May 2005

By making it easy to implement registration control systems which can operate at in excess of 100 metres per minute with an accuracy approaching ± 0.1mm - not just at full speed but also while running up to speed - the new Q-Drive intelligent servo drive from Quin Systems Limited dramatically reduces waste in converting, printing, embossing and packaging applications.

The stable and accurate operation during run-up offered by Q-Drives means that machine starting and stopping no longer leads to the production of large amounts of scrap material. The result is not only significant savings in material costs, but also increased productivity.

Available in single- and three-phase versions with ratings up to 30A, Q-Drive intelligent servo drives are built around a high-performance high-bandwidth DSP controller. This is complemented by a separate 32-bit processor which supports full motion and logic control, along with analogue and digital inputs and outputs.

The drives can be used in conjunction with incremental or absolute encoders, as well as resolvers. For applications requiring the highest levels of accuracy, SinCoder/SinCos feedback devices are also supported. These offer a resolution at least 16 times better than that offered by a typical standard resolver.

With Q-Drives, all drive and controller parameters can be programmed via the unit's serial port, or via a network connection. The straightforward set-up process is highly automated and guidance for the user is provided throughout. Powerful diagnostic facilities are available in the form of a built-in high-resolution oscilloscope function which can be used to monitor current, velocity and even drive temperature.

Where cam profiles or non-linear motions are required, these can readily be programmed using the optional PTS Motion Generator software package. With a convenient graphical user interface, this package automatically optimises the profile for the smoothest possible operation in line with the application's position, velocity and acceleration constraints. For added convenience, profiles may be generated and changed on the fly.

As standard, the drives feature digital inputs and outputs, together with analogue input which means, for example, that tension and registration control systems can, in many cases, be implemented without the need to use a separate PLC. Since the drives also support connection to an extensive range of electronic operator interface (HMI) panels, they form an ideal basis for compact, cost-effective control systems.

Additional versatility is offered by two serial ports and a CANbus interface, which allow the use of expansion I/O and, should it prove necessary, the connection of an external PLC. For larger installations, drives in the Q-Drive range can be linked via a Servonet network, providing fully distributed motion control with no loss of bandwidth. This feature also makes extending existing Q-Drive installations a straightforward and inexpensive task.