three-axis versions which are said to be smaller and more efficient than using individual amplifiers.

Initially, 200V versions of the MR-J4 will be available in packages with servomotors from 100W–7kW. Later this year, they will be joined by 400V versions with servomotors up to 110kW.