Allen Bradley Drives vs Mitsubishi Drives

The influence of cutting-edge technology and breakthroughs in simplifying industrial processes, increasing efficiency, and achieving previously unheard-of levels of productivity is revealed via revolutionizing industrial automation. It includes innovative solutions that are altering the market and establishing a new era of automation. Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi have established themselves as front runners in the field of automation drives in the constantly changing world of industrial automation. These businesses have continuously pushed the bounds of innovation to offer cutting-edge solutions for numerous industrial applications while technology continues to evolve at an unheard-of rate.

This article attempts to present a thorough comparative study of the drives made by Mitsubishi and Allen Bradley, highlighting their major characteristics, performance abilities, and distinctive benefits. We want to provide industry experts with the knowledge necessary to make knowledgeable judgments when it comes to deploying automation solutions by examining their various strengths and shortcomings. Both Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi can take pride in a long history of producing premium drives renowned for their dependability, accuracy, and efficiency. However, they use various technologies and processes and take a diverse approach to automation. To learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each system, this research will also look at its design philosophies, control algorithms, communication protocols, and user interfaces, among other things. You will learn more about the fields and uses that Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi Drives excel in through this analysis. Industrial automation experts may compare their performance, dependability, cost-effectiveness, and simplicity of integration to make educated judgments that fit their operational needs.

Now we will go into a comparative analysis of the drives of Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi. We will be listing some features upon which we will be discriminating against them.

Power Ratings

When choosing a drive for industrial applications, power rating is an important consideration. A wide range of power ratings are covered by Mitsubishi Electric’s extensive portfolio of drives. For various industrial applications, their FR-A800 series, for instance, provides power ratings ranging from 0.1 kW to 1,500 kW. These drives are intended to provide excellent dependability and energy economy together with high-performance motor control. Additionally, Mitsubishi provides specialized drives, such as their D700 series, which concentrate on lower power ratings for more compact machinery and automation systems. Allen Bradley drives, on the other hand, provide a wide range of power ratings, from smaller drives like the Power Flex 525 series, which can handle power ratings up to 22 kW, to bigger drives like the Power Flex 755 series, which can handle power ratings up to 900 kW. In a variety of industrial applications, these drives are made to provide precise control and top performance.

Voltage and Current Ratings

Voltage and current ratings must be considered when assessing industrial drives for them to work with electrical systems. Mitsubishi Electric offers a wide selection of drives built to handle different voltage and current demands. For instance, the FR-F800 series has current rates starting at 0.1A and going as high as 2,300A, with voltage ranges ranging from 200V to 690V. These drives offer dependable and effective motor control solutions for a variety of applications, from small-scale automation systems to big industrial machines. However, Allen Bradley drives also provide a wide range of voltage and current specifications. For instance, the PowerFlex series has several types with voltage ratings ranging from 200V to 690V and current ratings beginning at a few amps and going all the way up to several thousand amps. For example, the FR-F820-030-EC model, which has a current rating of 30A and operates at a voltage range of 380-480V, is appropriate for medium-sized applications needing dependable and effective motor control. The voltage range supported by the Allen Bradley PowerFlex 753 series is 200V to 690V, and the current ratings change depending on the model. For applications that require precise control and great performance, the PowerFlex 753, 20F1ANC125ANNANNN drive, for instance, runs at 480V voltage and has a current rating of 125A.

Control Algorithms

In industrial automation, control algorithms are essential for providing accurate motor control and top performance. To provide improved motor control, Mitsubishi Electric employs cutting-edge control algorithms in its drives. For applications that need great accuracy, the FR-A800 series, for instance, uses vector control algorithms, sometimes referred to as field-oriented control (FOC), to offer exact torque and speed control. Conveyors, pumps, and fans may all benefit from the drive’s ability to sustain good performance even under dynamic load situations, thanks to this algorithm. The drives made by Allen Bradley, on the other hand, use sensorless vector control algorithms that provide very accurate torque control and quick dynamic response. With the use of this control algorithm, the drive can provide efficient motor control even in the absence of feedback mechanisms, making it ideal for use with mixers, agitators, and material-handling equipment.

In applications like machine tools and manufacturing lines, the FR-A840-03020-2-L drive, for instance, uses vector control technology to give precise torque and speed control. Allen Bradley’s PowerFlex 525 series uses sensorless vector control algorithms. The sensorless vector control method is used, for instance, by the PowerFlex 525 25B-D017N114 drive to provide accurate motor control in applications like conveyors and pumps.

On Basis of Motor Types

Various motor types may be accommodated by Mitsubishi drives and Allen Bradley drives, providing flexibility and compatibility with a range of industrial applications. Both induction motors and permanent magnet motors are compatible with the Mitsubishi FR-F800 series. For instance, the FR-F820-02025-2-L drive may convert to a permanent magnet motor for high-efficiency operation in applications like fans or compressors or smoothly operate an induction motor for applications like pumps. For instance, Allen Bradley drives are made to function with a variety of motor technologies, including servo motors, permanent magnet motors, and induction motors. Allen Bradley drives can handle a wide range of applications because of their adaptability, from straightforward speed control to incredibly accurate placement.

Allen Bradley’s PowerFlex 755 series is made to work with a variety of motor types, including servo motors, permanent magnet motors, and induction motors. The PowerFlex 755 20G11ND065AA0NNNNN drive, for instance, provides precision control for servo motor applications, making it appropriate for applications that call for high-speed and exact positioning, such as robotics or CNC machines. In applications like pumps, compressors, and HVAC systems, the FR-A840-08070-2-L drive, for instance, may effectively manage a synchronous reluctance motor, resulting in increased energy efficiency and performance. Induction motors and geared motors are two motor types that may be used with the Mitsubishi FR-D700 series, which is intended for smaller-scale applications. The FR-D720S-025-EC drive, for instance, provides dependable and accurate motor control in small installations and may be used to operate geared motors in conveyor systems, packing equipment, or small automated equipment.

Programming and Configuration

Mitsubishi drives and Allen Bradley drives offer several methods and tools for programming and setup. For all of its drive series, Mitsubishi Electric provides simple programming and setup choices. Particular software is used by the FR-E700 series and offers an easy-to-use interface for drive programming and parameter setting. Users may rapidly configure and modify drive parameters to meet particular application needs. Furthermore, Mitsubishi drives are compatible with industry-standard communication protocols, making it easy to integrate and program through other devices or automation systems.

The Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP software may be used to program and configure the Allen Bradley Kinetix 5700 series. The high-performance motion control applications of the Kinetix 5700 2198-Hxxx-ERSx drive, for instance, are developed for this drive. In sophisticated automation systems, accurate motor control is made possible by the Integrated Motion software, which also offers advanced programming capabilities.

Environmental and Enclosure Ratings

The environmental and enclosure ratings of drives are quite important when thinking about industrial applications to guarantee dependable and secure operation. Mitsubishi Electric builds its drives to resist harsh industrial environments and has strong environmental ratings. For protection against solid objects, the Mitsubishi FR-F800 series, for instance, has an IP-20 enclosure classification. Furthermore, Mitsubishi drives frequently have extended temperature range capabilities, allowing them to function effectively in a variety of situations, including challenging ones like extremely hot or low temperatures. The IP20 enclosure certification of the Mitsubishi FR-E700 series provides dependable protection from solid items. For instance, the FR-E720S-050-EC drive is excellent for use in a variety of industrial conditions since it can operate in a wide temperature range, from -10°C to 50°C.

While protecting against solid objects, the Allen Bradley PowerFlex 755T series has an IP20 enclosure grade. For instance, the PowerFlex 755T 20G11ND065AA0NNNNN drive is made to function in a wide temperature range, from -20°C to 40°C, guaranteeing dependable performance even in difficult climatic circumstances. A greater level of protection against dust and water immersion up to a certain depth is provided by the Kinetix 5700 series’ IP67 enclosure classification. For instance, the Kinetix 5700 2198-Hxxx-ERSx drive is intended for use in applications in difficult environments such as wash-down areas or outdoor installations, where exposure to water or liquid is common.

Safety Features

A crucial component of industrial automation is ensuring the safety of workers and equipment. To fulfill strict safety standards, Allen Bradley drives and Mitsubishi drives both integrate several safety measures. To protect employees and machinery, Mitsubishi Electric incorporates several safety elements into its drives. For instance, the Safe Torque Off (STO) technology included in the Mitsubishi FR-D700 series makes sure that the motor output torque is safely disabled to prevent inadvertent movement during maintenance or emergency. Furthermore, Mitsubishi drives frequently support cutting-edge safety communication protocols like Safe Motion, enabling improved safety monitoring and control in sophisticated automation systems. The Safe Brake Control (SBC) technology included in the Mitsubishi FR-F800 series adds more safety precautions for situations that call for motor braking. For instance, the FR-F846-08620-2-L drive may be set up to provide safe motor braking in situations like emergency stops or power outages, avoiding any possible risks.

However, Allen Bradley drives put safety first by including several safety elements. For instance, the Safe Stop 1 (SS1) and Safe Stop 2 (SS2) features are part of the Allen Bradley Kinetix 5700 series. While SS2 offers extra safety precautions for important stopping applications, SS1 monitors the response from safety devices to guarantee the drive is stopped safely. The seamless integration of safety devices and control systems is made possible by Allen Bradley drives support for safety communication protocols like CIP Safety. Safe Torque Off (STO) and Safe Speed Monitor (SSM) are features that the Power Flex 755 series contains.

Web Server Functionality

Users may access and remotely monitor drive settings, diagnostics, and status using a web browser interface thanks to web server technology in industrial drives. A different range of drives that provides web server capabilities is the Mitsubishi D700 series. For example, the Mitsubishi FR-D740-036-EC drive has an integrated web server that enables users to view and track the drive’s settings, status, and diagnostics remotely. Users may effectively control and troubleshoot the drive by connecting to its IP address using a web browser, assuring optimal performance in industrial applications. A built-in web server in the Mitsubishi FR-E800 series enables users to remotely view the drive’s status and settings. The FR-E840-095-EC drive, for example, may be diagnosed by connecting to the drive’s IP address using a web browser and monitoring drive performance, changing settings, and so on.

Allen Bradley PowerFlex 525 series, on the other hand, has an inbuilt web server that enables remote access and control. To examine real-time statistics, modify drive settings, and assess drive health, users can use a web browser to connect to the drive’s IP address. For effective drive administration, the PowerFlex 525 25B-D024N104 drive has web server capabilities. Additionally, the CompactLogix 5380 series may work as a web server when coupled with certain SSDs. For instance, the CompactLogix 5380 controller enables users to remotely retrieve drive information via a web browser when linked with the Allen Bradley PowerFlex 527 drive. Users may simply check diagnostics, change parameters, and monitor drive status, ensuring smooth control and administration of the drive system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by providing cutting-edge solutions and pushing the frontiers of innovation, Mitsubishi Drives and Allen Bradley Drives have both cemented their positions as industry leaders in the field of industrial automation. We have investigated several characteristics of their drives via this comparison research, including power rating, voltage and current ratings, control algorithms, motor types, programming and configuration possibilities, environmental and enclosure ratings, safety features, and web server functioning. The FR-A800 series and D700 series are two examples of Mitsubishi drives that offer a broad range of power ratings and voltage and current parameters, as well as precision control, energy efficiency, and dependable motor control. They are suited for applications needing high performance and dynamic load management due to their sophisticated control algorithms, such as vector control, which give precise torque and speed control. Mitsubishi drives provide flexibility and adaptation to diverse industrial applications and are compatible with numerous motor types.

Similar to this, the CompactLogix and MicroLogix series of Allen Bradley drives provide a wide range of power ratings and voltage and current parameters. To ensure precise torque control and quick dynamic reaction, they use sensorless vector control algorithms. Because they are compatible with servo motors, permanent magnet motors, and induction motors, Allen Bradley drives perform very well in applications demanding precise control and positioning.

Industry experts can easily set up and integrate Mitsubishi and Allen Bradley drives into automation systems because of their user-friendly programming and configuration choices. To safeguard people and equipment, they also give priority to safety by implementing features like Safe Torque Off (STO) and safety communication protocols. Finally, web server capabilities enable users to view and remotely monitor drive settings, diagnostics, and status using a web browser interface. Mitsubishi drives include built-in web servers for simple remote operation, including the D700 series and FR-E800 series. Additionally offering web server capabilities, Allen Bradley drives, such as the Power Flex and CompactLogix series, allow users to properly manage and troubleshoot drives.

Industrial automation specialists may choose the best drives based on their unique operating requirements by comparing the advantages and disadvantages of Mitsubishi drives and Allen Bradley drives in terms of these essential qualities. Both firms have a track record of providing dependable, effective, and cutting-edge solutions, helping to shape the constantly changing landscape of industrial automation.

This entry was posted on June 26th, 2023 and is filed under Uncategorized. Both comments and pings are currently closed.