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55thannIversary


particularly valuable in demanding applications such as high-speed motor, battery simulation and e-mobility applications.


IGBT TechnoloGy wIll conTInue To Be used alonGsIde sic Conventional IGBT-based drive architectures will remain the mainstream choice for many industrial applications because they continue to offer an excellent balance of performance, reliability and cost. SiC technology is more likely to be adopted where efficiency, switching frequency, power density or high motor speeds justify the additional investment. In practice, the first step is often not a full


SiC power stage but a hybrid architecture. For example, Inovance’s MD520HS AC drive combines conventional silicon IGBT switching devices with SiC diodes, improving efficiency and power density while maintaining a practical balance between performance, cost and commercial viability. Inovance is also developing SiC-based technologies for selected e-mobility power conversion applications, including battery simulation and DC/DC conversion, where high- frequency power conversion, efficiency and power density provide significant system benefits.


FInal ThouGhTs The history of variable speed drives can’t be defined by one single development. It


AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS FOR MACHINE BUILDING SUPPLEMENT


combines advances in power electronics, digital processing, communications, functional safety and software. From early quasi-square-wave drives to IGBTs providing better motor control and regeneration, and now SiC technology, engineers continue to push the physical limits of what drive systems can achieve. Variable speed drives are now fully integrated


into the wider automation system and, for me, the interesting point is that, even though drives have become much more intelligent, the power semiconductor remains central to what is physically possible. It affects efficiency, switching performance, thermal management and system size. That’s why the move from early quasi-square-wave technology to IGBT- based PWM drives was so important, and why


silicon carbide is now attracting attention. The future of drive technology will not be


defined by a single breakthrough. It will combine more efficient power devices with better control algorithms, better connectivity and easier system integration. For machine designers, drives are likely to become even more efficient, compact, easy to commission and better suited to high-performance applications.


Innovance www.inovance.eu/home


AC drives are an intelligent component within the wider automation system


The Place for Precision Motion Control


Stepper motor drives, intelligent & integrated stepper and servomotor drives


Slip ring assemblies and rotary joints


Servo Motors & Drives Planetary and spur gear units


Stepper Motors & Drives Feedback Devices


Precision resolvers, AC and DC servomotors


Motion Controllers & Software Mechanical Components


Gearboxes


Robust incremental and absolute encoders


Custom Engineered Motion Systems


High performance, multi-axis motion control


Integrated AC servo and stepper motors


Our comprehensive product range


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Vacuum and harsh industrial positioning systems


Small brushed and brushless motors, frameless torque motors


Advanced motion control technologies


Geared DC motors


Harsh industrial, vacuum UHV, cryogenic & space rated stepper motors


Small & precision stepper, brushed and brushless motors


www.mclennan.co.uk +44 (0) 1252 531444 sales@mclennan.co.uk www.designsolutionsmag.co.uk JULY/AUGUST 2026 DesIGn sOLUtIOns 1971-2026 33


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