AC Drives

Adjustable Frequency Drive (ASD), Inverter, Variable Frequency Drive (VSD) are all terms that refer to an electronic device, manufactured to convert AC power into DC power and finally back into "controlled" AC power, whose frequency can now be "VARIED", to allow a standard three phase electric motor's rotational speed to be changed.

The heart of these devices is the "control" board which is becoming more and more like a miniature computer. The control board allows the "programming" of the drives functions, such as acceleration and deceleration, overload characteristics, input variables and a number of other important functions. This board controls the actions of the "power" section of the drive. The power section is typically made up of power transistors. Older devices used SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifiers). The industry then stepped up to the GTO (Gate Turn Off) devices, and then on to IGBT (Integrated Gate Bipolar Transistors). This technology changes rather suddenly and quickly, like the computer industry, so that newer power devices and more sophisticated control components are being marketed on a regular basis.

A.R.& E.'s application engineers keep up with the market and can recommend the best product for your application. We routinely apply, sell, install and service these devices for customers in our market area. Check these additional page links and you will be taken to that manufacturer's home page for details on the specific manufacturers listed.