April 2021

47 www.drivesncontrols.com April 2021 NEW PRODUCTS n Mitsubishi Electric has released an OEM machine-builder kit consisting of a Melsec iQ-F FX5U PLC, a GOT2000 HMI and Melsoft iQ Works2 programming software. The kit can be used to develop new machines, and can be expanded to use safety modules to support more advanced applications. Users can access a technical library and centralised data repository to support the development of new systems. Resources such as e- learning courses, start-up guides and videos, template projects and examples of programming code will be included. https://gb3a.mitsubishielectric.com Beckhoff has added a new function to its TwinCat automation software that simplifies integration with Siemens S7 controllers. The function (TF6620) allows variables to be written and read to and from an S7 controller. The PLC application program carries this out directly – either via dynamically parameterisable PLC function blocks, or via configurable I/O mapping. No extra hardware is needed and the local TCP/IP network serves as the transport medium. www.beckhoff.com/twincat3 Rockwell Automation has upgraded several of its Allen- Bradley PowerFlex VSDs. Corrosive gas protection is now standard on its 755TL, TR and TM drives. The 755T drives now have an embedded Gigabit-capable dual Ethernet port, while firmware updates have improved security, optimised maintenance resources and energy use, and made it easier to view and interact with predictive maintenance functions. Other improvements to the 755T include frequency control modes for synchronous reluctance motors, and an option card that supports the TLink high-speed drive-to-drive fibre optic communications network for tight coordination of torque or speed between drives. https://www.rockwellautomation . com/en-gb igus has developed an energy chain that guides cable safely in unsupported and long travels. The bionically-inspired E4Q chain is 10% lighter, but tougher, than the previous E4.1 chains, while crossbars with locking tabs are said to cut assembly times by up to 40%. The chain can be opened and closed without using tools. A new interior separation system uses universal separators placed on the chain crossbars, and lockable shelves, which keep cables on different layers. The cable-protecting separators have fixtures for inserting the shelves. To assemble the interior system, the separators are placed on the crossbars, then the shelves can be pushed into the required level from either side, along the inner or outer radius. A mechanism in the separators locks the chain automatically when closing. An integrated slider locks the shelves in place, even when the cable system accelerates quickly. To modify the interior separation, users simply open the crossbar, unlock the shelf via the lateral slider and pull it out. They can calculate the service life of their e-chain online. The system has a 36-month guarantee. Igus 01604 677240 https://www.igus.co.uk/info/e- chain-e4q-r4q Yokogawa has added an instrument to its ScopeCorder family of portable multi-channel data-acquisition recorders that is faster and has more channels and data acquisition functions than earlier versions. The DL950 ScopeCorder provides detailed views of an application’s electrical and mechanical behaviour. It can be used, for example, to test drives, motors, robots, sensors and serial buses. The instrument combines the high-speed sampling capabilities of an oscilloscope with the long- term data recording capabilities of a recorder. It can measure signals at high bit resolutions while securing data in harsh environments. Compared to the previous DL850E model, the similarly-priced fourth-generation instrument can handle more data at faster sample rates and with longer recording times. It has a 200 megasample per second sample rate at 14 bits, compared to the DL850E’s 100 MS/s at 12 bits. This doubles the sample rate, and provides much more detail. The DL950 can run up to 32 isolsted analogue channels at 10 MS/s, 16-bit, or up to 128 digital channels. There is a choice of 21 input modules, including 12-, 14- and 16-bit isolation modules, universal voltage/temperature modules, acceleration/voltage modules, strain modules and frequency modules. The DL950 has a 12.1” touchscreen that is bigger than before and reduces the need for hardware buttons. Yokogawa Test & Measurement http://tmi.yokogawa.com/eu Energy chain is lighter and up to 40% faster to assemble Herga has combined Bluetooth and USB switching technologies to produce a wireless control system that allows up to four footswitches to emulate single or multiple keystrokes or mouse clicks to control PC-based systems. The hands-free technology uses a PAN (personal area network) enabled Bluetooth receiver that pairs with single- or multi-pedal Bluetooth footswitches, and also connects with Windows, Linux and Mac systems via a USB 2.0 port, using a simple plug-and- play set-up. It can emulate up to three keystrokes, for combined commands such as such as Alt/Ctrl/Del. The 6311-BLE2 wireless receiver allows machines to be operated remotely from footswitches. It has a 10m range (or up to 25m for line-of-sight) with a switchable latency delay of 100 or 200ms at 10m. Powered via its USB port, the receiver includes an LED that indicates both pairing and the footswitch battery condition. Also included is a user-selectable timeout function of 15 or 60s for to conserve the footswitch battery. The switch wakes automatically when the pedal is pressed. Herga Technology 01284 701422 www.herga.com Wireless link allows footswitches to emulate PC keystrokes Combined ‘scope and data recorder can analyse drives and motors