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Plug-in machine controller

07 January 2009

Baldor has launched a plug-in motion/machine control module for its Ethernet-compatible Powerlink drives. The controller module eliminates the need for a separate external network controller as well as cabling and panel space that would normally be required.

Plug-in machine controller

The Mint Machine Module plugs into a hardware expansion slot in any of Baldor's MotiFlex range of Powerlink-compatible three-phase AC motor drives. Two variations of the card are offered: a dual-axis version that will control the host Powerlink drive plus another external drive via a conventional analogue interface, or a high-speed version that will also act as a Powerlink network controller to manage a complete multi-axis control system.

The basic dual-axis version of the card will convert a MotiFlex drive into a very economic 'intelligent drive'. This provides a complete standalone motion control solution with the possibility of local I/O and HMI: all drives include a complement of digital and analogue I/O and this may be expanded easily via further card slots or the drive's CANopen fieldbus interface. The card offers a traditional analogue interface that is ideal for controlling a low-cost frequency inverter drive.