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Staying power

Jan. 7, 2007
A roundup of new power supplies and associated devices for industrial machine applications shows how the trend toward distributed control systems and competition among vendors gives OEMs more choices.
By Rick Pedraza, Managing Editor, Digital Media

This roundup of power supplies and associated devices for industrial machine applications indicates the trend toward distributed control systems is the continuing development in newer products. While the use of distributed I/O is increasing for industrial machine control, the technology of supplying remote device power to machine controls has lagged a little behind the technology curve, according to some in the industry.

Along that curve, several companies have introduced new devices that provide field power in networked applications that have no need for a control panel. As field-level control systems migrate toward low-voltage-DC-driven systems, and as the number of active devices in control panels increase, the demand for more powerful, compact and efficient power supplies is being addressed.

Among more traditional configurations, DIN-rail mounted devices continue to grow in acceptance, and the number of competitors offering these devices is staggering, according to Mike Johnson, director of marketing for Sola/Hevi-Duty. “It’s definitely an over-penetrated market,” he says, “which is not so good for us manufacturers, but a boon to users since it has driven the prices down sharply. This has led to even higher adoption rates for DIN-rail units.”

The sharp increase in competition also started a bit of an innovation war among suppliers to add new features and create smaller and more efficient units. These new features include fault-tolerant/redundant systems, and power supplies with built-in battery back-up.

Several companies introduced new power supplies to deliver added benefits for control applications by including enhancements such as adjustable voltage settings for each unit, the addition of LED status indicators, and making the unit DIN-rail mountable. Several new models received regulatory approvals and certification to international standards for devices intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Other trends in the power supplies industry include the development of double conversion, on-line uninterruptible power supplies; power supplies designed for a wide range of wireless, datacom, and industrial applications; and Foundation fieldbus power supplies that allows users to enjoy the same benefits in terms of power, cable length and number of devices per segment in hazardous locations as they do in general purpose applications.

Power supplies that meet AS-Interface specification version 2.1 also are represented in the roundup below. “With the addition of these products, implementers of the AS-Interface network now can install a reliable and industrially hardened power supply quickly,” said Jim Bachle, product manager for Wago Corp.

Product Roundup:

Industrial Power Supplies

Tough Standards
LZSa500-3 power supply has a nominal 24-V output, adjustable from 18-29.4 V for non-standard system voltages. It provides a full load 21-A output current from -40 to 60 °C, de-rating linearly to 60% load at 71° C ambient. Features include remote on/off, remote resistance or voltage programming, user-adjustable, over-voltage protection, DC good, inverter fail, current-share, and a 200 kHz synchronization signal. Lambda; 800/lambda4; www.lambdapower.com

A Lot of Input
IEXR and IEHR 70-150 W DC/DC converters have input ranges of 10-16 VDC, 21-60 VDC or 60-132 VDC. Each has full galvanic isolation, fused input protection, output protection for either short-circuit or overload conditions, reverse polarity protection, and input transient protection. All are regulated to less than 0.5% line and less than 0.7% load. Efficiencies are greater than 80% and ripple typically is 1% peak-to-peak. All can be configured for optional N+1 parallel redundancy operation. Schaefer; 508/881-7330; www.schaeferpower.com

Uninterruptible Power
1609-P uninterruptible power supply protects against fluctuating power or complete losses by providing increased voltage and frequency regulation, internal bypass, and input power factor correction. Users can remotely monitor and configure the devices. Features include an external battery pack for added power, or to make a live switch without disrupting the system. Available in power ranges from 3-10 kVA, and in 208 and 230 V applications. Rockwell Automation; 414/382-2000; www.ab.com/go/1609

Hit Switcher
VPU-S200 switching power supply yields 200 W and can be used for wireless, datacom, and industrial applications. It accepts a universal input voltage (85-264 VAC or 120-340 VDC) and offers efficiencies to 81%. Units are rated for operation at 100% load from 0-50 °C ambient with 18 cfm of forced-air cooling. Features include RoHS compliance, active power-factor correction, remote on/off, short-circuit protection, over-current protection, and over-voltage protection. V-Infinity; 503/612-2332; www.v-infinity.com

Single-Segment Power
KLD2-FBPS-1.25.360 Foundation fieldbus power supply provides 25 V and 360 mA with minimal heat dissipation, while supporting redundant 24-V power. Galvanically isolated modules can mount adjacent to one another without concern for spacing. Passive power conditioning provides reliability for single-segment power needs. It supports high-power-trunk protection for hazardous locations, and simple connection of the mobile advanced diagnostic module for physical layer diagnostics. Pepperl+Fuchs; 330/486-0002; www.fieldconnex.info

Nice Profile
Narrow-profile power supplies provide up to 288 W of regulated DC. A metal case fully encloses all circuitry and provides EMI shielding. An AC input filter attenuates both common and differential mode noise conducted to the line. Features include outputs from 3.3-125 VDC; input range ratios of 2:1 and 4:1; output status indicator; over-voltage protection; and overload/short circuit protection. Remote sensing compensates up to 0.5 V drop per output line, within the limits of the output range. Acopian Power Supplies; 610/258-5441; www.acopian.com

Ride the EuroRail
TSP Series of DIN-rail-mount power supplies include models with certification to European ATEX Directive 94/9/EC and to ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. TSP models with the suffix “-EX” are qualified to meet to IEC/UL 60079-15 for operation in class l, zone 2 applications. Models range from 78-600 W with 12, 24 and 48 VDC output voltages. Operating temperature ranges from -25 °C to +70 °C. TracoPower: 866/588-1750; www.tracopower.com

Following Protocol
Series 787-692 power supplies meet AS-Interface fieldbus protocol specification version 2.1. Input voltage range is 97-264 VAC/140-300 VDC, and output is 26-33 VDC (adjustable) and 3 A at 30.5 VDC. Housed in a compact, DIN-rail mountable, metal package, the unit features pluggable input and output wiring with integrated maintenance-free cage-clamp connection technology; over-voltage and overload protection; operating range of -10 to 70 °C; power OK indicator, and UL/CSA approval. Wago; 800/din-rail; www.wago.us

For General Purposes
Trio power supplies feature zinc-plated steel housings measuring 32-115 mm. Models address applications requiring 2.5-20 A of 24 VDC power and have an MTBF rating of  more than 500,000 hours, in accordance with IEC 61709, at nominal load and high 40 °C test standard. Operating temperatures range from 0-70 °C. It includes built-in LED diagnostic indication, adjustable 22.5-29.5 VDC output, and three DC grounding terminals. Phoenix Contact; 800/322-3225; www.phoenixcon.com

HART Smart
RN 221 N power supply and active barrier galvanically separates 4-20 mA signal circuits. The unit has an active current input to which a transmitter can be connected. A current signal is available at the output (passive output) for connection to further instrumentation. Bi-directional HART communication with smart transmitters is possible using the built-in communication sockets. The device includes sensor monitoring with early-warning system, and manual or automatic reset of the relay contact. Endress+Hauser; 800/endress; www.us.endress.com

Compact Power Delivery
PAM250/PAS250 single output 250 W switching power supplies measure 4x7x1.5 in. and deliver 250 W continuous output power. Single outputs range from 12-48 VDC. All models feature an auto-ranging AC input range (85-132/180-264 VAC) with passive power-factor correction for EN61000-3-2 Class A compliance. Built-in over-current, over-temperature and over-voltage protection circuits are standard. Tamura; 800/472-6624; www.tamuracorp.com 

Efficiency Without Sacrifice
PS5R-SB 15W Slim Line power supplies (90x22.5x95 mm) are available in 5, 12 and 24-V output voltages. All units are UL508-listed, allowing for 100% full-load operation and eliminating the need to oversize or de-rate the power supply. Models are listed to the UL 1604 standard and can be used for hazardous Class I, Div. 2 locations. Features include an NEC Class 2 rating, universal input voltage, and overload protection. IDEC Corp; 800/262-idec; www.idec.com/usa

Versatile Interconnectivity
SCP-X power supply features DIN mini connections in an environmentally-sealed, machine-mountable, 4.7x7x1.8 in package. It operates in ambient temperature ranges from -40 to 60 °C. The device is compliant with IP65, IP66, IP67 and NEMA 4X ratings, and includes DIN mini connections that can be adapted to additional connection types. The housing is constructed of die-cast aluminum that resists a 3 g shock. Unlimited devices can be operated from a single power supply as long as continuous power consumption does not exceed 94 W (3.8 A). Sola/Hevi-Duty; 847/268-6000; www.solaheviduty.com

Unique UPS
UB10.241 24 VDC uninterruptible power supply includes a voltage multiplier circuit that allows only one 12 V battery to be used where two have been required in the past. The UPS comes in a compact, sturdy, metal housing controller; is rated 10 A; and effectively charges the battery and manages the output voltage to keep applications up and running. LEDs and relay contacts allow easy monitoring of the status of the battery as well as the load. Puls Power Supplies; 630/587-9780; www.puls-power.com/us

Rugged as a Rhino
Rhino PSM metal power supplies provide short circuit, over-voltage, and over-temperature protection. Models are available in 12 or 24 VDC adjustable output, accept universal 85-264 VAC input voltage for worldwide use, and provide multiple output terminals for easy wiring. Features include redundancy and battery control for creating a DC UPS. Terminal connectors are included. AutomationDirect: 678/455-1730; www.automationdirect.com

Powerful Delivery
Direct-current, adjustable-voltage power supplies are available in 25 W, 5 VDC, 5 A; 48 W, 12 VDC, 4A; 48 W, 24 VDC, 2A; and 48 W, 48 VDC, 1A. All include adjustable settings for a range of input voltages (85-264 VAC/120-370 VDC). Features include LED status indicators, TS35 DIN-rail mounting capability, and regulatory approvals from UL 508, cRUus 60950, GSA, and CE. Weidmüller; 804/794-2877; www.weidmuller.com

Hot and Cold Power Housing  
Logo! power supply provides 24 VDC at 4  A, and up to 96 W of power in a 90-mm-wide housing. Output voltages are 5, 12, and 15 VDC. Input ranges from 85-264 VAC. Models operate from -20 to 55 ºC, and have a standard green LED operating status indicator and a potentiometer to adjust the output voltage on the front of the modules. Siemens E&A; 800/964-4114; www.siemens.com/sitop

More Trunk Space
TrunkGuard fieldbus power supplies provide up to 350 mA power for two, four, or eight Foundation and Profibus-PA fieldbus segments. Each carrier provides mounting positions for multiple-segment power conditioners and has built-in connectors for two DC supplies (18-32 V). Segment wiring is via conventional screw-clamp terminals or controller-specific connectors. On-board surge protection is optional. MooreHawke; 818/894-7111l; www.moorehawke.com

No Need for Enclosure
Industrial machinery power supplies have a universal input of 90-264 VAC, while providing a 24 VDC output for direct use without an enclosure. They have DIN-rail mounting, a fully enclosed aluminum housing, and a SPDT contact for remote failure indication. Single-phase switching power supplies are available in both 3 A and 5 A versions and have short-circuit, overload, over-temperature, and I/O over-voltage protection. Automation Systems Interconnect; 877/650-5160; www.asi-ez.com

Pardon the Interruption
S8VM power supply signals an under-voltage alarm and indicates the cause, enabling quick troubleshooting on site. It uses combinations of LEDs to indicate a momentary power interruption, overload, or voltage due to device aging. The unit is available in ratings of 15-150 W and voltage capacities of 5-24 V. Omron Electronics; 866/88-omron; www.omron.com/oei

Mind Over Management
IPC3402-2756 power controller has Ethernet (TCP/IP), dial-up, or serial RS-232 connections for remote power management. The unit offers 24 A of power in a 1 U-tall package. Integrated power control allows rebooting of locked equipment or control system power with an Internet connection. It limits inrush problems, provides user-configurable sequencing, and provides local on/off control of each outlet. Pulizzi Engineering; 800/870-2248; www.pulizzi.com

Regulated Switch Rides DIN Rail
Phaseo regulated switch-mode DC power supplies are available in three models with overload, short-circuit, over-voltage, and under-voltage protection. Models include single-phase and three-phase units with 100-520 V inputs, 12 or 24 VDC outputs, and 10-40 A ratings. All three deliver voltage accurate to 3%, regardless of load and supply voltage. They’re UL-listed and CSA-certified, and conform to IEC standards. Schneider Electric; 800/392-8781; www.squared.com

Prepare to Switch
Switch-mode power supplies range in sizes up to 240 W, accept 120/220 V input voltage, and provide an output voltage of 24 VDC, with other voltages available on request. A built-in filter is available on some units. The 240 W version can be used in parallel to power higher current loads, and some models are available with detachable wiring terminals. Output voltage can be fine-tuned to compensate for line losses. Gavazzi Automation Components; 847/465-6100; www.gavazzionline.com.

Trouble-Free Connection
PIP power supplies have a continuous output of 120% at up to 40 °C, wide-range input voltage with PFC for one and three-phase networks, and intelligent load line for parallel connection. They meet European standard EN 61204-3, feature a switching output that signals both overload and overheating problems, and operate as a fail-safe function directly from the PLC. Murrelektronik; 770/497-9292; www.murrinc.com