Rockwell Automation Nearly Doubles Input Voltage Capacity for Compact PowerFlex Drive

The newest medium voltage variable drive frequency from Rockwell Automation delivers industry-leading performance in about half the space.

The latest enhancement to the PowerFlex® 6000T drive now accepts up to 13.8 kV primary voltage, nearly twice the input voltage, in a footprint that is only 2310...3010 mm (7.58...9.87 feet) wide. The drive can be applied to 3…4.16 kV applications with high voltage input built in. Plus, high-voltage feeds can be directly connected to the drive from the main distribution line without additional step-down transformer or substation equipment, reducing costs. 

The compact A-Frame design is ideal for new and retrofit industrial applications in IEC markets where industrial space is a premium – specifically for high-voltage primary installations. 

The PowerFlex 6000T drive features TotalFORCE® technology. With real-time operational intelligence, this smart industrial control system:

• Monitors system performance
• Delivers faster commissioning with adaptive control
• Saves energy with economizer mode
• Reduces downtime and repair costs with predictive maintenance alerts
• Makes it easy to start up and troubleshoot all drives on the common control platform

PowerFlex 6000T drives are engineered for managing motor control for demanding applications in heavy industries – oil and gas refining; mining, mineral and metal processing; power generation plants; and water and wastewater treatment facilities.

For more information, visit your local Rockwell Automation sales representative or download procurement specifications.

Rockwell Automation Releases New, Highly Customizable Industrial Monitors

Extensive design options allow machine builders to tailor the ASEM™ 6300 monitors to meet diverse application needs

Rockwell Automation announced the release of a new line of industrial monitors that can help machine builders differentiate their machines and meet a wide range of application needs.

The new Allen-Bradley^® ASEM 6300M industrial monitors, part of the product family formerly known as VersaView^® 6300, offer several design options. These options give machine builders significant freedom to customize the monitors based on factors like cost, performance, and look and feel. Key design options include:

• Stainless-steel models, including IP66K-rated and IP69K-rated options, can meet the needs of users that have washdown requirements.
• Other models are also available to meet different needs, from economical aluminum options to edge-to-edge glass options for sleek, high-end displays.
• Single- and multi-touch displays allow machine builders to match the monitors with their preferred software or to a user’s operating requirements.
• Monitor sizes range from 8.4 to 24 inches and are available in both standard and widescreen formats.
• A long-distance option that will soon be available allows a monitor to be placed up to 100 meters from a PC for applications like extended production lines.

“The ASEM 6300 monitors can be customized for a wide range of applications, helping machine builders set their offerings apart from the competition in both performance and appearance,” said Paramananda Choudhury, business manager of ControlLogix/ interface panel business at Rockwell Automation, Asia Pacific. “By combining high-resolution displays with an ultra-modern appearance, you create monitors that boost the performance of even the most high-performing smart machines.”

All ASEM 6300M monitors have high-resolution displays to deliver critical production information in clear detail. The monitors can display up to four tiles of information on a single screen, giving operators not only insights like performance data and work instructions but also high-resolution videos and real-time camera feeds.

When paired with the Allen-Bradley ASEM 6300B industrial box PCs, the ASEM 6300M industrial monitors can help machine builders realize valuable time savings. The two products connect and integrate seamlessly, reducing the time that engineers need to spend configuring monitors to work with PCs. 

The monitors also provide a standardized cutout for easier replacement. Whether a machine builder chooses a standard or widescreen monitor, they will be able to upgrade to future versions of that monitor without having to alter their machine design.

The ASEM 6300M industrial monitors leverage the expertise and technology of ASEM, a leading provider of digital automation technologies acquired by Rockwell Automation in 2020.

New Micro Controllers and Design Software from Rockwell Automation Optimize Smart Machine Design

Machine builders can design and program standalone machines more efficiently with the new Allen-Bradley Micro850 and Micro870 2080-Lx0E controllers using the latest Connected Components Workbench software release from Rockwell Automation.

These new controllers ease project implementation with the new DNP3 protocol, a set of open standard communication protocols used in SCADA and remote monitoring systems for precise data reporting. The controllers also have expanded DF1 support, two-way simultaneous and two-way alternate communications, to help improve CIP Serial communications through full- and half-duplex and radio modem modes.

These connectivity capabilities address more application requirements, specifically in the water/wastewater industry. In addition, the extended protocol support minimizes conversion risk for MicroLogix to Micro800 control system modernization. Users can boost productivity with the improved controller execution and I/O response performance, which speed up the design process for faster project development.

The new and improved capabilities in Connected Components Workbench software version 20.01 help advance design efficiency. The software simplifies the development of standalone machines that are built with the Rockwell Automation Micro Control System. Users can save development time through faster data transfer rates with upload and download performance improvement by 23% and 40% respectively.

The latest software release helps to ease configuration and address more water/wastewater application requirements with the expanded DNP3 and DF1 support, including half-duplex and radio modem modes. It can also improve system security through a new password set/verify and user project encryption/decryption in the plug-in memory module.

Connected Components Workbench software version 20.01 is the required minimum for Micro850 and Micro870 2080-Lx0E controllers. Users can benefit from a more secure programming environment with enhanced encryption between the software and the new controllers, and increased protocol authentication with Secure Authentication version 5 (Sav5) in DNP3 communication.

Rockwell Automation Enhances Performance and Application Flexibility with Series Change to its 855H Industrial Electronic Horns and Combination Units

Rockwell Automation has initiated a series change for selected frame sizes of Allen-Bradley 855H industrial electronic horns and combination units (horns with attached beacon) to offer a higher degree of performance and to address a broader range of audible and visual applications on your plant floor.

This series change also will affect the 855H recordable horn combination units as well as our metal horn combination units. Shipping of the new product series started in April 2022 for the recordable and metal horn combination units, with updated high-performance horns anticipated to ship in June 2022.

In most cases, the new Frame B, C and E 855H industrial electronic horns are drop-in replacements for the previous products, however, the new series offers several advantages over the current series:

• 64 Tone table with 4 stages selectable via external wiring to annunciate a greater number of machine- or equipment-critical conditions.
• Extended operating voltage range:10-60V DC units and 24-260V or 100-240V AC versions
• Negative and positive switching for horn stage control
• DIP-switch selectable pre-determined tones for stages 1, 2 and 3 as well as independent selection of stage 2 tone
• Multiple lens options for quick and easy change of beacon color in the field
• Vertically-mounted Xenon strobe beacons (Frame C and E combination units) for increased visibility

The new 855H recordable horn and metal horn combination units will also be offered with a multifunction LED beacon capable of operating in eight different modes (steady, blinking, and six different flashing patterns) easily selected by the user via DIP switch.

It’s important to note that this series change only impacts combination units; the standalone recordable and the metal horns will maintain their current series number and performance specifications.

Like their counterparts in current series, the new series of 855H horns and combination units employ reliable solid-state technology rated for continuous use, offer volume adjustment, feature multi-tone and multistage capabilities and are available in 24V, 120 or 230V AC, making them ideal for use in a broad range of signaling applications. Plus, the updated products maintain the same dimensions and ingress protection ratings, making them a drop-in replacement suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Below is a summary of the applicable series change per each product family:

• 855H Horns Frame B, C, E will transition from series A to series B
• 855H Combination units (Horn with attached beacon) Frames B, C, E will transition from series C to series D
• 855H-RC Recordable Combination units (Horn with attached beacon) Frames C and E will transition from series A to series B
• 855HM Metal Combination units (Horn with attached beacon) will transition from Series A to Series B

Rockwell Automation Medium Voltage Drive Enclosures Now Available for Rugged and Remote Outdoor Installations

PowerFlex 6000 medium voltage variable frequency drives (VFDs) packaged in Type 3R or IP54 enclosures are specifically designed and built for outdoor or remote installations to eliminate the need for a control room.

The PowerFlex 6000 drive technology is suited for all-purpose, non-regenerative applications such as fans, pumps, compressors, mills and flat-land conveyors. They manage motor control applications from 150…11,000 kW (200…14,600 Hp), voltage rated 2.3...11 kV. The custom enclosures are ideal for remote oil, gas, mining or mineral processing operations, and where facility space is a premium.

Special features:

• Type 3R or IP54-rated enclosures protect against rain, sleet, snow, ice and dirt
• Enclosure supports a range of ambient temperature ratings: -40…50°C (-40…122°F)
• Choice of open loop, forced-air cooling or closed loop air-to-air heat exchanger solutions to suit the application
• A PLC-controlled automatic enclosure ventilation system optimizes the cooling system operation to help reduce operating costs
• The easy-to-install package does not require special foundations, roofing or shielding
• Simple to commission. Three cables in, three cables out

For more information, visit your local Rockwell Automation sales representative or download product details.

New Mounting System from Rockwell Automation Reduces Wiring, Saves Costs

Keep your panels clean, organized, and compact with the CrossBoard® System. The CrossBoard platform provides flexibility in motor control and protection devices. The out-of-the-box system is provided as one complete base unit, a bus structure with IP20 touch-safe plastic housing, which can be directly assembled and fitted with components after unpacking. Components simply snap onto the CrossBoard without tools, meaning the connection is automatic.

Components can be easily removed and snapped back on to another section of the CrossBoard. For safety reasons, the lock mechanism must be released with a screwdriver. This prevents accidental removal of any components. The fast, easy and safe exchange of modules allows the timesaving and economical adaptation of the system to extensions and updates.

Available in two widths of 225 mm and 405 mm, the base units can be combined by adding a supply module to bridge the base units. Components can be fitted to the CrossBoard, and to conventional busbar systems using adapters. As a universal system, CrossBoard can be used with components from other manufacturers.

The CrossBoard with its all-around finger-safe protection offers a high degree of safety. Completely covered and protected against contact at all times, the busbars are never exposed during the removal of a unit, ensuring full operator safety. Empty space on the busbar is already covered and protected, so no extra precautions are needed when spacing components or not filling the entire rack with products.

Rockwell Automation Provides Lowered-Cost HMI Software with New Features

FactoryTalk^® View Site Edition (SE) HMI V13 software delivers new features along with simplified licensing and a lower-cost pricing model

V13 introduces more options for what data is displayed and how it is presented to operators. Collected data can now be displayed in a tabular format with Data Grid object, and two sets of production data against one another with a new XY plot.

This release also improves system extensibility through .NET object support, server-side scripting, and client-specific tags that allow functionality specific to each client/user session in a distributed system.

New tools for application maintenance add value by providing better interaction with devices and servers in a system. The new System Status Portal provides a web-based overview of all FactoryTalk® application servers and their status. This release provides deeper interaction with Logix controllers with a new capability to drive HMI animation for Automatic Diagnostics, and new mobile access to Automatic Diagnostics messages through FactoryTalk® ViewPoint web clients.

The latest version also makes it easier to select and purchase a FactoryTalk View SE system. All servers now include an unlimited display count, a choice of 5, 10, or 25 clients, and an integrated HMI web solution with unlimited FactoryTalk ViewPoint web clients. Station licenses also include an unlimited display count and unlimited FactoryTalk ViewPoint web clients, with a Station Lite option available for applications with a smaller display count requirement. 

New PanelView Plus 7 Performance Series B Protects Customer Investments

The PanelView™ Plus 7 Performance graphic terminal has been significantly improved with the launch of Series B. The preceding Series A graphic terminal ran on Windows® CE 6.0 operating system, which is no longer fully supported by Microsoft. Also, the components used in the Series A product are aging and have a shrinking supply chain. The PanelView Plus 7 Performance Series B was developed to help protect our customers who have invested in PanelView Plus hardware and FactoryTalk® View Machine Edition software by extending the life of our offering.

The Series B has been updated to run on a modern operating system and has updated hardware with improved long-term supply chain support. It has enhanced product security and support for modern peripherals, such as printers. With significantly increased user storage, the Series B can better support today’s needs. The Series B product uses ControlFLASH™ software for firmware updates, which align with other Allen-Bradley® products. We have also improved our customers’ ability to resolve any potential corruption issues with the addition of a hardware maintenance menu button.

The PanelView Plus 7 Performance Series B is the latest update to the PanelView Plus 7 Performance product line. Rockwell Automation strives to help support our customers' investments by continuing to improve the PanelView Plus 7 product family.

Rockwell Automation Provides Cost and Space Savings with New Bus Supply Solution

Industrial companies can now benefit from increased space savings and lower costs with a new non-regenerative bus supply. The bus supply is part of the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex® 755TM portfolio. It is a cost-effective solution for a common bus, when regenerative and low harmonics are not required.

If users have multiple motors, a common bus solution can reduce the size and cost. And customers can save additional cost by using a non-regenerative supply. 

The non-regenerative bus supply converts three-phase AC line voltage to DC. It is compatible with PowerFlex 755TM bus supplies and common bus Inverters.

Part of the 755T drives portfolio, the non-regenerative supply solutions must be paired with a drive with TotalFORCE® technology to be considered TotalFORCE. But it can also serve as a non-regenerative DC power supply for common bus applications, which is not TotalFORCE.

The non-regenerative supply is available in 6-Pulse and 12-pulse configurations with XT corrosive gas protection. The distributed DC Bus is located in space saving, modular Rittal cabinets.

This solution works best in industries such as oil and gas, tire & rubber, mining, food and beverage and metals.