JVL ServoStep Integrated Stepper Motors See New Upgrades

Servo motor, stepper motor, and motion controller supplier JVL has recently announced some upgrades to existing product lines. The new upgrades include dual analog outputs, built-in IO-Link communication, and simplified synchronization for JVL’s ServoStep integrated stepper motors.

Select JVL ServoStep integrated stepper motors are now available with both 0-10 VDC and 4-20 mA analog outputs. Image used courtesy of JVL

4-20 mA / 0-10 VDC Analog Outputs

An analog output from a stepper motor is typically used for position or speed. If your motor only has one analog output, you will need to choose which is more important to your application. JVL’s MIS and SMC line of ServoStep integrated stepper motors recently got an upgrade to allow for two isolated analog outputs that can be configured to represent either position or speed. The two outputs are 0-10 VDC and 4-20 mA and are galvanically isolated to prevent dirty signals and for increased safety. The outputs can be used in conjunction with a chosen fieldbus and will not interfere with the communication protocol of your choice. Offering two versions of configurable analog signals allows the selected motors to be used more flexibly in process applications.

IO-Link topology is now built directly into JVL integrated stepper motors. Image used courtesy of JVL

IO-Link for Stepper Motor Control

IO-Link is an industrial protocol that sends control, status, and diagnostic information on a standard five-conductor cable back to any popular PLC over their respective protocol. JVL has recently upgraded its ServoStep integrated stepper motors to include IO-Link communication. The built-in JVL IO-Link allows integrators and end users to control and view real-time status and diagnostic data from each stepper motor with the supporting protocol.

With the stepper motor already having an integrated driver, this makes for a compact and single-unit installation. The diagnostic data can be fed into predictive maintenance software to help predict premature failures or when equipment will need to be serviced. The IO-Link protocol also allows for storing parameters on the IO-Link master. This feature allows for fast recovery of failed components with the ability to quickly download all the parameters in a single block of data to new components on the IO-Link network.

JVL’s ServoStep integrated stepper motors are now available with Easy Synchronization, enabling up to 32 axes to be synchronized. Image used courtesy of JVL

“Easy” Motor Synchronization

Synchronizing motors require a master and at least one slave motor. When the master motor moves, the slave motor moves along at the same speed or the same ratio as the master motor. The slave motors move without being commanded like the master motor. This technology is extremely useful when you need to move two or more motors in unison, such as in a seam-tracking welding application or a two-post pressing application. JVL has recently added Easy Synchronization to its ServoStep integrated stepper motors. The software upgrade enables end users to synchronize up to 32 axes at one time and does not require a PLC or motion controller. Because the stepper motors have integrated controllers, they save considerable space in the electrical panel.

Enhancing Motor Control

Electrical motion is a great solution to many automation applications. JVL has set out to stay ahead of the curve by constantly improving and innovating technology in its existing products. The newest updates to its ServoStep motors aim to enhance motion in factory automation and process control applications.