
C
L E A R
P
A T H
- S C
U
S E R
M
A N U A L
R
E V
.
1 . 3 6
2 7
T
EKNIC
,
I
NC
. T
EL
.
(585)
784-7454
P
OWERING A
C
LEAR
P
ATH
-SC
This section covers DC bus power requirements for ClearPath-SC motor
systems. Note: "DC Bus Power Supply" refers to the DC source that
delivers the power to the motor windings that drives motion.
S
ELECTING A
DC
B
US
P
OWER
S
UPPLY
T
HE IDEAL
C
LEAR
P
ATH
-SC
POWER SUPPLY
…
...should be able to deliver high peak current, and be able to manage back-
EMF (reverse voltage generated by the spinning motor that opposes the
incoming supply voltage).
A power supply specifically designed for motor drive power—like Teknic’s
IPC-3 and IPC-5—will have these features, and are ideal for servo systems
like ClearPath-SC. “Bulk” linear power supplies (basically a transformer,
rectifier, and large capacitor) can also work adequately. Typical switching-
mode power supplies are not recommended.
Important: Thoroughly test your ClearPath-SC application with the
intended power supply, under worst case, full load conditions, to ensure
sufficient power capacity and adequate operating margin.
FAQ:
"W
HAT SIZE POWER SUPPLY SHOULD
I
USE
?"
Our engineers are asked this question all the time, and the short answer
is: "it depends".
The exact power requirements for a given machine depend on several
interrelated factors, including the number and type of motors and drives
connected to the supply, the torque and speed requirement for each
motor, environmental factors, and more.
Calculating the torque requirement for just a single axis can be
challenging. This involves analysis of gearing, loading (both static and
dynamic), reflected inertia, gravitational effects, friction, target
accelerations, velocities, and machine throughput requirements.
Then comes the tricky part: analyzing the machine as a system, i.e. as a
group of axes working together under all possible operational conditions.
At the systems level, factors such as axis duty cycle, effects of synchronous
motion, and regenerated energy come into play.
So, selecting a power supply often begins with an educated guess followed
by real-world testing. If you need to power several motors running at high
speed and high torque, consider trying a Teknic IPC-5, 75VDC power
supply. Start with one supply but keep in mind that you can add another
supply later if your application requires more power. If your machine is a
single axis moving a light load at relatively low speed, a less powerful
supply will likely suffice. Just be aware that testing may be required to
find the right solution.