Latest RS-Introductions

For full TRACOPOWER Product Range: www.tracopower.comrswww.com

TRA-1 1 W SIP package, semi-regulated, 1500 VDC I/O-isolationTRV-1 1 W SIP package, semi-regulated, 3000 VDC I/O-isolationTMR-3E 3 W SIP package, 2:1 input, cost optimized de-sign, remote On/OffTHL-3WI 3 W DIP package, 4:1 input, remote On/Off, input fi lter to meet EN 55022 class ATHL-3WISM 3 W SMD package, 4:1 input, remote On/Off, input fi lter to meet EN 55022 class A, cost optimized designTSR-3 3 A Ultra compact non isolated switching regulators, highest effi ciency, remote On/OffTHL-6WISM 6 W SMD package, 4:1 input, input fi lter to meet EN 55022 class ATEN-8WI 8 W DIP 24 package, extended product range with 43 - 160 VDC input range and railway approvalTHL-10WI 10 W 1“ x 1“ package, 4:1 input, high perfor-mance, cost optimized design, standard pinoutTHL-20WI 20 W 1“ x 1“ package, 4:1 input, high perfor-mance, cost optimized smallest 20 W converter!TEN-20WIR 20 W 2“ x 1“ package, 4:1 input incl. high input range 43-160 VDC, EN 50155 for railway applicationsTEN-40N 40 W 2“ x 1“ package, 4:1 input, high perfor-mance, smallest 40W converter!TEP-150WI 150 W High power module, new available with fi lter option to meet EN 55022 class B

Latest introductions to the RS-offering include cost/perfor-mance optimizations, range extensions, solutions for railway applications and other innovations to meet state of the art customer requirements.

A snapshot of the continuous TRACOPOWERDC/DC converter innovation program:

26 eTech - ISSUE 6

how unlocking information from a fan is a

ebm-papst manufactures around one million

fans and motors per week and increasingly these are electronically commutated or EC fans. These fans offer much higher effi ciency than AC fans and their onboard electronics offers communication to a level that was previously impossible. However, many end-users still consider fans as dumb, unintelligent devices and are missing out on the

vital information which is available to keep a system running. Whether a cooling

system is looking after a data centre or keeping perishable goods in perfect

condition, downtime is costly and time consuming.

All fans move air and air contains contaminants such as dust and other airborne particles which can clog fi lters and leave deposits that will reduce a system’s

effi ciency. These issues can be managed by using speed control to

optimise air fl ow rate to the minimum required. Fan speed control also brings

other advantages such as reducing power consumption and increasing life expectancy.

It can also allow other parts of the system to run more effi ciently too, by stabilising head pressure in a refrigeration circuit for example.

By communicating with the onboard electronics of EC fans, closed loop speed control has never been easier. Using an RS-485 interface supporting the Modbus RTU protocol, ebm-papst EC fans provide both speed control, through pulse width modulation (PWM) and 0-10volt input signals, and speed monitoring.

Unlike the more familiar RS-232, RS-485 can be confi gured to act as a simple network allowing

multiple devices to be connected on one single cable that can be up to 1200 metres long. The hardware needed for RS-485 is also very low cost using simple screw terminals in most cases and typically just one driver IC connected directly to a microprocessor. RS-485 is found as a common interface on PLC controllers and on industrial PCs making it quick and easy to connect them to fans and other devices. Modbus is also a very common protocol used by leading PLC manufacturers and building management systems (BMS).

The Modbus interface on larger ebm-papst fans covers speed setting, speed monitoring and condition monitoring information such as hours run and fault status with appropriate alarm outputs. This information can be collected and analysed to allow maintenance personnel to detect potential problems and implement preventive maintenance.Communication with fans can bring many benefi ts, as can communication with any device. However putting this information to good use is key for business and engineers alike if they are to have an advantage in today’s markets.

find out more about the ebm-papst range of fans available from RS at rswww.com/ebmpapst

blast! Communication may sound like an odd way to address growing energy concerns and rising prices but communicating with fans can do just that.

Get more online...Share your thoughts on fan technology at www.designspark.com