Product Description:

The EEA-PAM-533-B-21 is a plug-in power amplifier card produced by Vickers for the EEA-PAM Power Amplifiers series. Installed in a 19-inch control rack, the card converts low-level command signals from a PLC into regulated current that drives proportional valve solenoids, allowing an automation system to modulate hydraulic pressure or flow without mechanical throttles. By combining reference generation, ramp shaping, and enable logic on a single 3U module, the unit simplifies hydraulic axis control inside machine tools, presses, and test rigs.

The input circuitry accepts a voltage reference from 0 to 10 V and a current reference up to 20 mA, with the current input presenting a 100 Ω burden to prevent loop transmitters from being overloaded. An alternate voltage path presents an impedance of 47 kΩ, protecting sensitive analog sources from excessive current draw. The onboard power supply requires 24 V DC. Once powered, the card can provide up to 2.7 A of solenoid current in closed-loop operation. Field wiring terminates on a DIN 41612 F48 edge connector. Within its 3U format, the board also houses adjustable ramp and offset potentiometers that align the command profile with the hydraulic valve being controlled.

A programmable ramp can be extended to 5 s, allowing the system to soften hydraulic transients during command changes. The module becomes active only when the drive input exceeds 9.8 V, preventing unintended spool movement during startup. Reliable operation is maintained at temperatures up to 50 °C, and the card weighs only 330 g, minimizing the load on the rack guides. A dual-polarity reference generator delivers ±10 V at 5 mA, while an auxiliary +15 V rail supplies 50 mA for an LVDT feedback sensor. Separate 0–10 V monitor outputs report the command signal and actual spool position, allowing valve alignment to be verified without interrupting the control circuit.