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Technology
ELAU plugs & plays with Schneider Electric components
ELAU, a company of the Schneider Electric Group, has simplified integration of its parent company’s field bus-equipped automation components into ELAU’s modular automation solution. ‘Easy Integration’ uses IEC compliant function blocks to quickly interface Schneider Electric components over a variety of networks.
As an open automation solution, the ELAU system can be used with all common products that communicate via Profibus, Ethernet/IP, CAN-based networks and CANopen. With its new ‘Easy Integration’ capability, a growing number of Schneider Electric automation components are becoming even easier and faster to integrate into an ELAU packaging automation system.
Consistent with ELAU’s goal of providing fastest way from concept to running machine, the company is developing IEC-61131-3-compliant, configurable Function Blocks, providing bus connections by parameterization instead of by programming. The user implements the Function Blocks in either the ELAU programming template or in the OEM’s existing programming structure.
Already, Advantys STB, OTB, FTB and FTM families of I/O products have been integrated into the ELAU system, including distributed i/O couplers, rated IP20 to IP 67.
Integration of Schneider Electric Altivar ATV 31 and ATV 71 variable frequency drives is also becoming even simpler. Three-phase asynchronous motors from 0.18 kW to 2.2 kW (ATV 31) and from 0.37 kW to 500 kW (ATV 71) integrate nearly as seamlessly into the automation architecture as ELAU’s own servo drives. The VFDs communicate with the ELAU automation controllers via CANopen or Profibus DP. The ATV 71 provides two interfaces, while the ATV 31 uses an Advantys I/O platform for Profibus communication.
Soon, TeSys U drive protection solutions will integrate communications via CANopen, Profibus DP, or Advantys STB I/O modules via Function Block. The TeSys U is a multifunctional contactor/motor protection switch for currents up to 30 A.
The ‘Easy Integration’ program will also be extended to the ICLA motor/drive already supplied by ELAU. Available as a multiphase stepper motor or as a brushless DC motor, the compact drive combines the motor, control and communications electronics in one enclosure. It can be used as a variable speed drive connected via CANopen or Profibus DP. The ICLA fulfills the increasing demand for fully automatic format changeovers in packaging machines.
ELAU’s future vision is to integrate every aspect of packaging machine automation as plug & play software modules, further reducing engineering time.
