Comments on: ION development status & further plans

By: Tero

Tero — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:42:20 +0000

Yes its possible but takes time to implement it. Technically it needs some dedicated wire where PWM time bases are synced accurately and data connection where duty cycle values and current sensor readings are transferred between master and slave drives.

Real time requirements for this are very tough so it probably needs a separate communication channel apart from user accessible port (i.e. Simplemotion). It’s absolutely necessary that duty cycle changes simultaneously on all parallel drives so any timing uncertainty in communication bus is bad.

But I’m not saying it won’t ever come to GD drives :)

By: Tero

Tero — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:38:02 +0000

Jan, that is actually one option I’we been pondering. Board could have holes where wires or high current connectors could be added by those who need them.

By: lubchi

lubchi — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 05:36:59 +0000

The paralleling of AC drives is possible since years. I’ve seen it with drives, I’ve participated in the development. And I mean standard drives – got out from the box. It was in 2007 with 2×80 KW drives in order to supply one single 160 KW PMSM. You just need the right synchronization between the drives.

By: DashX

DashX — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 00:50:29 +0000

I like it a lot! I think the edge connectors are a great idea.
Motherboards would sure simplify building a controller.

By: Tero

Tero — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 21:10:24 +0000

The original idea I had in mind was to use a 8X PCI-e connector for high power version. It adds 34 pins which could be used for power. This would allow compatibility for different models because 4X PIC-e card fits to 8X slot as well.

The Tyco high power connector looks very promising! Thanks! I’m thinking that this kind of connector could be placed at the end of PCE-e connector just to give more current carrying capability (38 A according to specs, and high voltage too):
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/1888946-2/A107677-ND/4021558

By: DashX

DashX — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 10:02:11 +0000

Could it be as simple as using 2 PCI connectors? It would make the card longer, but keep compatibility (you could still plug a double ION into a single slot, but would have only half the current). Does that still limit it to 90V?

Maybe some of these:
http://datasheet.octopart.com/5530843-4-Tyco-Electronics-datasheet-11080852.pdf

I really am looking forward to a VSD-XE equivalent – 160VDC & 18A cont. 40A peak.
I would take any connector that would provide that.

By: Tero

Tero — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 22:56:35 +0000

I love the racing simulator projects. This would be easily doable with the idea provided here by Jan. A simple card-edge to wire terminal breakout board makes nice single axis drive from Ion.

Let me know if some special features would be helful and I’ll be happy to evaluate them!

By: Tero

Tero — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 22:52:58 +0000

Good to hear that! It is also plan to make Ion and Argon integrate nicely (i.e. same RJ45 cable going thru all) so mixing them would be no issue.

By: Klaus Stickdorn

Klaus Stickdorn — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 09:12:11 +0000

My personal requirement is 40A and 55V.
Regards, Klaus

By: walter

walter — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 06:31:05 +0000

I like the idea of a motherboard, but can live with wire terminals if necessary. 700W is plenty for my needs. For axes needing 1.5kW I would probably add an Argon.