PDL D3-2.5, Instruction Manual, Page: 16 / 113

Microdrive Series Instruction Manual
4201-109 Rev I
16
THE MICRODRIVE
The Microdrive is a third generation digital AC Motor Speed
Controller. The use of an extremely powerful 16-bit
microcontroller has allowed us to include many
programmable features into the Microdrive yet retain
simplicity of control and adjustment through three key
switches and a 32 character alphanumeric LCD display.
Digital control means absolute precision and repeatability in
settings with complete keyboard control. There are no
internal adjustments (or “trimpots”) of any sort in the
Microdrive. All information, including input terminal status
and levels, is available on the Microdrive display.
In comparison with other drives, the Microdrive is greatly
simplified and condensed, offering advantages of reduced
installation space and increased reliability.
The Microdrive is available in two product ranges – the
Microdrive-3 (UD3) model ranges from 2.5A to 70A, and the
Microdrive-i (UDi) model ranges from 90A to 660A. Using
PDLs Parallel Drives technology, the UDi may be extended
up to 2MW.
The Microdrive-3 (UD3) has a protection rating of IP21;
which coupled with its compact size allows it to be installed
easily – stand-alone or within a switchboard.
The Microdrive-i (UDi) is available in two protection ratings –
a cabinet version and a baseplate version (suitable for
switchboard mounting). Both versions are of rugged
industrial construction with an abundance of termination
room. The cabinet version of the Microdrive-i has a clean
air enclosure for all the power and control electronics.
Technically the Microdrive operates on the same principles
as earlier AC Motor Speed Controllers - it just does it better!
For those already familiar with AC Motor Speed Controllers,
there is little new to learn - except how the many new
features and the great configurability of the Microdrive can
solve your process problems. For those unfamiliar with AC
Motor Speed Controllers - this manual and the “standard
configuration” of the Microdrive are specifically targeted at
you. The “standard configuration” is a factory preset set-up
of the Microdrive - it contains all standard functions and, in
many cases, may have all functions necessary for general
use, without need to access the full configurability of the
Microdrive.
The Microdrive employs an entirely new low acoustic noise
technique of waveform generation - Whisperwave
Modulation. Whisperwave removes the annoying tone
normally associated with AC Motor Speed Controllers,
allowing the little remaining motor noise to be easily
masked. This feature is especially valuable in applications
requiring low noise - particularly for heating and ventilation.
The Microdrive also includes the Dynaflux Optimising
System. Dynaflux automatically optimises the flux in the
motor according to load conditions. This leads to even
quieter operation, particularly under reduced load
conditions.
The Microdrive is one of the most technologically advanced
industrial drives currently available. It is very simple, but
very powerful. It is up to you to choose how few or how
many of its features you use.