When choosing from a wide range of industrial DC power sources, designers face significant challenges. In addition to meeting reliability requirements and facing pressure to save space on increasingly crowded control panels, there is a growing demand for designers to find intelligent components that can self monitor to achieve predictive maintenance and reduce downtime. Flexibility is also crucial, as the power requirements of different designs can vary greatly. Being able to adapt to regional power standards is also a major advantage, making it easier to apply globally while minimizing the Bill of Materials (BOM).
Let's take a look at how Schneider Electric can use the Modicon series of power supplies to help you tackle these challenges. These scalable switch mode power supplies (SMPS) have a wide range of applications, from simple machine control to complex systems with remote monitoring and backup battery capabilities.
Comprehensive DIN rail power platform
The Modicon series has a wide range of products, supporting 5-48 VDC output voltage and 7-960 W power. From basic transmission systems to complex oil and gas installations, this versatility enables engineers to standardize industrial, commercial, and residential automation applications on the same platform.
This series is known for its compact modular design, optimized for easy installation onto DIN rails. Flexible AC input capability enables it to adapt to global single-phase and multi-phase standards; And with comprehensive certification (including CE, UL, CSA, RCM, and KC), it can be used globally without the need for redesign.
This series includes three different product lines: the modular series is suitable for compact, direct power transmission, the optimized series is suitable for stronger performance, and the universal series is suitable for complex power consuming deployments.
Modular power supply can maximize installation space savings
For applications that require high cabinet space, such as sensors and basic control circuits, the modular ABLM product line prioritizes compactness. This type of power supply product can use single-phase or phase to phase 100-240 VAC input, providing 5 V, 12 V, 24 V or 48 V DC output, with a starting current of less than 1 A. Each power supply is equipped with a front LED indicator light to display whether there is DC output and a QR code for users to access the latest technical documentation.
ABLM1A12010 (Figure 1) is a model of space saving design for modular product lines. This power supply has a width of only 18mm and can provide 12V DC at 1A current while achieving 80% efficiency.
Figure 1: Compact ABLM1A12010 modular SMPS with a width of only 18 mm, output voltage of 12 VDC, and current of 1 A (Image source: Schneider Electric)
The operating temperature range of ABLM1A1201 is -25 to 55 ° C, without the need for derating, designed specifically for harsh environments, with an average time between failures (MTBF) of 3000000 hours under full load conditions at 25 ° C.
Optimize power supply to balance performance and size
The ABLS optimized series achieves a balance between performance and size, with improved power and functionality, making it suitable for higher demand industrial applications. The input and output voltage range of the optimized series is the same as that of the non optimized module series, but the power has been increased to 240 W.
ABLS1A48050 (Figure 2) demonstrates the versatility of the optimization series. The width of this series is 60 mm and can provide 5 A, 48 V DC voltage. It is worth noting that in addition to the standard 100 to 240 VAC input voltage, this model can also adopt 140 to 375 VDC input voltage, bringing high flexibility to various power architectures.
Figure 2: The ABLS1A48050 in the optimized product line can provide 45 VDC voltage under 5 A current conditions and can use AC and DC inputs. (Image source: Schneider Electric)
ABLS1A48050 provides six output terminals for easy load distribution and parallel operation, eliminating the need for external wiring terminals when connecting multiple circuits. Like many products in the Modicon series, this product has a conformal coating that prevents dust and chemical pollutants commonly found in industrial environments.
Universal power platform
The universal ABLU3 and ABL8RP series are not only power supplies, but also part of a complete platform that includes buffer modules, battery modules, and various other auxiliary functions. These power supplies have a wide input range from 100 to 500 VAC and support single-phase and three-phase systems. In terms of output, these power supplies have an output power of up to 960 W.
The advanced monitoring function sets the Universal series apart. The integrated diagnostic relay contacts can be remotely monitored, and the shutdown input provides external control capability. The dual color LED indicator light can display normal operation and fault conditions. These features are crucial for critical systems that require intelligent monitoring in demanding industries such as oil and gas.
ABLU3A48200 (Figure 3) demonstrates the functionality of the universal series. This device is designed specifically for three-phase installations ranging from 380-500 VAC, with a power of 960 W (48 VDC at 20 A) and an energy efficiency of up to 95%.