AutoMotion Dynamics

Drives & Controls — VFD, Servo, Stepper, Motion Controllers

Specify power, voltage, axes, fieldbus, feedback, safety, and environment. We cross to multiple brands and return best-fit hardware with lead times.

Typical Ranges

CategoryPowerVoltageAxesFieldbusFeedback
VFD0.18–200 kW120–480 VAC1Modbus, EIP, PNN/A
Servo Drive0.05–30 kW120–480 VAC1–8EtherCAT, EIP, PNABZ, SSI, EnDat, BiSS
Stepper Drive24–80 VDC24–2301–4Pulse/Dir, EtherCATEncoder (closed-loop)
Controller24 VDC / 120–230 VAC1–32EtherCAT, EIP, PN, CAN

Drives & Controls Selection Guide

Define motor & load, then choose power/voltage, axes, and control interfaces (fieldbus/feedback/commands). Add safety and environment.

Quick guide

Motor & Load

  • Size by peak/continuous torque at speed with duty cycle.
  • Pick drive type to match motor: VFD→induction/PM; Servo→PMSM; Stepper→2-phase/closed-loop.
Build Drives & Controls Spec

Control & Feedback

  • Fieldbus: EtherCAT for hard motion; EIP/PN for PLC integration.
  • Feedback: ABZ (incremental), SSI/EnDat/BiSS (absolute), Halls for BLDC.
Build Drives & Controls Spec

Safety & Environment

  • STO (SIL2/SIL3) common; add brakes/regen where needed.
  • Panel (IP20) vs field-mount (IP65) drives; use filters in CE installs.
Build Drives & Controls Spec

Build Your Drives & Controls Spec

Fill what you know. The Spec ID updates live and we’ll use it to cross to manufacturers.

Spec ID: AMD-DRV-TYPX-KWXXXX-VXX-PHX-AXXX-AXXX-FBX-FBKX-CMDX-MTX-IPX-MNX-SAFX-OPTX-V01-CX

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The Spec ID will be appended to the quote request link.

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Drives & Controls

Servo Drives: Precision Motion Control for Every Application

What is a Servo Drive?

A servo drive is an electronic device that powers and controls a servo motor by receiving a command signal, comparing it to feedback from the motor, and adjusting voltage or current to correct for any deviation. This closed-loop system provides highly accurate speed, position, and torque control.


Types of Servo Drives

1. Analog Servo Drives

  • Accept analog input signals (e.g., ±10V)
  • Simple integration with legacy systems
  • Cost-effective, but limited tuning options

2. Digital Servo Drives

  • Use digital input (fieldbus protocols like EtherCAT, CANopen, Modbus)
  • Advanced tuning and diagnostics via software
  • Ideal for high-performance applications

3. Integrated Servo Drives

  • Combine motor and drive into a single unit
  • Space-saving and easy to install
  • Great for decentralized architectures

4. AC vs. DC Servo Drives

  • AC Drives: Suitable for most modern applications; handle high speeds and loads
  • DC Drives: Often used in retrofit systems or where specific voltage requirements exist

5. Brushless vs. Brushed Servo Drives

  • Brushless: Higher efficiency, lower maintenance, longer life
  • Brushed: Simpler, but require more frequent maintenance

Key Features to Consider in a Servo Drive

  • Communication Protocol: EtherCAT, CANopen, Modbus, Ethernet/IP
  • Power Rating & Voltage Range: Match drive to motor requirements (e.g., 24V, 48V, 230V, 480V)
  • Feedback Support: Resolver, encoder (incremental or absolute), Hall sensors
  • Control Modes: Position, speed, torque, or mixed
  • Safety Functions: STO (Safe Torque Off), SS1 (Safe Stop 1)
  • I/O Options: For integration with PLCs, sensors, or other control systems
  • Tuning Tools & Software: Intuitive interfaces and auto-tuning capabilities for fast commissioning

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