AMP release hazardous location-ready microstepping drive

The drive, designated STAC6-Q-H, specifically covers ATEX and IEC-Ex certification for Class I, Zone 2 locations and UL certification for Class 1, Div 2, Group C & D locations. These hazardous areas are characterised such that flammable gases, vapours or liquids are not likely to occur in normal operation but, if they do occur, will only persist for a short period of time.

The panel mounted STAC6-Q-H includes an integrated intelligent drive with RS-232 and RS-485 communication and offers motion control configuration options that include step & direction, analogue voltage, PC or PLC host control, as well as standalone multitasking programmable control. With its direct-on-line AC power and programmable output current, from 0.5 to 6.0 A/phase, the drive will suit medium-to-large sized hazardous area compatible stepper motors producing a high holding torque and a wide speed range (contact Mclennan for suitable ATEX and UL approved motors).

The hazardous location model has all the features of the well-established STAC6 range. A selectable step resolution from full/half-step to 51,200 step microstepping combines with AMP´s advanced anti-resonance algorithm and torque ripple smoothing to produce smooth and precise motion. Encoder feedback provides position verification and stall detection/prevention to ensure positional accuracy and zero lost motion. With its configurable I/O count of 7 digital inputs and 3 digital outputs, the STAC6-H-Q provides step & direction control, encoder following, overtravel & datum limits, brake control and other sensor possibilities for flexible machine interfacing. Up to three analogue inputs allow software selectable voltage control - for instance with 12-bit resolution for a +/- 10V signal range.

The choice of controller options includes AMP´s powerful Q-Programming which may be used with its ST-Configurator software to provide graphical PC-based point and click programming for simple machine sequencing. Q-Programming also provides the means to write and edit multi-tasked motion and machine control code with maths functions and advanced features such as electronic gearbox, product registration and on-the-fly motion functions.