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RVSx Setting a new standard for reduced voltage starters

PDL Electronics recently released the first frame size of its new soft starter, the RVSx. Although the previous generation of starters, the RVSi range, had proved a rugged reliable workhorse in industry, its design criteria had been superseded by some of the recently introduced standards requirements of our major international markets.

Many of the innovative control technques and design philosophy, which the company is reknown for with their drive products, are evident in their new design. New selectable inching function, as well as reversing features unheard of in previous soft starters, have added to the functionality of the RVSx.

PDL has carried over its’ strong support for serial communication interfaces, including the increasingly popular DeviceNet protocol. Furthermore recognising that not all customers require a comprehensive suite of control I/O, an optional expansion board provides additional digital and analogue I/O capability. This unleashes the full potential of the VYSTA applications platform, allowing considerable flexibility in user interface customisation and control I/O processing, in many cases eliminating the need for additional PLC control.

Adopting technologies that have proven so successful in the PDL Elite series of variable speed drives, the RVSx product range is probably the most easily configurable, feature-packed starter on the market. The ‘x’ signifies extreme, in functionality, reliability, standards compliance and styling.

The rugged versatility built into the RVSx will impress:

• Display unit and keypad can be re-orientated or remotely mounted
• Optimum thermal design means the RVSx can be mounted vertically or inverted - this allows for motor and bypass terminals to be connected from the top or bottom
• The line terminals remain accessible top or bottom from either mounting configuration
• Plug in control terminals and generous power termination space for ease of installation and connection
• Extensive and highly configurable control inputs and outputs: 3 digital inputs, 2 relay outputs and 1 analogue output
• An optional expansion board provides an additional: 3 digital inputs, 1 relay output, 1 analogue output and 2 serial inputs
• Serial communications - RS232 as standard. Software protocols supported include Modbus and DeveiceNet
• Further customisation is achievable with PDL VYSTA® for Windows™ software which allows custom configuration of the starter for specific applications
• The RVSx as standard is fully filtered adn EMC compliant, i.e. no additional filters required
• Designed and manufactured under AS/NZS ISO 9001:1994
• Complies with major international standards: EN 50178, IEC 60947-4-2, AS/NZS1023-1, AS/NZS1023-2 (pending)

A sophisticated control PCB provides monitoring of the motor current, motor thermal modelling and protection, power assembly temperature modelling and protection, condition monitoring and fault annunciation, monitoring of incoming power supply, to provide full protection of the starter and driven load.

The RVSx is easy to apply to simple pump and fan applications, yet can be configured to an advanced level to handle complex starting and control requirements within the standard features of the product.