Network and Web connectivity lift microdrives

Rockwell Automation introduces the Allen-Bradley 22-COMM-E and 22-COMM-P adapters, allowing PowerFlex 40 drive users to have all the benefits of using a network running EtherNet/IP or Profibus

Rockwell Automation introduces the Allen-Bradley 22-COMM-E and 22-COMM-P adapters, allowing PowerFlex 40 drive users to have all the benefits of using a network running EtherNet/IP or Profibus.

When the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 40 drive was added to the family last year, it introduced some outstanding features to the microdrive sector.

Features such as sensorless vector control for optimised performance and flexibility, plus an integral keypad, with the 10 most commonly programmed parameters instantly available, to simplify installation and configuration.

Now with the introduction of the EtherNet/IP and Profibus adapters, users can have all the benefits of a networked solution, including sending and receiving drive operational and metering data, including alarms.

By spotting potential problems before they occur, users can minimise downtime.

The adapters have a unique "Multi-drive" feature, which allows up to five drives to be accessed as a single Ethernet or Profibus node, saving time and money during installation and commissioning.

The 22-COMM-E or P is installed in a PowerFlex 40 drive, and up to four more PowerFlex 4 or 40 AC drives can be connected through their built-in RS-485 ports.

Each drive can be individually controlled, configured, and monitored through the single network connection.

These are very significant advantages for anyone who wants to network drives, but it is with the 22-COMM-E Ethernet card that some of the most outstanding benefits become available.

Enabling the Web option, for example, provides additional access using standard PC Web browsers.

"The adapter gives users a 'window' into the drive for timely, accurate troubleshooting and diagnostics," said Mark Daniels, Commercial Manager - Drives.

"With discrete wiring, users know that a drive has failed, but the 22-COMM-E adapter gives them information showing them why it is not running and how to take corrective action".

The adapter can be configured via a Web page to send a message to user-specified e-mail addresses or a text message to cell phones, pagers or other wireless devices.

This can be used for notification of drive alarms, faults, or reset conditions.

"When users receive an e-mail, all they have to do is click on the hyperlink contained in the message and their Web browser will automatically connect with the drive that contacted them," said Daniels.

"It's literally a couple of mouse-clicks from getting the e-mail to being on-line and diagnosing a potential problem".

When used in conjunction with Allen-Bradley DriveExplorer and DriveTools SP software, the 22-COMM-E gives users the ability to configure drives directly over Ethernet.

A hyperlink on the 22-COMM-E Web pages can also launch the desired software tool on the user's PC and automatically connect on-line with the drive.

When it was introduced, the PowerFlex 40 was a revelation in the up-to-7.5KW drives sector.

With the addition of the new network cards, it becomes the leader of the pack by some distance.

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