Able to control 1/2-600 hp motors, A700 uses adaptive auto-tuning to compensate for changes in load inertia. Encoder feedback enables unit to operate in flux-vector mode to generate torque at zero speed while also allowing positioning control. With speed response time of 300 radians/sec, drive may be used without encoder and can control torque as well as speed. Product uses Real Sensorless Vector (RSV) algorithm to provide 200:1 speed range.

Intelligent Drive Controls Motors from 1/2 to 600 Horsepower

Vernon Hills, Ill.-September 6, 2005-Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc., a global supplier of automation products to all major industries, has introduced its A700 high performance variable frequency drive (VFD) for controlling motors ranging from 1/2 to 600 horsepower. It will replace the company's highly successful A500 and A500L drives, which have been available since 1997.

The A700 is the first drive from Mitsubishi to feature a built-in programmable logic controller (PLC) and features many of the special technologies originally developed for Mitsubishi Electric servo drive products, such as adaptive auto-tuning which automatically compensates for changes in load inertia. The result is smoother operation, less downtime and ultimately, lower operating costs.

"The A700 is faster, smarter and more powerful than any standard VFD we've ever produced," said Chris Cusick, marketing manager for Mitsubishi Electric Automation. "And with its built-in programmable logic controller, users can customize the drive to their unique application."

Exceptionally versatile, the A700 achieves class-leading motor performance using encoder feedback to operate in "flux-vector" mode to generate torque at zero speed and allowing positioning control. With a speed response time of 300 radians per second-10 times faster than the A500-the A700 reacts quickly to sudden load changes with utmost efficiency.

Used without an encoder, the A700 uses the newly-developed "Real Sensorless Vector" (RSV) algorithm to provide a 200:1 speed range. Its ability to control torque as well as speed makes it ideal for applications where constant tension must be maintained, such as wind/unwind control.

Communications to the A700 are supported with most popular protocols, including Profibus DP, CC-Link, DeviceNET, LonWorks, ControlNET, Modbus RTU, Metasys N2, EtherNET IP and Modbus TCP/IP, as well as Mitsubishi Electric's proprietary RS485 network. In addition, SSC Net III, Mitsubishi's high performance, fiber-optic motion network is also supported, allowing the A700 to operate in conjunction with Mitsubishi Electric's new J3 servo drives and complete line of motion control products.

About Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan, supplies factory automation solutions such as programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces (HMI), programming and control software, variable frequency drives, motion products including computer numerical controllers (CNC) and servo controls. Mitsubishi Electric has sales and service facilities throughout North America that support pre-sale application support and post-sale service requirements. In addition, Mitsubishi provides solutions for power protection applications with its lines of three phase, single phase and single-phase line interactive uninterruptible power systems. Mitsubishi Electric serves a broad range of industrial markets, applications and customers including the automotive, wood, machine tool, semiconductor, textile and commercial markets, and applications such as material handling, packaging, printing and specialty machinery.