In machines and systems, you regularly need access to the controls: during initial start-up, for service work and when production has been halted (which is where things get time-critical). The Murrelektronik Modlink MSDD front panel interfaces provide plant operators with easy, safe access to the controls. Many different country-specific outlets and data connectors provide international solutions and comprehensive approvals allow a worldwide application.
Normally, to access to the controls via laptop or a diagnostic device the control cabinet must be opened by a trained electrical engineer. Sometimes, the controls are installed together with electrically hot components. In this case, due to safety reasons, the entire system needs to be powered down and isolated, even for a simple software adjustment job. In the American market, the control cabinet always has to be isolated electrically because the doors are connected mechanically to the mains isolator switch. That costs time and money. Also, it is easy for dirt and humidity to enter the interior of the control cabinet when the door is open, which can damage other components. This emergency solution negatively impacts EMC requirements.
With the Modlink MSDD front panel interfaces, a laptop or diagnostic device can be connected in a way that prevents these problems from occurring. Modlink MSDD is a modular system that consists of standardized single and double frames made of metal or plastic and can be installed into the control cabinet doors. More than 170 different inserts with country-specific outlets and data inserts (for example SUB-D, RJ45 or USB) can be snapped into place. With this selection you can make up to 100,000 different combinations! This highly flexibility system is perfect for companies that deliver their products worldwide. After installing a standard frame into your door, you can easily snap in the corresponding inserts for the destination country. Murrelektronik offers one of the widest selections on the market.
Modlink MSDD front panel interfaces have a protection class of IP65 ensuring that they can withstand rugged environments. EMC requirements are fulfilled via EMV cladding panels that sheath the full surface area of the data inserts. Ground straps can be connected to these plates to discharge any interferences.
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- H & H milling head
In industrial applications, outlets must be secured, according to the standard, up to 20 A using residual current devices (RCDs). This is stipulated by the following standards: VDE 0100-410 (Setting up low-voltage systems), EN 60204-1 (Safety of machines – electrical equipment of machines) and, valid for North America, NFPA79 (Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery). Therefore, a commercially available 2-pin safety switch can be integrated in Modlink MSDD. The power outlet is fuse-protected and complies to the standards. If an error occurs, simply reset the circuit breaker without having to open the doors of the control cabinet. This insert can be equipped with a USB-A or RJ45 connection for data communication. The result is a complete programming interface including a secured electrical connection and features a range of country-specific choices.
For international applications, approvals are important. The Modlink MSDD front panel interfaces are UL-approved and enable North American manufacturers to implement this solution easily and supports companies when importing their machines and applications into the region.
Control cabinets in the American market are specified according to a UL Type Rating. Cutting into the door of a control cabinet prevents the cabinet from meeting this specification. To avoid this, the installation frame on the interface complies with the specification. The Modlink-MSDD installation frames are certified to UL Type Ratings 1, 4, 4x, 12 and 13 – ensuring that they comply with the standard.
The Modlink MSDD service interfaces are frequently located in clearly visible locations on a control cabinet, a machine or a system. This is ideal for applying system designations, barcodes or warning notices to them. Murrelektronik can laser these types of information directly onto the lid of the Modlink MSDD – regardless of quantity and at no additional cost. This simplifies installation since fewer additional labels need to be attached.
Modlink MSDD Features
- Globally certified service interface for control cabinets and control panels
- Simplify diagnostics and programming tasks
- Selection of over 100,000 possible combinations
- Wide range of inserts – there’s an outlet for every application!
- Service interface with an integrated FI/LS circuit breaker
- International power outlets and data connectors worldwide application
- Meets international approval standards
A solution with a strong track record
Michael Keppler explains how well front plate interfaces have performed in practice. He is Head of Electrical Component Standardization in Research & Development at Krones in the Bavarian town of Neutraubling, and said, “We install Modlink MSDD interfaces in control cabinets and machine housings. This creates a way for us to access the controls. Our service engineers use this outlet for initial start-ups, and to maintain the laptop power supply. The RJ45 interface gives us a way to connect into the machine network.” One of the most best features for Krones is that they no longer need to open the doors on control cabinets. That is incredibly practical and important explains Keppler: “In our customers’ production facilities around the world, environmental conditions are frequently challenging, with high humidity levels being just one example. This is why all of our control cabinets are equipped with air-conditioning units. When the cabinets are opened, dust and damp air inevitably find their way inside. Then condensation forms on components inside the cabinet and that causes a serious moisture problem. It can damage components and even cause them to fail. We avoid all of that by using Modlink MSDD!”
Yan Hao Ming, from Shenyang Machine Tool Co., Ltd is responsible for initial start-ups. He goes on to explain even more benefits: “Whenever we are commissioning a system, we regularly have to access the controls. Until now, this always involved opening the control cabinet doors. That was dangerous because these control cabinets contain electrically live components. Before we started using Modlink MSDD, we had to construct elaborate safety fences to protect our employees, and also to prevent unauthorized access. Now we use Modlink MSDD and the control cabinet doors remain closed at all times. Since then, we have been able to get rid of the protective fences which saves us a lot of hassle and makes commissioning go faster. For us, the Modlink MSDD is a small component that delivers big benefits!”
