Aerotech Ndrive MP Ultra Compact PWM Digital Servo Driver

Aerotech Ndrive MP Ultra Compact PWM Digital Servo Driver

In precision motion control equipment, space is often the scarcest resource. When there is only narrow guide rail space left in the control cabinet, or when the mobile platform requires the driver to move together with the mechanism, traditional large volume servo drives are difficult to handle. The Aerotech Ndrive MP is a network digital driver designed for such ultra compact scenarios. It belongs to the Automation 3200 motion system, using PWM power level, supporting brushless, brushed, and stepper motors, with digital current loop, speed loop, and position loop closure, and can achieve multi axis synchronization through the FireWire network. For engineers who are maintaining old equipment, replacing discontinued micro drives, or expanding multi axis systems, understanding the specifications, power supply, feedback PSO、 Expanding options and fault logic can significantly reduce downtime.

Positioning and core specifications

The Ndrive MP is the smallest member of the Ndrive family, with a width of approximately 41.1 mm, a height of approximately 141.2 mm, and a standard weight of only 0.454 kg. After installing - IO or - MXU, it weighs approximately 0.544 kg. It uses a dual precision floating-point DSP to control the digital PID and current loop, and all control loop gains, system safety functions, and configurations can be set through software parameters. Drivers provide deterministic behavior, automatic recognition, and convenient software settings, suitable for mobile or embedded devices with extremely limited space and DC power supply.

In terms of electrical specifications, the Ndrive MP motor power input is 10-80 VDC, the control power supply is 24-80 VDC (± 10%), and the maximum current of the control power supply is 1 A. The output voltage range is 10-80 VDC, the peak output current is 10 A (for 1 second), and the continuous output current is 5 A. The PWM switching frequency is 20 kHz, and the maximum bandwidth of the power amplifier is 2500 Hz, which can be selected by software. The minimum load inductance is 0.1 mH at 80 VDC. The user power output is 5 VDC, 500 mA. The efficiency is about 85% -95%, and the higher the output power, the higher the efficiency.

The protection functions include output short circuit, peak overcurrent, DC bus overvoltage, RMS overcurrent, over temperature, control power undervoltage, and power stage bias undervoltage. Optical and transformer isolation are used between the control and power stages. The working environment temperature is 0-50 ° C, the storage temperature is -30-85 ° C, the humidity is up to 80% below 31 ° C, and then linearly decreases to 50% when it reaches 40 ° C. It is non condensing, with an altitude of up to 2000 meters and a pollution level of 2. It is only suitable for indoor use. MP complies with CE, NRTL safety certification, and RoHS 2 directive.

Unlike large drives such as HPe and HLe, Ndrive MP does not offer internal shutdowns or external shutdowns options. This means that under frequent braking or high inertia loads, regenerative energy must be processed by external systems, otherwise it may trigger DC bus overvoltage. If the original system relies on internal shuts during replacement, additional evaluation is required.

Power supply and external power supply options

Ndrive MP requires two power connections: control power and motor power. Control the power supply to TB103, requiring 24-80 VDC, with fuses inside the DC+. The motor power supply is connected to TB102, requiring 10-80 VDC, continuous 5A, and peak 10A. Both power supplies must be connected simultaneously to function properly. If the motor power supply is cut off by the emergency stop circuit, the control power supply can still maintain communication and encoder power supply, achieving controlled stop and status monitoring.

To reduce noise, the DC+and DC - wires of the control power supply and motor power supply should be twisted and wound around the ferrite core, typically around 6 turns, but not around the ground wire. The motor cable should use shielded cable, and the shielding layer should be connected to the metal D-type connector back shell or rack ground. The motor leads can be equipped with ferrite beads, such as Fair Rite # 2643002402 and # 2643250402. The encoder and signal lines must be physically isolated from the motor and power lines.

In terms of external power supply, the TM3 transformer module can provide 300 W power for up to 4 drivers and must be configured for ± 40 VDC or ± 80 VDC output. PS-MP is a DIN rail mounted DC power supply that supports up to 4 axes. PS-12048-A is a 120 W, 48 VDC, 100-120 VAC input; PS-12048-B is 120 W, 48 VDC, 200-240 VAC; PSP-24048 is 240 W, 48 VDC, automatically adjustable 100-240 VAC; PSP-480D48-A and PSP-480S48-B are 480 W, 48 VDC. The user must provide a 10A, 250 VAC fuse or circuit breaker to protect the AC input, and connect the AC and protective ground using a 16 AWG, 300 V wire.

If using an isolated DC power supply, the DC should be connected to the protective ground at the power supply. All grounding must comply with local electrical safety requirements. A 25mm free air space should be left inside the control cabinet, and a 100mm cable space should be left in front. Installing it on a metal plate or adding a fan can improve heat dissipation.