In order to offer a wider range of fieldbus options and systems capabilities, Parker made the decision to extend its range of add-on expansion modules for its 690+ AC drive range.  Users are provided with a simple way to customize a base product to meet their exact requirements; this is possible because the expansion modules ‘technology boxes’ simply plug into the drive.  It also offers users a ready upgrade path to adapt the drives as the demands of the application change as time passes.

The latest update to the technology box expansion modules offers users a wide choice of fieldbus options, covering Profibus DP, DeviceNet, CANopen and Modbus, as well RS422/485 and a LINK fibre optic drives network.  It is interesting to note that the additional system capability for the 690+ drive has also been expanded, with an add-on systems module.  This was done to offer advanced system functions including five extra configurable digital inputs and outputs, four high resolution analogue inputs, two extra encoder inputs and two high speed inputs for register control applications.  The technology box serves as an easy way to tailor drive performance to match the needs of the application, whilst at the same time providing a robust means of protecting sensitive electronics systems, ensuring high performance is matched with ultimate reliability.