A software memory unit is at the heart of a new concept in ac drive manufacture, distribution and installation that gives original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) freedom to decide how, where and when a drive should be commissioned.

The memory unit allows the application software and parameter configuration changes to be made at an OEM’s own assembly plant before being sent to the end-user site,

just-in-time for commissioning of the drive. The memory module provides this flexibility of assembly to the OEM.

ABB has separated the main hardware and software functionality of the drive into three modules: a power electronics unit, a control electronics unit and the software memory unit. Each has its own identity and separate role that combine to make a fully functional drive unit.

It is this structure of individual units that propels the drive distribution, commissioning and service onto a new level.

With the drive application software and parameter configuration being carried out at the OEM's premises, it allows the hardware modules – the power electronics unit and control electronics unit – to be sent to the end-user site through traditional distribution means as part of the drive unit.

This way, the software memory unit can be sent to site and simply plugged into the drive unit as close to start up as possible. Or if parameters or application software needs changing, it is a simple case of exchanging the memory unit.

This makes the drive delivery and logistics simple and cost effective.

Furthermore, the number of product components and variants is minimised. This reduces the amount of spares stock holding. Also as the demand for customised application software increases, the flexibility offered by the memory module will bring greater freedom to OEMs or end-users.

As the functionality and flexibility of drive software increases, it highlights a new set of challenges: the importance of software version management, distribution and the protection of intellectual property.

Savings are made in engineering and final assembly delivery costs. Also, OEMs can avoid the expense of commissioning engineers travelling, the hassle of PC tool set-ups and the training that is inherent in maintaining a global engineering network.

A local engineer, with minimal drives training, can plug-in the memory unit, thereby making the drive functional.

Reduced production line downtime

Should the drive develop any hardware faults, then a new drive hardware module can be installed and the same memory unit can be plugged into the new drive. The parameters are transferred from one drive to another without any additional programming, thereby saving time and reducing production line downtime.

Traditionally, a drive’s commissioning parameters are stored on back-up disks and should a failure to the drive occur, then the expertise of a commissioning engineer is needed. This can prove costly, especially if the drive breakdown is during the night or in a remote location.

Protection of OEM know-how

The memory unit offers OEMs intellectual property protection. It is encrypted and therefore without the correct pass-code would be of little value to third parties. This gives end-users and OEMs who wish to develop their own application control functions a competitive edge, with the confidence that their software investment is highly protected.

Customers can set their own passcode protection for the programmable application part of the software, ensuring that other third parties cannot copy the core knowledge of the application.

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Jarkko Lalu is a Product Manager with ABB Oy, Helsinki, Finland. www.abb.com/motors&drives