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Easy-to-apply servodrive system uses 9mm-wide cable
Published:  14 March, 2017

At next month’s Hannover Fair, Siemens will unveil an easy-to-commission servodrive system which uses a single-cable connection between the drive and motor which is just 9mm in diameter. The new system, based on the company’s Sinamics S210 converters and new-developed Simotics S-1FK2 servomotors, covers ratings from 50–750W in five sizes.

The system is designed to provide highly dynamic movements of small loads, as well as ultra-precise movements of medium and high loads. The converters have built-in safety functions including STO (Safe Torque Off) and SS1 (Safe Stop 1). They are connected to higher-level controllers via Profinet and allow simple commissioning using a built-in Web server and one-button tuning.

The converters are linked to the motors via the Motion-Connect One Cable Connection (OCC) system which integrates power conductors, encoder signals and brake signals in a cable measuring just 9mm in diameter, and using a single plug. Siemens says that the cable’s small cross-section makes it lighter and more flexible than previous power cables, thus simplifying cabling. For drag chain applications, there is a compact one-cable connection available that reduces the bending radius to almost half that of conventional drag chain conductors.

Controllers, such as Siemens’ Simatic S7-1500 or S7-1500T PLCs with extended motion control functions, supervise positioning of the connected drive axes via Profinet. The converters are commissioned using built-in Web servers. A one-button tuning function optimises control parameters, taking account of the behaviour of the connected mechanics.

The built-in safety functions can be actuated using PROFIsafe, with STO also being applied via a terminal. More functions are in the pipeline.

A Siemens Sinamics S210 converter (left) linked to a Simotics S-1FK2 motor by the 9mm-diameter cable

The new servomotors offer low rotor inertias and high overload capabilities to deliver good dynamic performance and precision. The motors to be shown at Hannover will come in shaft heights of 20, 30 and 40mm.

The rugged, rotatable connecting plugs operate at a height of 25mm. Cabling the converter is simplified by the use of self-locking plugs and easy-access, detachable, push-in terminals.