Servo drive and motor designed to simplify motion system development

Kollmorgen has released a new servo drive and motor, designed to simplify motion system development and speed-up time to market.

The new Kollmorgen Essentials servo system, distributed in the UK by motion specialist INMOCO, includes a matched drive and motor combination with integrated absolute multi-turn feedback and single-cable integration. The servo system enables easy set up with a new configuration tool, and the drives host multi-protocol communications.

The new servo system has been developed for machine builders aiming to simplify design, build, and commissioning, while maintaining performance motion control across a range of sectors, from robotics to warehouse automation. This approach is advantageous for design engineers focussing on broad aspects of machine development, as well as experienced motion engineers looking to save time. Centred around essential control functionality, the new servo drive and motor also achieve a cost-optimised package.

Drive system selection and sizing have been made easier with a core offering that can be rapidly configured for application requirements. Three current ratings are available for the matched drives and motors, including 3A (Amps), 6A, and 12A. AC voltage ratings include 120V (volts) and 240V, with 400V and 480V models available from Q1 2026. Meanwhile, the range can generate between 200 W (Watts) and 4kW. An integrated 24V DC (direct current) brake is also available.

Simplified set up

To enable OEMs to achieve a flexible stock holding to suit end-user communications integration, the Kollmorgen Essentials servo drive is compatible with a wide range of fieldbuses at no additional cost, including EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, or PROFINET. Meanwhile, multi-axis synchronisation can take place over EtherCAT, CIP Sync, or PROFINET IRT.

System set up, configuration, and tuning have been made easier with a simplified graphical communication tool within Kollmorgen’s WorkBench software. The new Express Setup feature supports engineers of all abilities, including those with no prior motion engineering experience, thanks to a step-by-step commissioning process. For experienced engineers, and to scale motion control features with growing engineering experience, the full suite of WorkBench tools is also included for advanced motion programming and tuning.

Precision feedback

The new Essentials servo motor also integrates Kollmorgen’s SFD-M multi-turn absolute encoder at no extra cost, providing 24-bit single-turn resolution and 16-bit multi-turn resolution. Single-turn positioning performance is comparable to Hiperface or EnDat feedback, but this is exceeded for multi-turn, which achieves a rollover of 65,536.

With the SFD-M system, absolute positioning data is available even when the system is powered down, or during a power failure. Instead of relying on batteries, which can be susceptible to failure risk or degradation, the system generates its own supply with Kollmorgen’s power-harvesting technology.

Functional safety capabilities are provided through integrated dual-channel STO, SIL2/Cat 3 PLd.

Single-cable technology

The system also includes single-cable technology, combining power and data, with lengths up to 25m available. Increasing the ease and speed of installation, as well as reducing cost, the single cable solution enhances reliability, with greater protection against electromagnetic noise and minimises the potential of connectivity challenges.  The system is also available with regen resistors, line filters, and spare drive-side connectors.

Kollmorgen Essentials also supports DC bus-sharing, balancing energy between drives to optimise energy efficiency and achieve a more reliable DC link voltage for optimal control performance.