Trio adds safety functionality to flexible servo drive

2 mins read

Trio Motion Technology has updated its DX3 EtherCAT servo drive with functional safety Safe Torque Off (STO), meeting safety levels SIL3 and PLe.

Trio adds safety functionality to flexible servo drive

The motion specialist has also increased voltage to 480V for both the DX3 EtherCAT model as well as the additional DX3 Conventional model that supports pulse-and-direction, analogue, as well as CANopen control.

The DX3 single-axis servo drive range increases design flexibility for machine builders in a cost-optimal package. Both DX3 models are available in a 200V version that extends power from 50W to 2kW, plus a new 480V version with a power range from 1kW to 7.5kW.

The servo drive range is based on Trio’s motion performance specialisation, including update rates down to just 125μs for the DX3 EtherCAT model, supported by a range of operating modes to cover a broad spectrum of use cases.

The servo drive’s capability is achieved with a compact footprint, ranging from just 40mm wide, 172mm high, and 180mm deep for the 50W drive, to 90mm wide, 260mm high, and 230mm deep for the 7.5kW version. DX3 also features a zero stacking gap, enabling flush-fitting for cabinet or DIN rail mounting.

The flexible, high-performance servo drive ensures a cost-optimal position thanks to Trio’s ‘Everything you need and nothing more’ approach to drive design. Essential I/O is retained, including two touch probe inputs, plus general-purpose digital inputs and outputs configurable for specific drive functions.

For long-term machine user value and reliability, the servo drives also include a variety of electrical protection functions, such as overcurrent, secured within an IP20 enclosure.

Optimising performance and achieving a fast and reliable set-up, DX3 also features plug-and-play commissioning with Trio servo motors via electronic nameplate technology. Trio servo motors include the MXL low inertia range and MXM medium inertia range, both available with 17-bit or 23-bit high resolution absolute encoders.  Straightforward set-up, including autotuning, is achieved through Trio’s easy to use MotionPerfect software that can also commission DX series servo drives with third-party controllers.

Trio’s DX servo drive series also includes the premium performance DX4 EtherCAT drive, as well as the compact, dual-axis DX5. Trio’s motion-first automation solutions are based on a range of high-performance motion controllers, capable of coordinating up to 128 servo axes at high speed.

“Adding functional safety to the flexible DX3 servo drive range was a response to machine builders who also wanted more flexibility with an extended voltage range up to 480V,” says Trio’s President, Tom Alexander. “The machine build market continues to shift towards EtherCAT performance, but OEMs are still seeing demand for control modes including pulse-and-direction, so the DX3 servo drive offers this flexibility across an extended power range. A cost-optimal position is particularly important for these needs, albeit with a requirement to ensure fast, precise motion, and this is where the updated DX3 fits into the range. High axis count machines can especially optimise value.”