Product Description
The Allen-Bradley 1398-PDM-030 is a single-axis digital AC positioning servo drive from the Allen-Bradley 1398 ULTRA Plus series. This drive is distinguished by its “PDM” (Positioning Drive Module) designation, meaning it integrates both the servo drive functionality and advanced positioning control capabilities into a single, compact unit. This integrated design streamlines motion control architecture for single-axis machines, often eliminating the need for a separate dedicated motion controller for complex positioning tasks.
The Allen-Bradley 1398-PDM-030 is specifically designed for 3-Phase, 230V AC or 460V AC nominal input power. It provides a robust continuous output current of 15 Amperes (rms/phase) and a peak output current of 30 Amperes (rms/phase), with a continuous output power of 4.5 kW. This makes it suitable for controlling more powerful brushless AC servo motors, including Allen-Bradley’s F-Series, H-Series, and N-Series motors, in demanding applications. Its “ULTRA Plus” designation highlights its advanced integrated positioning features, which are typically programmed using the Windows-based GML (Graphical Motion Language) Ultra software. This enables the creation of complex motion profiles, electronic gearing, and master/follower operations without an external motion controller, offering significant flexibility and performance for single-axis motion.
Product Parameters
The Allen-Bradley 1398-PDM-030 possesses the following key technical specifications:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drive Series | 1398 ULTRA Plus (Positioning Servo Drive) |
| Drive Type | Digital AC Servo Drive, Single-Axis Positioning Module (PDM) |
| Input Voltage | 230V AC or 460V AC Nominal, 3-Phase, 50/60 Hz |
| Continuous Output Current | 15 Amperes / Phase (rms) |
| Peak Output Current | 30 Amperes / Phase (rms) |
| Continuous Output Power | 4.5 kW |
| Peak Shunt Power | 9.0 kW |
| Continuous Shunt Power | 50 W (likely, consistent with series; verify specific documentation) |
| Control Modes | Positioning, Velocity, Torque |
| Integrated Motion Control | Built-in programmable positioning via GML Ultra |
| Program Memory | Multiple application programs stored in 32K transferable memory |
| Feedback Support | Compatible with various brushless AC servo motors (F-Series, H-Series, N-Series) |
| Communication | Two (2) RS232 / RS422 combo ports (for PC/operator terminal), SCANport |
| Braking | Built-in shunt regulator (internal shunt resistor) |
| Mounting | Panel mount (designed to fit in a 30 cm / 12 in. deep NEMA enclosure) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | Approximately 36 cm (14.1 in) H x 25 cm (9.8 in) W x 10 cm (3.9 in) L (typical for series) |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 kg (14.33 lbs) (typical for series) |
| Operating Temperature | to $50^\circ$C ( to $140^\circ$F) |
| Storage Temperature | to $80^\circ$C ( to $176^\circ$F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Certifications | UL listed (typical for Allen-Bradley drives) |
| Programming Software | GML Ultra (Windows-based graphical software) |
Advantages and Features
The Allen-Bradley 1398-PDM-030 offers several advantages and features, particularly for high-power, single-axis positioning applications:
- Powerful Integrated Positioning Control: The “PDM” design provides a complete drive and positioning controller in one unit. With 4.5 kW continuous power, it can handle significant loads, simplifying system architecture and reducing hardware cost for robust single-axis motion tasks.
- High Performance Motion: Delivers precise control over motor speed, torque, and position with advanced brushless sinusoidal commutation, enabling accurate and repeatable motion profiles.
- Flexible Motion Profiles: Supports complex motion profiles, including S-curve and trapezoidal, along with electronic gearing and master/follower capabilities for versatile application design.
- User-Friendly Programming: Utilizes the intuitive Windows-based GML Ultra software, offering a graphical environment for easy programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting of complex motion sequences.
- Broad Voltage Compatibility: Designed to operate directly from 3-Phase, 230V AC or 460V AC, making it adaptable to various industrial power configurations.
- Built-in Shunt Regulator: Includes an integral shunt regulator to effectively manage regenerative braking energy, reducing the need for bulky external braking resistors for most applications.
- Comprehensive Diagnostics: Features a bright 4×20 vacuum fluorescent display, providing clear user messages, fault history, and real-time axis status monitoring for quick problem identification.
- Automatic Tuning: Offers automatic velocity and position loop tuning, simplifying the setup and optimization process, even for complex mechanical systems.
- Transferable Personality Module: Configuration settings can be stored in a transferable personality module, which allows for quick and easy drive replacement without requiring complete re-configuration, minimizing downtime.
- Robust Protection: Incorporates multiple protection circuits, comprehensive motor and drive system thermal protection, and a built-in solid-state soft start for enhanced reliability and safety.
Application Areas and Application Cases
The Allen-Bradley 1398-PDM-030 is well-suited for high-power, single-axis precision motion control applications in various industries:
- Automated Cutting Systems: Precision control for cutting tools (e.g., plasma, laser, knife) where a single axis requires high power and accurate positioning.
- Material Feeding and Conveying: Driving powerful indexing conveyors, large feeders, or precise material handling stages that require significant torque and exact positioning.
- Robotics (Single-Axis Tasks): Controlling a single, heavy-duty axis of a robotic arm for tasks like welding, heavy material transfer, or high-force pressing.
- CNC Machines (Auxiliary Axes): Used for controlling auxiliary axes in CNC machines, such as tool changers, part clamps, or other high-power positioning mechanisms that can operate independently.
- Press and Stamping Applications: Precise control of press rams or material feeding mechanisms where single-axis positioning with high force is critical.
- Specialty Machinery: Any custom-built machine requiring a standalone, powerful, and intelligent single-axis motion solution.
