Scalable, open and high performance machine control using the CODESYS programming environment is provided onboard Unidrive M400 to M810 drive models

NUREMBERG, GERMANY (November 26, 2013) – On stand 310, hall 1, at the SPS IPC Drives show, Control Techniques is exhibiting Unidrive M: the family of drives that is dedicated to manufacturing automation.  

The focus of the exhibition is scalability and performance in machine control using the CODESYS programming environment which is provided onboard the M400 to M810 drive models.

Combined with Dyneo permanent magnet motor technology from sister company Leroy-Somer, the drive and motor solution offers unrivalled efficiency over all speed ranges and a fast return on investment.  

Unidrive M400 to M600 offer an onboard CODESYS based PLC with a real-time task which can be used for simple logic control to enhance drive application capability.  Unidrive M700 adds a real-time task for interfacing with the drive’s 1.5 axis advanced machine controller featuring 250 μs cycle time, a motion profile generator, an electronic gearbox, interpolated CAM, a homing function and high speed position freeze.

The M800 offers powerful CODESYS programming and Ethernet communications capability through the drive’s integrated network interface.  The M800 is ideal for standalone motion applications and control of small machines requiring integration with I/O and HMIs, or PLC based systems where separation of PLC and motion functions is desirable.  Meanwhile, the M810 adds increased program memory and an extra dual port switched Ethernet interface directly on the CODESYS microprocessor board.  The additional Ethernet interface increases the data throughput capability and enables simultaneous connection to two segregated Ethernet networks.

Gareth Jones, marketing director for manufacturing automation at Control Techniques, says: “Our Ethernet-enabled open creation environment offers users the widest possible choice of components, whilst also supporting connectivity with PROFINET RT, Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP/IP devices on the same physical network.

“Additionally, Unidrive M’s high bandwidth motor control algorithm will increase the throughput of your machines with up to 3,300 Hz current loop and 250 Hz speed loop bandwidth.”

“In the 12 months since Unidrive M was launched, we have successfully sold modules into a wide range of manufacturing automation sectors including printing, packaging, automotive, metals, paper, food, tyre production and stamping presses”.