A new integrated drive configuration feature within Rockwell Automation ’s RSLogix 5000 v.16 development software has vastly simplified drive configuration and maintenance.
This new software enhancement allows users of Allen-Bradley PowerFlex variable speed drives to consolidate drive system configuration, operation and maintenance into a single integrated environment, thereby reducing installation and set-up times, while optimising operation and performance.
The new integrated drive feature underlines Rockwell Automation’s Premier Integration control philosophy. This minimises the number of necessary software tools, reducing overall ownership costs, along with programming and installation times.
Additional benefits include faster start-up, improved accuracy and easier drive system maintenance.
“Motor control users are constantly seeking simpler solutions that save time without sacrificing performance,” said Rockwell Automation standard drives product manager, Les Cutajar.
“Traditionally, adding a drive to a control system meant learning to work with a different software tool and manage separate drive configuration files. By consolidating this part of the system into a single software package, the management of drives is made far easier, as there is only one software package to purchase and learn.”
The integrated drive configuration feature allows configuration of both controller and drive network connections from a single location, minimising the potential for errors when defining the Ethernet/IP or ControlNet network I/O.
The integrated drive configuration feature also eliminates the task of individually programming the required parameters and tags.
As a result, users no longer have to complete complicated programming functions when installing PowerFlex drives or constantly refer back to user manuals for specific parameter and tag information.
“With integrated drive profiles, the corresponding Logix tag contains the same name as the drive parameter as well as the appropriate data type definitions,” said Cutajar.
“Our research shows that designers using this Premier Integration approach can program PowerFlex drives in Logix-based systems up to 70 per cent faster than competitive drives.”
To simplify maintenance and improve access to information, drive configuration data is saved as part of the RSLogix project file and also stored in the Logix controller.
As a result, there is no need to store and maintain multiple files; users only need one file for both the controller and all drive configurations.
RSLogix 5000 v.16 includes full configuration and download support for the complete Allen-Bradley PowerFlex family of drives, as well as many legacy drive products such as Bulletin 1305 and 1336 drives.