Less is more – with One Cable Technology

In intralogistics or in the field of packaging machines, it is not uncommon to find a large number of drive controllers in the user's control cabinet. This results in numerous cables that not only take up valuable space but can also mean additional work during installation, for example. By using hybrid cables that combine data and power flow, one cable per drive can be saved. At KEB, this function is primarily available for applications in the lower power range. The COMBIVERT F6 drive controllers ( housings 2 and 3) and the COMBIVERT S6 servo drives (housings 2 and 4) with the PRO control card now support HIPERFACE DSL as a single-cable solution in the range up to 37 kW. This is a digital motor feedback protocol that replaces the classic encoder feedback with two wires in the motor cable – without compromising on interference immunity in data transmission.

Advantages of single-cable technology

"At KEB, OCT can be implemented in particular for connecting drives to servo motors – such as the TA or DL 3 series. We can currently map cable lengths of 50 metres. It is especially practical for users that KEB supplies everything needed for OCT from a single source – from the drive and motor to the cable," says Timo Geisler, Product Manager Drives at KEB.

By eliminating the need for a separate encoder cable, plant and machine builders reduce acquisition costs, and the reduced wiring effort on the plant or in the control cabinet also ensures a noticeable optimisation of efficiency. Motors can be implemented in a more compact design, as the number of connections required on the motor is reduced. "Using only one cable between the frequency converter and the motor reduces the drag chain by half and enables faster cabling with fewer sources of error," says Geisler.

Basically, installation is faster due to the reduced number of components, and personnel and time resources can also be optimised for maintenance measures. In addition, HIPERFACE DSL is planned to enable continuous condition monitoring for the servo drive in the near future. Remote monitoring of temperature, speed, supply voltage and rotational speed can then be implemented over the entire service life.

How is OCT used?

The connection to the F6 or S6 drives in the PRO device variant is made via the X1C interface at the inputs for the motor temperature sensor. On the other hand, motors with appropriate encoders and motor connections are required in order to benefit from the advantages of OCT. KEB also provides the necessary hybrid cables, which feature adapted EMC shielding. In combination with the drives and motors designed for OCT, this creates an exciting system solution for a wide range of applications.