Aerotech NDrive CP10 Servo Drive Guide

The typical applications of CP10 include: small and medium power brushless servo shafts, brushed DC motor shafts, multi axis devices that require FireWire network synchronization, cost sensitive packaging, printing, electronic assembly, and laboratory automation equipment that require digital current loops and servo loops. It is not suitable for situations that require rotary feedback, integrated Ethernet, ultra-high current, or ultra-low noise linear output. If these abilities are needed, one should turn to the HP, HL, or CL series.

Control architecture: DSP, 20 kHz loop and network synchronization

One of the core advantages of the NDrive series is the closed-loop control of digital current loop, speed loop, and position loop. The current loop update rate is 20 kHz, and the servo loop update rate varies from 1-20 kHz or 8-20 kHz depending on the model. A high update rate means that the drive can respond faster to load changes, reducing speed fluctuations and position errors. For applications such as linear motors, voice coil motors, and high-precision rotary servos, this real-time performance directly determines the overall performance of the machine.

NDrive uses FireWire (IEEE-1394) network for multi axis connections. FireWire has deterministic, low latency, and high-speed characteristics, making it suitable for synchronous tasks in motion control. Any NDrive amplifier can be combined in the same FireWire network, and the system can be expanded as needed. For applications that require Position Synchronous Output (PSO), drivers can trigger lasers, cameras, valves, or other peripherals at specific locations. HP and HL can support single axis, dual axis, or three-axis PSO, while CP and MP support single axis PSO when MXU is not in use. For laser processing, visual inspection, and aerial photography applications, PSO is the core function.

Encoder multiplication is another key capability. CP and CL are optional - MXU, up to x1024; HP and HL options - MXH, up to x2048. Encoder multiplication can improve resolution, reduce wiring requirements, and enable controllers to obtain finer position feedback. But MXU does not provide real-time output, while MXH supports real-time encoder orthogonal output. If the system needs to send the multiplied encoder signal to other devices, it is necessary to confirm whether the driver options support real-time output.

In addition, NDrive also handles digital and analog I/O, laser triggering, brake relays, absolute encoder interfaces, and maintains active power supply. For devices that require maintaining logic power supply, recording positions, or maintaining communication after a power outage, independent logic power input is very practical. HP and HL also offer Ethernet ports for communication with third-party I/O modules, suitable for PLC type applications. However, CP, CL, and MP do not offer Ethernet, so it is important to note when selecting.

Comparison and Selection Points of NDrive Models

NDrive HP is a high-performance PWM driver with models covering 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100, and 150 A peak values. The output voltage can reach 10-320 VDC, and the input can be single-phase or three-phase 7-240 VAC. HP supports encoder or rotary feedback, with optional Ethernet, MXH, dual/three-axis PSO, external switch, heat sink, three-phase input, and cooling fan. It is suitable for devices that require high current, high power, and rich expansion options.

NDrive HL is a linear power amplifier with models including 10-40, 20-40, 10-80, etc. The output voltage is ± 40 VDC or ± 80 VDC, peak current is 10 or 20 A, and continuous current is 5 or 10 A. The linear amplifier has the characteristics of low noise, zero crossover distortion, and high bandwidth, and is suitable for applications with extremely high noise and linearity requirements such as ultra precision machining, optical detection, and nanopositioning. The minimum load inductance of HL is 0, which is more friendly to low inductance motors. It adopts single-phase 7-240 VAC input, weighs about 10.36 kg, has no internal shutout, and requires external regeneration treatment.

NDrive CP is a cost sensitive PWM driver, including CP10, CP20, and CP30. CP10 has a peak value of 10 A and a continuous value of 5 A; CP20 has a peak value of 20 A and a continuous value of 10 A; CP30 has a peak of 30 A, continuous 15 A, and an optional internal shut-down of 40 W. The CP series retains the complete control architecture, but eliminates some optional features. The control options are - IO and - MXU, and the power option is - S. It is suitable for applications with limited budgets but still requiring FireWire and digital closed-loop.

NDrive CL is a cost sensitive linear drive, model CL10-40, 10 A peak, 5 A continuous, ± 40 VDC input, with control options of - IO and - MXU. It is suitable for situations where linear output is required but the budget is tight.

NDrive MP is an ultra compact PWM driver with 10 A peak, 5 A continuous, 10-80 VDC motor power supply, 24-80 VDC logic power supply. It supports single axis PSO (requires I/O board), 1 orthogonal encoder input, and ESTOP input. The control options are - IO and - MXU. MP is suitable for mobile or embedded devices with extremely small space and DC power supply. It does not have Ethernet, rotary converter interface, or direct input of 115/240 VAC.