SA9923A-E Multi-channel Analog Output Module

Description

Real-World Use & Application Scenarios

In the heart of a high-speed packaging line or a precision CNC machining center, the seamless coordination between a programmable logic controller (PLC) and the motor drives that execute its commands is what separates adequate performance from world-class efficiency. The critical link in this chain is often a high-speed, deterministic network. The SA9923A-E is the specialized interface that makes this robust communication possible within Yaskawa’s ecosystem. This module is deployed in complex automation systems where a Yaskawa motion controller or PLC, such as the MP3000 series, needs to command a fleet of servo drives over the high-speed Mechatrolink-II (M-II) network. Imagine a robotic cell where multiple arms work in unison; the SA9923A-E ensures that the command to start a move reaches every drive at exactly the same time, eliminating the minute timing errors that lead to robotic hesitation or misalignment. By providing a deterministic and noise-immune communication backbone, this module is fundamental to achieving the synchronized motion, high-speed data exchange, and precise control required in advanced manufacturing applications.

Product Introduction & Positioning

The SA9923A-E is a Mechatrolink-II (M-II) Communication Board, a specialized hardware component designed to be installed directly into a compatible Yaskawa machine controller. It functions as the master network interface card, creating a dedicated, real-time motion network between the controller and up to 32 slave devices, such as Σ-7 or Σ-5 series servo drives and inverters. This board is not a standalone device but an integral part of a tightly integrated motion control system. Its role is to manage all data traffic on the M-II network, cyclically exchanging command data (position, torque, speed) with the drives and receiving from them real-time status and feedback information. For machine builders and control system integrators, the value of the SA9923A-E lies in its performance and simplicity. It offloads the complex task of network management from the main controller CPU, ensures jitter-free communication, and provides a standardized, vendor-optimized solution that drastically reduces the development and debugging time associated with multi-axis motion applications.

Key Technical Features & Functional Benefits

The SA9923A-E delivers performance through its deterministic network protocol and robust physical design. A key strength of the Mechatrolink-II protocol is its isochronous cycle time, which can be configured down to fractions of a millisecond. This deterministic timing means that control loop updates and command transmissions happen at perfectly regular intervals, which is a foundational requirement for stable servo control, especially in systems with high mechanical resonance or gearing. The board handles the high-speed serial communication, error checking, and automatic reconfiguration of slave devices, ensuring data integrity and simplifying startup.

From a hardware perspective, the module is built for the long-term reliability expected in industrial control cabinets. It interfaces with the controller via a secure, internal PCI bus, ensuring high data throughput without being susceptible to external electrical noise. The external communication port uses a robust, sub-D connector for the daisy-chained network cable, providing a secure physical connection that is less prone to failure than standard RJ45 connectors in high-vibration environments. The SA9923A-E also supports centralized parameter management, allowing an engineer to set and monitor the parameters of all connected drives directly from the master controller software, eliminating the need for individual drive setup and ensuring configuration consistency across the entire machine.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Related Modules or Compatible Units

SGD7S-□□□ – A Sigma-7 series servo drive with native Mechatrolink-III compatibility, often used in systems upgraded from M-II.
SGD7S-□□□ – A Sigma-5 series servo drive, a common slave device for the SA9923A-E M-II network.
JUSP-AP□□□ – A pre-built servo drive cabinet that often integrates multiple drives networked via M-II.
MP3300 – A machine controller that provides the platform for the SA9923A-E communication board.
CABLE-M2□□□ – The standardized, shielded daisy-chain cable required for connecting the M-II network.

Installation Notes & Maintenance Best Practices

Proper installation of the SA9923A-E requires careful handling and attention to static electricity and controller compatibility. The first step is always to completely power down the machine controller and disconnect all primary power sources. The board must be firmly seated in an available PCI slot within the MP3000 series rack, ensuring the securing bracket is properly fastened. For the external network, it is critical to use only Yaskawa-approved Mechatrolink-II cables to guarantee signal integrity and network termination. The network must be wired in a daisy-chain topology, and the termination resistor switch on the last drive in the chain must be set to the “ON” position to prevent signal reflections that can cause communication faults.

Maintenance for the SA9923A-E is primarily proactive and diagnostic. The board itself has no user-serviceable parts. The key maintenance activity involves monitoring the network status through the Yaskawa programming software (e.g., MPE720). The software provides clear indicators for communication errors on the M-II network. Regularly checking the error log can help identify intermittent issues, often related to cabling or connectors, before they lead to a machine stoppage. Keeping the controller firmware and the SA9923A-E‘s driver software up to date is also a recommended best practice to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with newer drive models.