Teknic Introduces Integrated Brushless Servo Motor With Ethernet/IP

Servo motors are widely used in automated equipment for their speed and precision. Each servo motor requires a drive to power it, and it’s the drive that communicates with the PLC. If your system has 10 servo motors, you could have up to 10 servo drives (some drives can power multiple motors).

The latest ClearPath-IP integrated servo motor from Teknic is an all-in-one unit, meaning the drive and communications are integrated into the motor. This topology saves on cabinet space and requires PLC connections.

Teknic’s ClearPath-IP family of servo motors. Image used courtesy of Teknic

Integrated Servo With Ethernet/IP

Teknic’s ClearPath-IP integrated servo motor is available in models ranging from 1/8 to 7.7 peak hp and NEMA 23, 34, 56, 143, and IEC D100 frame sizes. The series also includes wash-down variants. The motor is a brushless servo motor with a high-resolution encoder, and both the drive and communication technologies are integrated directly into the motor.

All models come with a 3-year warranty and start at $260 for velocity-control models and $599 for position-control models. Teknic enables online configuration and purchase for simple procurement.

The ClearPath-IP system is designed with Ethernet/IP, enabling use with popular PLC options, including Rockwell Automation, Omron, and Schneider Electric. Teknic offers EDS files, AOIs, and programming examples to ease the integration schedule.

The ClearPath-IP product line is available in frame sizes NEMA23/34/56/143 and IEC D100. Image used courtesy of Teknic

Synchronization of Multiple Motors

Many automation applications today require synchronizing multiple motors, and the ClearPath-IP system provides sub-200-ns synchronization. Teknic makes this possible by using a synchronizing hub. The hub acts as a gateway between the PLC and the motors. Each hub can connect up to four motors and requires only one IP address for all four motors. Each hub maintains synchronization within 200 ns of each motor connected to it and includes I/O.

Every machine network has a limited number of IP addresses and PLC connections. If you reach the limit of PLC connections, you will need to upgrade your PLC, which can be costly, especially if you are already into integration. With the synchronization hubs, every four motors will have one IP address, yet each motor can be individually controlled from the PLC. This will cut your connections by 1/4 and reduce the number of IP addresses consumed on the network.

A layout of the ClearPath-IP synchronization hub architecture used to reduce network connections. Image used courtesy of Teknic

Compact Motion Control

Standard servo motors require bulky drives that generate heat, need to be installed in electrical cabinets, and require multiple connections, even with a daisy-chaining topology. The future of servo drives is changing. With the ClearPath-IP integrated drive and synchronization hub system, you can save the real estate within the electrical cabinet and reduce the number of PLC connections. The ClearPath-IP motor and drive combo is larger than a typical servo motor, but if you can afford the space in the field, you can save space in your panel and on your network.