Network Interface Modules Allow Remote Motor Configuration

May 29, 2000

Remote configuration and control are now possible for single-phase ac motor controllers with the S1631XXX (115 V) and SO1731XXX (230 V) network interface modules. These options are part of Anacon Systems' DigiDrive II modular motor-controller series. Members of this group continuously control the speed of 0.10- to 1-hp single-phase induction motors.

One advantage of these new features is that they provide OEMs with increased flexibility. Now, designs of variable-speed single-phase motor controllers can be customized. An RS-232/IrDA interface port makes a motor controller easier to configure. Through an RS-485 port, the motor control can be remotely accessed for configuration and diagnostics. Built-in Anacon emWare network-compatible software makes the units easy to set up and operate. The RS-485 port also allows for software platforms other than emWare to be used. Therefore, real-time remote access is given to motor drive performance, and motor systems can be linked together in a common network. As a result, remote monitoring and readjustment are possible.

Customers can select from four additional signal control ports and a speed-control buffered output port (10 mV/Hz). These add to the 11 configuration functions that are already available.

Sample quantities of the SO1631XrXX DigiDrive II series range upward from $190 each. Unit pricing for quantities of 1000 starts at $90.

Anacon Systems Inc., 1043 Shoreline Blvd., Suite 202, Mountain View, CA 94043; (650) 934-3355; fax: (650) 934-3356; www.anaconsystems.com.

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.