Drives & Controls May 2022

54 n NEW PRODUCTS May 2022 www.drivesncontrols.com Wieland has developed a compact motor starter with an integrated STO (Safe Torque Off ) function that allows the power supply to be disconnected from emergency-stop circuits. The podis MS 5HP starter’s STO circuits do not need to be routed over long distances to a central distributor and assigned to a specific energy branch. This reduces susceptibility to interference and offers benefits for planning and installation. The IP65-protected starter covers ratings from 0.25-4kW in one size and offers safety to SIL 3/ PL e. All of the starters in an emergency-stop circuit are connected to STO female sockets, and the STO circuit is monitored and controlled by an auxiliary voltage generated in the field, as well as a two- channel safety relay. Multiple STO circuits can be powered by one supply. Using an energy bus system, such as Wieland Electric's podis 5G6, can separate energy and signals. Energy distribution for multiple starters and motors can be combined on one line with one feed, saving space in cable trays and simplifying control panel wiring. The starter can be programmed using DIP switches. Users can be guided to set up the motor and applications by aWeb guide. A service switch can turn off drives safely for maintenance or repairs by disconnecting individual lines or consumers from the power supply without shutting down the entire system. The built-in supply creates a 24V DC auxiliary for sensors without using the neutral wire, eliminating the need for separate cabling. Wieland Electric 01483 531213 www.wieland.co.uk Wago has released a compact controller with a real-time Linux operating system, which can be programmed using Codesys V3, but can also be used for IEC 61131-independent engineering with, for instance, Node-Red, Python or C++. The Docker virtualisation environment can be installed to make the Compact Controller 100 a full- fledged IIoT device with gateway functions, thus combining the requirements of two different domains within one device. Because it has a built-in DIN- rail, the controller can be mounted in small distribution boards. The I/O is housed with the controller in a compact enclosure, so no extra space is needed for other control components. The wiring interface is removable, simplifying installation and commissioning. Wago 01788 568 008 www.wago.com Beckhoff ’s MX system, which removes the need for control cabinets, is now available in the UK. The modular system, announced in Germany last year, supplies electrical power and EtherCat communication from a baseplate to plug-in modules that connect directly to nearby applications. Beckhoff says that plug-and-play design can cut installation times from 24 hours to 1 hour. The baseplate contains up to three rows, with up to 24 slots per row. These slots can distribute different voltages. They communicate using EtherCat, with each module connected to the baseplate acting as a separate EtherCat device. Diagnostics are available for the whole system. Power feedmodules (available in 16, 32 and 63A ratings) can be replaced when the system is de- energised. A load-break switch acts as a main switch, so that the system can also be de-energised under load, making it safe to maintain. Mains and DC link voltages are distributed over the backplane, which can handle up to 63A. 400V and 600V AC voltages can be fed to other MX baseplate stations using feeder modules. The use of EtherCat communications means that complex machines can achieve cycle times of around 1ms. It also allows modules to be added or exchanged during operation, and supports TwinSafe. Beckhoff Automation 01491 410539 www.beckhoff.co.uk igus has launched a plug-and- play energy chain system that allows assembled e-chain systems to be connected in seconds, without any tools. This can cut machine assembly times by up to 80%, as well as reducing downtime and planned maintenance work, according to the company. The compact – 20mmwide and high – readychain micro-speed system can be installed in tight spaces. It is not necessary to use tools to separate the wires from terminal blocks before changing a cable, because the plugs are integrated into the energy chain and the cable is connected on both sides. The counterpart – an attachment housing with socket – can be fitted to the machine housing. Usually, defective cables can result in machine downtime and follow-up costs that can reach several thousand pounds. With the new e-chain, if cables fail, they can be replaced quickly, putting machines back into service almost immediately. If a cable change is needed, the plug-in system can be replaced as easily as a laptop power lead. The e-chain can be used with cables from igus' chainflex range, including power, bus, Ethernet and fibre optic cables. Igus UK 01604 677240 www.igus.co.uk Decentralised motor starter simplifies planning and installation Compact controller can add virtualisation functions Pluggable energy chain can cut assembly times by up to 80% Eliminating control cabinets cuts installation times from 24h to 1h