C
L E A R
P
A T H
M C / S D
U
S E R
M
A N U A L
R
E V
.
3 . 0 9
3 2
T
EKNIC
,
I
NC
. T
EL
.
(585)
784-7454
N
OTES ON
"L
OWER
V
OLTAGE
"
B
US
P
OWER
S
UPPLIES
ClearPath motors can and do work with power supplies as low as 24 volts
DC, provided that the power supply has sufficient voltage, current, and
capacitance to meet your application's motor torque and speed
requirements. This assumes that the motor has been properly sized for the
application.
IMPORTANT:
An underpowered supply can result in ClearPath
performance limitations and problems including the following:
•
ClearPath is unable to complete the auto-tuning process.
The ClearPath auto-tuning feature uses aggressive moves to test
the limits of each mechanical system. A weak power supply (i.e.
one that can't handle the peak current demands required by
ClearPath) may "droop" the supply below ClearPath's minimum
operating voltage, about 21.5VDC. This can cause loss of
communication and/or a safety shutdown. Needless to say, if
Auto-Tune cannot run to completion, you probably have an
underpowered supply.
•
ClearPath completes the auto-tuning process but
experiences certain warnings or shutdowns during
programmed motion.
If Auto-Tune runs to completion, but
you experience torque saturation, voltage saturation, or both
during regular machine operation, you may be exceeding the
supply's voltage and/or current capability.
If you have an underpowered DC bus supply
If you suspect your power supply is underpowered, one of these solutions
may work for you:
•
Lower the commanded acceleration and/or velocity.
Sometimes lowering commanded acceleration and/or velocity
can reduce the burden on a weaker power supply enough to
eliminate shutdowns caused by "power starvation".
•
Upgrade to a more powerful supply.
Look for a supply
with higher voltage, higher peak and continuous current
ratings, and a large capacitor bank.
•
Modify your existing power supply.
In some cases adding
a large capacitor and a few inexpensive components to an
underpowered supply can boost the supply's output
satisfactorily. Note: Consult your power supply manufacturer
before making any modifications to a commercial product.