COMBIVERT F6 & S6 Drives: Which device variant for which purpose? (Part 3)
What distinguishes the "PRO" device variant of the drive controllers
We have already introduced you to the advantages of the device variants COMPACT and APPLICATION of the COMBIVERT F6 Drive Controllers and COMBIVERT S6 Servo Drives from KEB Automation. In the third and last part of our series you will read everything you need to know about the PRO variant and learn which specifications can provide more efficiency in numerous applications.
In the PRO device variant, fieldbus communication takes place via EtherCAT, just as in the COMPACT or APPLICATION variants. Recently, however, the COMBIVERT F6 and S6 have a new certification: Profinet is now available for controlling the drive controllers. With the real-time Ethernet interface, another standard is available to implement concepts with encoderless safety. Flexible adaptation of the safety functions and limit values is possible via digital I/Os as well as via the safety-oriented fieldbus. And of course functions such as Safe-Torque-Off (STO) and Safe-Brake-Control (SBC) are also available within the framework of functional safety.
Advanced developments for KEB drive controllers
“The F6 and S6 drives from KEB are an established component in the drivetrain of a wide range of applications. Nevertheless, they are continuously being further developed - for instance with regard to the software,” says Tobias Grabbe, Head of Software Development at KEB. “Most recently, for example, we rolled out a helpful protection function for under-mounted brake resistors for our COMBIVERT F6. Among other things, this eliminates the need to handle and set brake resistor data.”
But the Pro variant of the inverters also provides the right drive with other features: for example, in addition to CAN and RS482/232 diagnostics, which are also integrated in the other two device variants, the version has Ethernet as a possible communication interface. Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) implements the safety profile of the F6 and S6 drive controllers, and a multi-encoder interface is optionally possible with the PRO variant.
With a power range from 0.75 kW to 450 kW and the ability to reliably control a variety of different motor technologies, the drive controllers are designed for use in very different application areas. The PRO version in particular is suitable for use in woodworking machines, among other applications, due to its encoderless safety function.
In Part 1 of the series, you can find out about the advantages of the COMPACT version and in Part 2 we will introduce you to the APPLICATION version.