How can load distribution issues in multi-motor drive systems be detected and analyzed?

Load distribution issues in multi-motor systems can be identified through synchronous acquisition and correlation of drive signals across all motors. Using ibaPDA in combination with ibaBM-DPM-S enables high-resolution recording of drive parameters without interfering with the control network. This allows engineers to visualize torque, speed, and current behavior in a single timeline. As a result, imbalances and coupling issues can be clearly diagnosed and quantified.

How can synchronous data acquisition across multiple VVVF drives be implemented effectively?

Synchronous acquisition requires a system capable of consolidating signals from different drives into a unified time base. ibaPDA enables continuous, trigger-independent recording of all relevant signals in a single environment. Combined with ibaBM-DPM-S and EtherNet/IP interfaces, data from multiple sources can be captured simultaneously. This eliminates the need for fragmented analysis across separate drive tools.

How can passive data acquisition from industrial fieldbus systems be achieved without affecting performance?

Passive data acquisition is critical in high-availability systems where additional bus load must be avoided. The ibaBM-DPM-S operates as a passive listener, capturing signals directly from the Profibus without acting as an active node. This ensures zero impact on network performance and control communication. At the same time, high-resolution data acquisition is fully maintained.

How can control and drive data from different systems be integrated for analysis?

Integrated analysis requires merging heterogeneous data sources into a unified time context. ibaPDA enables synchronous acquisition of both fieldbus and PLC data via interfaces such as EtherNet/IP. This creates a consistent data foundation for root cause analysis. Complex interactions between control logic and drive behavior become fully traceable.

How can continuous data recording be used to optimize drive systems sustainably?

Continuous, trigger-independent recording enables comprehensive analysis of operating conditions and fault events. With ibaPDA, all relevant signals are stored continuously and remain available for retrospective evaluation. In ibaAnalyzer, these datasets can be analyzed in detail and documented. This allows optimization measures to be validated and long-term improvements to be sustained.

Data Acquisition With ibaPDA, ibaBM-DP and EtherNet/IP

Drive Optimization in a Railcar Dumper & Train Positioner for Mines

iba Oceania designed a measuring system for a multiple AC motor VVVF controlled car positioner in a mine. The system was used to determine if load sharing issues between the AC motors were occurring due to continual clutch failures.

Business Benefits The Technology Used Functions More Success Stories

The data captured provided a clear illustration of the issues relating to the load sharing mechanism between the motors.

Based on the recordings it then provided a clear path to rectify the identifi ed issues. Once the changes were implemented the iba system was then used to verify that the load sharing mechanism between the motors was correct.

The iba system allowed for all VVVF drive data to be trended synchronously in the same trend window. With modern VVVF drive software this is not possible as each drives data must be trended in separate windows.

Effective trouble shooting

control system optimization and documentation of the results

Data continuously recorded

without the need for triggering

Acts like a “black box”

for your drive system

ibaAnalyzer showing load sharing before and after

The Technology

The VVVF drives are controlled via Profibus so an ibaBM-DPM-S Profi bus sniffer was used to capture the drive data. With this bus module up to 512 analog and 512 digital signals can be read and recorded at 1ms sampling.

The Profibus network does not see any extra load as the sniffer is passive and not part of the active bus. Data was also captured from the Allen Bradley PLC via an EtherNet/IP interface. Any data available inside the PLC can be marshalled and sent to the iba server and captured synchronously with the Profibus data.

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The data is stored in DAT-files and can be analysed, processed and archived with the ibaAnalyzer software tool which is free of charge. An efficient report generator allows for the creation of customized analytical reports.

Fritz Woller
System Engineer, iba Oceania

Used Functions

The following functions of the iba system are used in this success story.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can load distribution issues in multi-motor drive systems be detected and analyzed?: Load distribution issues in multi-motor systems can be identified through synchronous acquisition and correlation of drive signals across all motors. Using ibaPDA in combination with ibaBM-DPM-S enables high-resolution recording of drive parameters without interfering with the control network. This allows engineers to visualize torque, speed, and current behavior in a single timeline. As a result, imbalances and coupling issues can be clearly diagnosed and quantified.
How can synchronous data acquisition across multiple VVVF drives be implemented effectively?: Synchronous acquisition requires a system capable of consolidating signals from different drives into a unified time base. ibaPDA enables continuous, trigger-independent recording of all relevant signals in a single environment. Combined with ibaBM-DPM-S and EtherNet/IP interfaces, data from multiple sources can be captured simultaneously. This eliminates the need for fragmented analysis across separate drive tools.
How can passive data acquisition from industrial fieldbus systems be achieved without affecting performance?: Passive data acquisition is critical in high-availability systems where additional bus load must be avoided. The ibaBM-DPM-S operates as a passive listener, capturing signals directly from the Profibus without acting as an active node. This ensures zero impact on network performance and control communication. At the same time, high-resolution data acquisition is fully maintained.
How can control and drive data from different systems be integrated for analysis?: Integrated analysis requires merging heterogeneous data sources into a unified time context. ibaPDA enables synchronous acquisition of both fieldbus and PLC data via interfaces such as EtherNet/IP. This creates a consistent data foundation for root cause analysis. Complex interactions between control logic and drive behavior become fully traceable.
How can continuous data recording be used to optimize drive systems sustainably?: Continuous, trigger-independent recording enables comprehensive analysis of operating conditions and fault events. With ibaPDA, all relevant signals are stored continuously and remain available for retrospective evaluation. In ibaAnalyzer, these datasets can be analyzed in detail and documented. This allows optimization measures to be validated and long-term improvements to be sustained.