June 2021

n TECHNOLOGY June 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com 18 ODVA HAS EXTENDED its EtherNet/IP specification, allowing the network to connect with “resource-constrained” cabinet devices such as pushbuttons and contactors. Previously, cost, size, and power restrictions have limited the use of EtherNet/IP at the edge, where many nodes are still hardwired. ODVA says that extending EtherNet/IP in this way will dramatically increase the return-on- investment of adding the simplest devices to networks. Falling semiconductor chip costs have made it easier to connect simple devices, as evidenced by the rapid expansion of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Now, the growth of EtherNet/IP combined with accelerating IT/OT convergence has made it possible to use EtherNet/IP to connect simple devices in cabinets. The in-cabinet EtherNet/IP bus will reduce the need for interface components by using single- pair Ethernet (SPE) and will cut node costs by using multidrop cabling that spans a cabinet with one interface per device and one switch port that supports many devices. Costs will be further reduced by using cables that combine network and control power, thus avoiding the need for separate cable runs. Configuration switches will be eliminated by enabling discovery based on relative position and allowing direct connection with programming tools for parameterisation. Assembly time will be reduced by eliminating most wire or cable preparation using insulation displacement (piercing) connectors. Plug-and- play replacement of nodes with compatible devices of the same type will be possible without needing engineering tools. “Expanding the connectivity of EtherNet/IP to include devices with the smallest physical footprint and most limited hardware resources opens up tremendous opportunity for further digital transformation within automation at the edge,”says ODVA’s president and executive director, Dr Al Beydoun.“The ability to obtain diagnostic, prognostic, and asset identity information remotely frommore devices will further drive down incidents of unplanned downtime and improve the efficiency of existing assets. “The connection of resource-constrained devices to EtherNet/IP increases the value of existing networks for end-users and reduces the need for secondary lower-level networks and associated gateways,” he adds. www.odva.org Ethernet/IP can now connect to simple devices such as pushbuttons p Maxon and its Zub subsidiary have created an easy-to-learn programming language by translating the ApossIDE (Integrated Development Environment) used to programZubMacs controllers, into C.The new language, ApossC, allows complex positioning and synchronisation functions to be executedwith simple commands, running autonomously as background tasks. All Macs components can be programmed freely and flexibly, allowing drives to performmotion profiles accurately, and giving faster results and shorter development times. www.maxongroup.co.uk p Integral e-Drive , based inMilton Keynes, has launched a family of high-performance electric motors with peak power ratings of up to 400kWand 520Nm, available off-the-shelf in sample quantities. The compact CTSM242motors, aimed at automotive applications, weigh less than 30kg and can deliver continuous peak power of up to 12.5kW/kg and a top speed of 15,000 rpm.When usedwith Integral’s SiC inverters, themotors are said to offer“unparalleled” efficiency and control dynamics. https://integralp.com p Infinitum Electric , theTexan developer of high-efficiencymotors with air-core stators, has expanded the available power and frame sizes for its IEs Series motors to includemore models from5-15hp (3.7-11.2kW). It claims that themotors offer class-leading efficiency in a package that is 50% lighter, smaller and much quieter than conventional motors.The motors have embeddedVSDs and IoT capabilities. Infinitumhas also raised $40m in Series C funding to scale up production of the IEs motors and develop its IEmmotors for EVs. www.infinitumelectric.com p The OPC Foundation and 5G-ACIA (the 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation) have signed amemorandumof understanding to identify synergies associatedwith running OPC UA over 5G for industrial applications.They plan to integrate OPC UAwith 5G, improving wireless communication reliability and latency, and opening up applications such as mobile robots.They will develop an extended layered stack architecture of OPC UA on top of 5G. www.opcfoundation.org www.5g-acia.org p Inspekto has launched a second generation of its autonomous machine vision system for industrial quality inspection, supportingmore uses and allowing reliable inspection in tough applications involving reflectivematerials, moving parts and vibrating platforms. Gen 2 of the Inspekto S70 system is an off-the-shelf edge device that can be installed in 45minutes, without expertise inmachine vision or AI. Built-in PWM- controlled 5000K LEDs allow the system to control the direction of the illumination autonomously and take several images with varying lighting.These are fused to create a reflection-less HDR image. www.inspekto.com TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS NSK CLAIMS to have an answer to the problem of machine tool quadrant glitches that occur during circular interpolation routines. It has developed a “world- first” technology that stabilises friction when a ballscrew reverses its direction of motion, significantly reducing the likelihood of these glitches. Circular interpolation is performed on machine tools such as CNC machining centres and milling machines. Defined as motion along a circular arc, it requires precise coordination of two axes. During interpolation, friction can arise when a ballscrew reverses, resulting in a deviation from the intended path. These errors, known as quadrant glitches, leave minute imperfections in workpiece surfaces. The usual way to address the issue is to apply software compensation in the servo controller. However, the frictional variations are difficult to predict and software cannot provide full compensation. NSK says it is using friction control and precision measurement to reduce the fluctuations. By fitting the new ballscrews to machine tools, it will be possible to achieve higher quality surface finishes. NSK predicts that the technology will reduce the need for secondary polishing and burnishing processes and will help to save energy. www.nskeurope.com n Ballscrews reduce CNC interpolation glitches The extended EtherNet/IP specification supports links to simple cabinet devices such as pushbuttons