A Drive Controller for All Purposes
Press releases
SIEB & MEYER combines frequency converter and servo drive in one device
One device for two worlds – this sounds like a compromise but has been reality at SIEB & MEYER AG for more than two decades. The drive controllers by the German company based in Lueneburg combines the functions of frequency converters and servo drives in one device solution. With the SD4x generation, SIEB & MEYER pursues this path consequently and proves that a specialized drive control does not necessarily require a twofold approach.
"In most cases, you can use a servo drive as frequency converter but doing so would be expensive and inefficient," explained Torsten Blankenburg, CTO at SIEB & MEYER. “Therefore, two different product categories have become established on the market. Our approach, however, combines both – without any technical compromises.”
Why two devices when one is enough?
SIEB & MEYER is an expert for high-speed applications and high-dynamic positioning drives. In these fields, standard solutions are often inadequate. "We need a precise control technology and sophisticated measuring electronics for both servo drives and frequency converters," Torsten Blankenburg pointed out. “Since we must meet the highest demands in both categories, separating them makes no sense for us.”
A glance at the market shows why most manufacturers stick to separate devices: standard frequency converters are optimized for low-cost mass applications, for example conveyor belts. Servo drives are more expensive since they require more complex control mechanisms. SIEB & MEYER takes a different path here and combines both technologies in one drive controller that is adapted to the specific application via software.
Drive controllers for high-performance applications
In the typical applications of SIEB & MEYER – e.g. machine tools or high-speed motors – the drive controllers can fully bring their strength into play. The high-dynamic control technology and switching frequencies of up to 32 kHz provide the basis for reaching the required system performance.
Another advantage for the user: the uniform SD4x platform reduces the need for different components and spare parts. Machines using both frequency converters and servo drives, can operate with only one device. Especially machine tools always include both application worlds. "With our drive controllers, they can be efficiently combined."