The latest family of decentralised frequency inverters from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has received new functional safety features, optimising the system for use in automation environments.

In automated production, drive electronics with integrated safety functions enable the safe control and monitoring of motion sequences. As functional safety becomes increasingly important, Nord continues to extend these capabilities across its drive systems. The decentralised Nordac On frequency inverter has now received an extensive safety upgrade.

In addition to STO and SS1, the safe motion functions SLS, SMS and SSM are now integrated for fail-safe control of rotary movement. Nordac On therefore features safe standstill functions—Safe Torque Off and Safe Stop 1—as well as functions for safely controlling a drive solution’s speed: Safety Limited Speed, Safe Maximum Speed and Safe Speed Monitor.

The forthcoming variant of the decentralised frequency inverter can be integrated into a fail-safe application within an existing Industrial Ethernet network via PROFIsafe or FSoE. The required Industrial Ethernet dialect is parameterised during commissioning. Stand-alone use is also possible.

The safe digital inputs and outputs of Nordac On can incorporate fail-safe peripheral components or functions, including emergency stop buttons, safety door switches and photoelectric sensors. Two safe single-channel digital inputs can be combined into one safe two-channel digital input, while two safe outputs can be combined into one safe two-channel output.

The decentralised Nordac On frequency inverter features a compact design and full plug-in capability. Its plug-and-play functionality significantly reduces wiring requirements and provides a maintenance-friendly and economical solution for modern production environments.

It also includes an onboard PLC for PLC- and drive-related functions. The inverter can process data from connected sensors and actuators, initiate control sequences, and communicate drive and application data to the control centre, networked components or cloud storage.

NORDAC ON is available in a power range from 0.37 kW to 3.7 kW.