A new generation of servo drives from Mitsubishi Electric supports the CC-Link IE TSN (time-sensitive networking) technology that offers 1 Gbps transmission speed and ensures synchronization across all connected devices. This includes safety devices, which can be connected on the same network as standard control products such as variable speed drives, HMIs and I/Os.

The Melsec MR-J5 series amplifiers can be used with motion modules that can each synchronize up to 256 axes. The system can support three of these modules, allowing installations of up to 768 axes to be controlled, and offers a frequency response of 3.5 kHz and a communication cycle time of 31.25 µs.

The J5 has been released nine years after the previous generation — the J4, which will continue to be available — and adds 25 new frame sizes, including 5 kW and 7 kW models. As well as TSN, the new drives

Source: Mitsubishi Electric(which are backwards-compatible with the earlier models) add technologies including single-cable connections for encoder, power and electromagnetic brake signals, avoiding the risk connection errors, cutting costs and reducing spares. Embedded predictive maintenance functions for both the drive parts and mechanical parts in controlled machines are also included, as is the ability to mix-and-match motor and amplifier voltages (200 V and 400 V), giving more flexibility and achieving faster operating speeds.

A one-touch locking connector eliminates the need to tighten screws; and the inclusion of battery-less 26-bit absolute encoders in the matching motors, designed to generate 67 million pulses per revolution, ensure precision motion and reduce the need for maintenance.

No tuning experience is needed to set up the drives — a quick-tuning function generates all of the gain values automatically in about 0.3 s. Machines are then ready to run as soon as the servo is enabled, cutting commissioning times and effort. The system supports the IEC 61131-3 programming languages.