What is the relationship between an integrated drive and modularity?
 

Why are the new PacDrive iSH Series integrated drives called “Intelligent Servo Modules?”
 

How does iSH affect my engineering?
 

Can I completely eliminate electrical cabinets when applying PacDrive iSH technology?
 

Is it possible to combine Intelligent Servo Modules with conventional MC-4 drive-based servos?
 

What is special about the cabling concept?
 

What is the impact of PacDrive iSH technology on machine serviceability and spares inventory?
 

Can I retrofit existing machines with iSH?
 

When will PacDrive iSH technology be widely available?

 
 

What is the relationship between an integrated drive and modularity?

Modular machine design divides the mechanical construction of a machine into independent modules. These mechanical modules are mapped onto corresponding control software modules to create functional units that are readily reused or reconfigured.  Machines equipped with the PacDrive™ automation system have demonstrated mechanical and software modularity for quite some time.   But they were not as electronically modular as they can be with Intelligent Servo Modules.

Intelligent Servo Module technology is the next logical advance in machine modularity. It distributes the electronic componentry away from a centralized electrical cabinet and directly onto the machine modules they control.  This is revolutionary in its ability to achieve plug-and-play modularity.
 
 

Why are the new PacDrive iSH Series integrated drives called “Intelligent Servo Modules?”

For ELAU, the PacDrive iSH Series is not just another integrated motor/drive.  It is a system that completes the modularity triad – software, mechanical and now electronic hardware.

Unique functionalities clearly distinguish the PacDrive iSH from conventional drives. The integration of the drive electronics into the motor is innovative; and in addition, an I/O module can be integrated that can control up to 8 I/O point right on the drive.

Even the basic version already comes with integrated safety functionalities that can be further upgraded via an additional optional module. Hence, the PacDrive iSH is an integrated servo drive that combines sensors, actuators, motion and safety functionalities in an intelligent module.
 
 

How does iSH affect my engineering?

PacDrive iSH technology simplifies hardware engineering. The cabling that connects motors to the control cabinet is reduced by up to 90%.  Thanks to the single cable drops between distribution boxes and servo modules, cabling is reduce by approximately 50% overall.

Instead of leaving up to 30% free space in the control cabinet to allow for future expansion,  additional servos can be retrofitted later with no impact on cabinet size.  Initial cabinet size is reduced by the number of servo drives on the machine, and no separate line interface modules or servo interface modules are required in the PacDrive system.

Combined with ELAU’s software modularity, the Intelligent Servo Module technology can reduce the electrical engineering time on a machine by as much as 30%.
 
 

Can I completely eliminate electrical cabinets when applying PacDrive iSH technology?

Their size and cost can be reduced significantly but not eliminated. PacDrive iSH technology utilizes a cabinet-mounted PacDrive automation controller and centralized power supply. However, the cabinet space required for the entire servo system can be reduced by up to 90%, using a 16-axis system for an example.  And of course, there are other electrical components that go in a control cabinet.
 
 

Is it possible to combine Intelligent Servo Modules with conventional MC-4 drive-based servos?

In some applications, the combination of conventional MC-4 driver technology (with MC-4) and PacDrive iSH technology makes sense, and it’s easily implemented.  The MC-4 servo drives and PS-5 power supplies are connected to the controller in the electrical cabinet.´
 
 

What is special about the cabling concept?

A cabling concept that only provides a rigid topology offers only a limited degree of modularity. Modular, machine mounted distribution boxes provide the hubs by which each machine module physically plugs into its Intelligent Servo Modules and plugs into the next machine module.  This is a deceptively simple but game-changing technology.

Conventional integrated motor/drives network one motor/drive to another with no easy way to swap machine modules in or out, or to add or remove motor/drives to change the module’s functionality. The quick-connect snap-fit cable connectors greatly simplify installation and replacement.  And they make it impossible to accidentally cross power leads or pinch small-gauge encoder wires.

In addition, the PacDrive iSH concept covers tree, star and line structures, in any combination.  Most others are limited to a single topology.
 
 

What is special about the cabling concept?

A cabling concept that only provides a rigid topology offers only a limited degree of modularity. Modular, machine mounted distribution boxes provide the hubs by which each machine module physically plugs into its Intelligent Servo Modules and plugs into the next machine module.  This is a deceptively simple but game-changing technology.

Conventional integrated motor/drives network one motor/drive to another with no easy way to swap machine modules in or out, or to add or remove motor/drives to change the module’s functionality. The quick-connect snap-fit cable connectors greatly simplify installation and replacement.  And they make it impossible to accidentally cross power leads or pinch small-gauge encoder wires.

In addition, the PacDrive iSH concept covers tree, star and line structures, in any combination.  Most others are limited to a single topology.
 
 

Can I retrofit existing machines with iSH?

Generally, yes. However, it must be pointed out that the control system needs to be updated to the current software version so that full PacDrive iSH functionality is available.
 
 

When will PacDrive iSH technology be widely available?

Now.  The first pilot projects using Intelligent Servo Module technology were completed in late 2006. PacDrive iSH is now in full commercial production and can be ordered and delivered worldwide.