Firmware

The control algorithm is the key element to achieve the desired properties of the Active Magnetic Bearing system. Our digital control algorithms run now on the sixth generation of DSP based control units. As a pioneer in digital control, MECOS has constantly improved its control firmware since the 1980s.

Whereas the main objective is to keep the shaft centred within the bearings, the setup of a magnetic bearing system also allows for controlled movements of the shaft.

MECOS offers a wide range of advanced control schemes to deal with the requirements of different applications, such as:

unbalance force rejection control (UFRC) for vibration free operation
controllers for highly gyroscopic rotors
controllers for supercritical rotors allowing safe crossing of bending critical speeds
built-in frequency response measurement and data acquisition function for system identification, control performance assessment and preventive monitoring

The magnetic bearing system has its built-in supervision monitoring watches not only AMB internal states but also external load conditions of the machine such as speed, displacements, unbalance etc. The measured values can be accessed based on CAN-Interface and CANOpen protocol.

Safety

Safety is crucial in high speed rotating machinery. MECOS has gained significant competence with safety relevant firmware in general and safe overspeed protection in particular. We provide firmware modules ready to make your application safe with respect to overspeed according to DIN 954-1, safety category 3.