CONTREX ML-Drive - Manual (Page 11)

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INTRODUCING THE ML-DRIVE
The ML-Drive is a highly accurate, digital, motor drive which can drive 1/4 to 2
horsepower PM DC motors. It has advanced embedded software that is capable of
solving a great variety of speed control tasks. It operates as either a stand-alone
control of a single motor (Master mode) or as a part of a complex multi-drive system
(Follower mode).
The ML-Drive is ideal for motor control applications where your present open loop or
rudimentary closed loop operations are inaccurate or where there is inadequate load
regulation. The ML-Drive is also at the forefront in digitally accurate Follower
applications. See Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2 for examples of Master and Follower
applications.
The ML-Drive is unique among its competition because the ML-Drive has
preprogramed software that integrates with your system with little effort from you. The
ML-Drive will also allow you to enter data that is unique to your system's specific needs
(e.g., maximum RPMs, setpoints, acceleration/deceleration ramp rates). Using Control
Parameters (CPs), this data is entered through either the ML-Drive's integrated keypad
or though a host computer via the RS485 Serial Communications port. In addition to
the Control Parameters that allow you to customize for your systems specific needs, the
ML-Drive's Monitor Parameters (MPs) allow you to monitor your system's performance.
The ML-Drive's multiple scaling formats allow you to enter the setpoints and monitor
speed in the Engineering Units (e.g., RPMs, gallons per hour, feet per minute) that are
unique to your system. Among the ML-Drive's advanced capabilities is the flexibility to
preset up to four setpoint entries.
Integrating the ML-Drive's applied intelligence with your system puts precise speeds at
your fingertips, quickly, easily and cost effectively.