February 2020

TECHNOLOGY n 23 www.drivesncontrols.com February 2020 SIEMENS HAS adopted a power semiconductor technology based on gallium nitride (GaN) for a new range of extra-low-voltage servodrives that it launched at the recent SPS show in Germany. The GaN devices are said to deliver benefits in terms of power density, efficiency and robustness. The Simatic Micro-Drive range is designed to control EC (electronically commutated) motors with outputs from 11– 1,000W operating at voltages from 24–48V. The four-quadrant drives, with built-in safety functions, can be used either with an integrated brake chopper on a power supply, or on batteries. “With the GaN Systems devices, we are now able to increase the efficiency of the drives,”says Christian Neugebauer, Siemens’ product manager for the Micro- Drives.“With GaN, Siemens can switch to a higher frequency, thereby enabling a faster motor response time compared with high-voltage drive systems.” The GaN devices are being supplied by the Canadian semiconductor specialist, GaN Systems, which claims to be the global leader in this technology. “We are thrilled to see that the efforts that Siemens and GaN Systems have invested are now being realised,” says GaN Systems’ CEO, JimWitham. “No longer is the GaN conversation about ‘if or when’. Clearly, it is ‘now.’” GaN devices boost the efficiency of ELV servodrives Staubli is a trademark of Stäubli International AG, registered in Switzerland and other countries. © Stäubli 2020 | Photocredits: Stäubli Your success thanks to our high quality standards: CombiTac, the modular connector system, performs outstandigly well even under the most demanding conditions and impresses with its high-quality material. Its float mounting easily compensates for misalign- ments during the mating process. You can count on global, all-round support from our CombiTac experts. Experience, combined with quality and modularity, ensures durable and cost-efficient solutions. New CombiTac configurator – configuration has never been easier! Find out more: www.staubli.com/electrical CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN COMBITAC CombiTac Plug into quality ABB HAS ANNOUNCED an IP67-rated version of its smallest and fastest industrial robot – the IRB 1100 – as well as a matching IP54-protected controller. The IP67 protection will allow the robot to be used in applications that generate dust, water and debris, such as polishing, wet grinding, buffing and deburring. The robot can handle payloads of up to 4kg and is claimed to offer the best repeatability in its class. It is available with a reach of either 475mm or 580mm. The entire body has an IP67 rating, with all electrical components being sealed against contaminants. The matching OmniCore C90XT controller is said to bring best- in-class motion control and path accuracy to harsh environments. ABB says that it is the smallest high-protection-class industrial robot controller on the market. Its IP54 protection allows it to be installed near dirty, wet and dusty processes. There is internal space to accommodate extra equipment for communications, conveyor tracking and external axes. “The IRB 1100 has consistently outperformed similar robots in payload and position repeatability, while our OmniCore controller is already recognised for its best-in-class path accuracy and cycle times,” says Steve Wyatt, head of portfolio and digital at ABB Robotics and Discrete Automation. “Now with an enhanced protection rating for harsh environments, the IRB 1100 and C90XT controller are ready to take on the toughest workplaces, while maintaining the high standards of reliability and fast cycle times that our customers’ demand.” www.abb.com/robotics IP67 protection opens up new uses for ABB’s smallest, fastest robot ABB’s IP67-protected robot (right) and its IP54 controller

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