Electrical switching & drive systems & components


New generation of drives from Beckhoff: compact servo drive AX5000

Fourth Quarter 2006 Electrical switching & drive systems & components Surveillance AI & Data Analytics

The AX5000 Servo Drive product line from Beckhoff sets new standards in drive performance. The AX5000 series is available in single- or multichannel form and is optimised for exceptional functionality and cost-effectiveness. 2-channel servo drives with variable motor output allocation optimise the packaging density and the costs per drive channel. The drives utilise EtherCAT as a high-performance communication system and providing an ideal interface with PC-based control technology.

The AX5000 Servo Drive series complements the Beckhoff drive range with a new generation of drives. Featuring integrated, high-speed control technology with a current control cycle of up to 31,25 μs supports fast and highly dynamic positioning tasks. The drives are designed for 1- or 2-channel servo drives:

* AX51xx.

* 1-channel servo drive.

* Rated motor current: 1 A, 3 A, 6 A, 12 A (18 A, 25 A, 50 A, 75 A in preparation).

* Wide voltage range of 100 to 480 V a.c. ±10%

* AX52xx.

* 2-channel servo drive.

* Rated motor current: 2 x 1 A, 2 x 3 A, 2 x 6 A.

* Flexible allocation of the total device current to both axes.

The 2-channel servo drives with variable motor output allocation enable operation of two motors with identical or even with different capacity on a single servo drive. An asynchronous motor with a rated current of 1 A and linear motor with a rated current of 9 A can be operated with a 2 x 6 A servo drive, for example. The total current is relevant for the device utilisation.

Optimised for multi-axis applications

The AX5000 Servo Drive system enables simple and fast connection of several drives to form a multi-axis system. The pluggable supply and connection module 'AX-Bridge' combines power supply, DC link, and 24 V d.c. control and braking voltage. It enables a fast installation and commissioning.

The AX5000 offers flexible and universal connection options. The module supports almost any feedback system and motor type including synchronous, linear or asynchronous motors.

Each AX5000 Servo Drive features eight additional on-board, programmable, digital I/Os for functions such as enable, output stage lock or axis limit switch. Due to the short response time of 11 μs they can also be used as capture inputs.

The EtherCAT drive with outstanding performance

The AX5000 was developed specifically for use with the EtherCAT realtime Ethernet system. The outstanding features of EtherCAT are particularly beneficial for drive technology. They include short cycle time, synchronicity and simultaneity. A cycle time of 125 μs enables set values and actual values to be exchanged cyclically with more than 100 drives.

The AX5000 Servo Drives are fully integrated into the TwinCAT automation software. The combination of TwinCAT and AX5000 offers a high-performance motion control solution for NC and CNC applications.

TwinSAFE: Integrated safety

The system can be expanded with optional cards to meet different safety requirements. The optional AX5800 card offers personal protection against inadvertent restart of the drive axis. The optional AX5805 card enables connection of an independent, safety-relevant drive axis via digital I/Os or of a drive axis that is fully integrated into TwinSAFE, according to safety category 3. TwinSAFE enables integrated automation, ranging from digital inputs and logic systems to drives or digital outputs.

Variable cooling concept

The specially developed heatsink enables fanless operation of the AX5000 through natural convection up to 2 x 3 A rated current. Devices with higher output feature integrated, temperature-controlled ventilation. The rear of the AX5000 is designed as a cold plate and enables straightforward installation on common cooling systems.

The AX5000 can be connected to a wide range of voltage systems worldwide without additional components. The wide voltage range covers the range 1 x 100 V a.c. to 3 x 480 V a.c. This significantly reduces the inventory management effort for the machine manufacturer and minimises the risk of damage through incorrect mains connection. The device features integrated filters for the power supply and the 24 V auxiliary supply for operation directly from the mains.

For more information contact Beckhoff Automation, +27 (0) 11 792 3374.





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

AI for retail risk management
Surveillance Retail (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
As businesses face mounting challenges in a volatile economic environment, Ares-i remains an essential tool for proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that threaten operational stability and customer satisfaction.

Read more...
The need for integrated control room displays
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
Display walls provide a coordinated perspective that facilitates the ongoing feel for situations, assists in the coordination of resources to deal with the situation, and facilitates follow up by response personnel.

Read more...
Top five AIoT trends for 2025
Hikvision South Africa IoT & Automation AI & Data Analytics Facilities & Building Management
Hikvision highlights that with technological advances, AIoT (AI-powered Internet of Things) is transforming industries not just by enhancing security, but also by making the world smarter and more efficient.

Read more...
New generation low power frequency inverters
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG Electrical switching & drive systems & components
New to BMG’s electromechanical range are energy-efficient Synergy PI150 series frequency inverters, which have been designed for efficient use in many applications.

Read more...
Planar motor system for quality assurance
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Achieving the shortest possible inspection times, even when working with different components, is paramount when it comes to series production. This is precisely what special machine builder, stoba Sondermaschinen set out to achieve with its InspectorONE optical inspection system, which is based on deep learning and features the Beckhoff XPlanar planar motor system at the conveyor system core.

Read more...
Siemens elevates automotive and aerospace simulation
Siemens South Africa Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced the latest update to its Simcenter portfolio, delivering advancements in aerostructure analysis, electric motor design, gear optimisation and smart virtual sensing. These enhancements are designed to streamline workflows, accelerate certification and provide deeper insights into system performance.

Read more...
Turbomachinery controls: the call of duty
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical switching & drive systems & components
There’s a lot to be said about the unsung heroes of this world; those men, women and machines that deliver such important functions, often overlooked and recognised. One such machine is turbomachinery, and while the name does sound quite obvious to the layman, its rich history and daily functions are not.

Read more...
More movement in the market
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech aims to revolutionise the market for precision motion and machine controls with an intuitive control platform.

Read more...
Motion technology for all types of automation
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG News & events Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has been appointed by The Timken Company as a distributor in southern Africa for the Rollon linear motion guidance system.

Read more...
Servo motor series for explosive environments with expanded certification
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Parker Hannifin’s ongoing commitment to safety and performance in hazardous environments is evident in the new certifications and product improvements for its EY and EX servo motor series.

Read more...