We found 96 posts about Selection Guides from DO Supply, a global automation parts
reseller focused on hard-to-find and obsolete industrial automation products.
Generally, whenever we’re specifying the requirements of a given system or equipment, choosing a power supply is usually among the last bit of the puzzle. Like in a PLC system, you will often be keen about the processor capability, the memory size…etc, but rarely will you get excited when a more efficient and reliable power supply hits the market. However, the power supply is one piece of hardware that you should never skip out whenever you’re specifying the requirements of your system. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that your system is operating efficiently over the long run. Hence, it is important you do a little homework before you determine the power supply required by your system or equipment. Most often, the only feature taken into consideration when deciding on a power supply is its power rating. But there are many other factors which should be considered as well. In this article, we’ll be going over all the points that you should take into consideration when deciding on...
For industrial motion and motor integration, AC and DC drives have become the standard control device of choice. Historically, drives have usually been installed with low-cost point wiring back to a PLC, but modern industrial performance expectations push for network-connected devices in both new and existing systems alike. Connecting a drive to a communication network allows engineers to access all of its features, data, and performance capabilities remotely, in real-time. One well-known series of drives, the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 520 Series, has an extremely large installation base in the United States and abroad, making it a perfect candidate for upgrading with network connectivity. In this article, we’ll explore communication option cards and their features for the PowerFlex 520 AC Drive Series. Allen-Bradley’s PowerFlex 520 Series of AC Drives spans three models, each designed with a specific application and feature set in mind. PowerFlex 523 PowerFlex 523 AC drives are ideal...
Calculate No Load RPM RPM Slip Full load RPM Stator Frequency Frequency (Hz) Number of Poles Slip (RPM) Actual Rated RPM Desired Synchronous RPM Results No-load RPM RPM RPM Slip RPM Full-load RPM RPM Full-load RPM Hz Allen Bradley MPM Servo Motors An electric motor is a device that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy. Electric motors are used in a variety of industrial applications, to provide mechanical energy to run power tools, fans, electric vehicles, etc. These motors operate on the basis of the electromagnetism principle, which states that: if a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a mechanical force caused by the attractive and repulsive forces created by the magnetic field. The magnitude of the mechanical force may be obtained as a product of the magnetic field, the current in the conductor, and the length of the coil in the motor. While the direction of motion of the conductor can be determined by Flemings left-hand rule...
In designing industrial automation systems, half of the challenge is how you wish to control a system, and the other half is in how to connect the system’s components together. Specifying input, output, and communication methods can be a huge undertaking, as all other devices up- and downstream have to be both compatible with, and reliable when using, your selected technologies. To aid in your selection of PLC connectivity modules, we’ll start with this article discussing the differences between discrete output types – namely, the design, functionality, and comparative details between Relay and Solid-State Output modules. PLC CompactLogix Controller We’ll set the stage for our discussion by first outlining a number of key terms involved with discrete PLC output modules. Said in plain English, we have an industrial computer referred to as a PLC, or Process Logic Controller, that uses electrical signals to turn other, separate devices on and off. These separate devices might be pumps...
Generally, a FLEX I/O line is a Distributed Input/Output System that connects to several Networks including EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, and DeviceNet. Being a bus coupler, the Flex I/O allows you to add different modules consisting of bases and I/O cards along the DIN rail. In particular, Flex I/O systems are flexible and modular providing all the functions of vast, rack-based I/O at a low cost and without the space requirements. They are available via a variety of communication modules, depending on the protocol of the lead module. The FLEX 5000™ I/O is the most recent release of Allen-Bradley’s popular Flex I/O line. Its architecture offers a variety of I/O modules to meet a wide range of your operational needs, with its applications spanning from high-speed digital control to process control. These I/O modules are designed for use with the Logix 5000™ controllers. Their architecture uses Consumer/Producer network communication models, an intelligent data exchange technology between...
Have you ever wondered how forming and metal cutting machines provide precise motion for lathes, bending for metal fabrication and milling or how a robotic vehicle mainly used in military applications with bomb detection systems is controlled, or how antenna positioning systems control the precision in elevation and azimuth? Well, a servo motor is at the heart of these precise position and motion control systems. A servo motor is a compact electrical component, which rotates parts of a machine with great precision and high efficiency. Its output shaft can be moved to a particular position, velocity, and angle which is not possible with a regular motor. This is because the servo motor utilizes a regular motor which is coupled to a sensor for feedback. An encoder is used as the feedback sensor, providing position and speed feedback. It achieves this by observing the change of position, mechanical motion, rate, and signals to the controller. The encoder also receives control signals from...
The PowerFlex 750-Series is a comprehensive class of AC drives, with a power range of 0.75kW(1Hp) to 1500kw(2000Hp), and 400/480V to 600/690V availability. Some of the PowerFlex 750 drives include PowerFlex 753 and PowerFlex 755 drives. These AC drives are used to control the speed of electrical devices like electric motors, so as to: ensure efficient energy generation, enhance process control, reduce energy consumption, minimize mechanical stress on motors used in control systems and optimize various industrial operations. The latest PowerFlex 750-Series drives are designed to provide flexibility, ease of use, and high-speed performance. Generally, PowerFlex 750-Class drives have a wide range of industrial/global applications, but each type of PowerFlex 750 drive is limited to specific tasks. A) DeviceLogix™: An in-built control technology that supports PowerFlex drive control functions and manipulation of discrete outputs while using drive status information and discrete inputs...
Industries globally understand the importance of electric drives in ensuring efficient control of motor outputs. And with the constant developments and innovations springing up in the industrial automation field, the need for alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) drives have continued to grow in leaps. Both AC and DC drives are indispensable to the regulation of control signals. However, there are notable differences between the two drives. This article focuses on these differences in terms of benefits, composition, operation, capability, cost, and usability. The AC Drive and its Benefits The AC drive is used to control motor speed through the conversion of direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). This drive involves such components as an inverter unit, DC circuit, rectifier unit, etc. It has helped increase productivity and innovation in the electronics industry. AC drives operate only with motors whose speeds are controlled by switching frequency from the...
According to ISA, automation is defined as “the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically”. In a more practical sense, it is a system that operates with minimum or no human intervention at all. It has been part of the development of mankind all along however, the concept was further realized after the mass production system was finally implemented. With automation in the mass production setup, consistent and uniform outputs may be produced. Absolutely, this cannot be achieved with manual and traditional automation. Fast forward today, a control system – whether commercial or industrial scope, meets the modern automation requirements if it is programmable. With the birth of the 1st programmable controller and the enhancement in the succeeding years, most control systems are now being governed by programmable controllers. Programmable controllers can be used in both home and industrial setup. They are also the core components of automation. They...
The Allen Bradley VersaView line is distinctly different from the PanelView and Component HMI class. The VersaView line combines monitors, industrial PCs, and thin clients that work on an open architecture platform. The VersaView line also has fewer connectors and is fanless, reducing commissioning time and setup costs. By combining these industrial computers and monitors with software applications and thin client software, the entire visualization experience is enhanced. The use of thin clients provides a cost-effective solution for both standalone and complex visualization systems throughout an operation. By connecting via server to access stored applications, local hard drives are not needed. This centralized approach also helps users better ensure security than distributed hard drives that may be more susceptible to breach. The VersaView Family The VersaView line is designed for system flexibility and centralized server access to power the visualization applications. This is...
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) and Soft Starters are electronic devices that are popularly used in a wide variety of industrial processes which require the utilization of AC motors. These devices share a common, specific purpose to which they are applied, particularly in the field of motor protection and lowering of energy consumption. But what is the difference between a VFD and a Soft Starter? Before we differentiate the difference between each of the devices, let us understand first the common industry terms used to refer to these devices. A Soft Starter is commonly termed as Soft Starter, Motor Starter, or simply starter. A VFD is popularly termed as Variable Speed Drive (VSD), Adjustable Frequency AC Drive, Adjustable Speed Drive, or simply an Inverter. Soft Starters are generally used to protect the AC motor from the stress produced by a large amount of electrical inrush when the motor is started or stopped. During start-up, high amount of inrush current is absorbed directly by...
Continuing our article series on Programmable Logic Controller selection, we’ll look next at Rockwell Automation’s line of Allen-Bradley Micro800 PLCs. These controllers are particularly well positioned to tackle basic single-machine control, offering a versatile range of form factor, expansion, and connectivity options. Despite their modest cost and size, the Micro800 series is packed with advanced features that you’d normally expect only of much larger platforms. The Micro800 (and sister MicroLogix) series sits at the micro-scale end of Allen-Bradley’s PLC offerings, just under small-scale options such as the CompactLogix series, and farther yet under large-scale solutions including the flagship ControlLogix series. These series groupings do not translate into differences in quality or reliability – these names only refer to the scale of the applications each family is designed to serve. Where a ControlLogix PLC may control an entire plant, a Micro PLC is a much better fit to...
Allen Bradley has long offered an extensive line of HMI products for any application. From standalone machines to complex control systems integrating entire operations, they provide reliable, accurate, and robust HMIs for any need. These HMIs allow operators, system designers, and technicians access to real-time machine conditions and process status by choosing the appropriately sized HMI product for the required application. Decision-makers from the shop floor level to the back office can count on accurate and highly visualized data to allow them to make the best decision for the situation. Machine Level HMIs The PanelView Plus 6 HMI was one of Allen Bradley’s earlier HMI products. It is now under “End of Life” status but is still available both surplus and refurbished. The PanelView Plus 6 is available in six screen sizes, including 7”, 10”,12.5”, and 15” (designated as the 700, 10000,1250, and 1500 respectively). The Plus 6 is also available in 4” and 6” (400 and 600) as a Plus 6...
Today’s motion control systems require motors that do many different things, such as precise positioning or controlled torque. Servo motors allow for better control of these conditions by allowing a high rpm spin at low torque yet slowing down and increasing torque as states require. With position sensors, encoders, and gearing, microcontrollers can sense the actual versus the desired position and correct it to allow rotors to turn to the machine gear or wheel to the precise position required. These DC motors can be either positional, where precise rotor control is needed, or continuous, turning clockwise or counterclockwise at different programmed speeds. Servo motors are available in numerous sizes, and torque ranges and cost-effective to achieve control in high torque situations. They are best suited for speeds over 2000 rpm where high torque is needed. However, they are limited in positional rotation to 180 degrees. Allen-Bradley has a long history of quality, durable, and robust...
As the de facto standard for industrial programmable logic controllers, Rockwell Automation’s line of Allen-Bradley PLCs covers the full spectrum of application scales, from hobbyist to multi-site systems. In this article, we’ll examine one of the most popular and cost-effective PLC options in Allen-Bradley’s catalog: the MicroLogix 1400 family. MicroLogix Family Overview The MicroLogix series sits at the micro-scale end of Allen-Bradley’s PLC offerings, just under small-scale options such as the CompactLogix series, and farther yet under large-scale solutions including the flagship ControlLogix series. These series groupings aren’t meant to infer differences in quality or reliability – these names only refer to the scale of the applications each family is designed to serve. Where a ControlLogix PLC may control an entire plant, a MicroLogix PLC is a much better fit to control a single machine. The Allen-Bradley MicroLogix family of PLCs is based on two paramount features: compact size...
