Introduction: Defining the benchmark for high-performance servo drives
In the field of industrial automation and precision motion control, the performance, reliability, and flexibility of the driver directly determine the efficiency of the entire system. The SERVOSTAR 600 series digital servo amplifier launched by KOLLMORGEN has undergone dozens of hardware and firmware revisions since its initial release (such as from HWR 05.10 to 05.40), continuously integrating cutting-edge technology, and has become a benchmark solution for complex and demanding application scenarios. The standard version of this amplifier series covers rated currents from 1.5A to 20A, supports wide voltage inputs (208V-480V AC), and is designed specifically for driving brushless synchronous servo motors. It integrates advanced digital control algorithms, rich feedback interfaces, and comprehensive safety features. This article aims to provide a detailed professional reference for system integrators and engineers by combining the official technical manual to deeply analyze its technical core, design philosophy, and application practice.
Chapter 1: Product Architecture and Technical Core
1.1 Hardware Evolution and Modular Design
The SERVOSTAR 600 series is not a static product, and its hardware revision history (HWR) clearly reflects the rapid iteration of technology. For example, hardware version 05.40 requires firmware of no less than 8.50 ND1 and supports new data structures and BiSS/EtherCAT interfaces, reflecting the pursuit of higher precision communication and real-time performance. The series offers six current levels and three width sizes (70mm, 100mm, 120mm), and this modular design allows users to accurately match power requirements and cabinet space. All models comply with the overvoltage category III standard (EN 61800-5-1) and can be directly connected to grounded three-phase industrial power grids. They support a maximum symmetrical effective current of 42kA, demonstrating strong industrial applicability.
1.2 Excellent electrical and control performance
The technical data of this series of amplifiers reveals its powerful core. Adopting IGBT output module, the carrier frequency can reach 8kHz (16kHz when VDC ≤ 400V), achieving smooth current output. The bandwidth of the digital current controller (space vector PWM, cycle 62.5 μ s) exceeds 1.2kHz, ensuring fast torque response. The speed controller (65 μ s or 250 μ s) and position controller (250 μ s) are fully digitized, and the parameters can be adapted to the vast majority of load conditions. Its "electronic gear" and master-slave operation function allow the amplifier to act as a slave station, with high-precision synchronous control by external encoders or master station amplifiers, providing a foundation for multi axis coordinated motion.
1.3 Integrated Security and Interface Ecology
Safety is the cornerstone of industrial drive. Although SERVOSTAR 600 does not integrate a safety torque off (STO) function that complies with IEC 61800-5-2, its optional restart lock option (- AS -) complies with the EN 954-1 standard (note that this standard is not referenced by the latest machinery directive) and can achieve safe restart protection through internal safety relays. In terms of interfaces, its richness is impressive: the integrated CANopen (default 500 kBaud) and RS232 interfaces open the door for bus integration and parameter settings; Pulse direction interface enables compatibility with stepper motor controllers; Meanwhile, it supports almost all mainstream feedback systems including Resolvers, BiSS, EnDat 2.1, HIPERFACE, Sine Cosine Encoders, and Incremental Encoders.
Chapter 2: In depth Electrical Design and Safety Standards
2.1 Power architecture and braking management
The amplifier adopts B6 rectifier bridge, with built-in power input filter and surge suppression circuit. Its DC Bus Link voltage range is 260-900 VDC and can be connected in parallel through the X7 interface. The unique patented circuit can automatically distribute braking energy among multiple amplifiers connected in parallel to the same DC bus, greatly improving system energy efficiency and reliability. The braking circuit is its key component, which automatically adjusts the action threshold (such as 400V/720V/840V) based on the power supply voltage (230V/400V/480V). Internally equipped with braking resistors (66 Ω for 601/603 and 33 Ω for 606-620), and also supports external resistors to handle higher braking power. For scenarios with higher requirements for energy recovery, the KCM-S/P/E capacitor module provided by Colmorgen can store braking energy for controlled shutdown during subsequent acceleration or power outages, reflecting advanced energy management concepts.
2.2 Comprehensive Security Warning and Compliance
The manual extensively emphasizes the importance of safe operation, and all work must be performed by professionals with electrical qualifications and familiarity with drive technology. Key safety warnings include:
High voltage hazard: There is a voltage of up to 900V inside the equipment, and capacitors may still be charged within five minutes after power failure. Before operation, it is necessary to wait for at least five minutes and measure the DC bus voltage to confirm that it is below 50V.
Automatic restart risk: If the parameter AENA is set to 1, the drive may automatically restart after power is restored, and clear warning signs must be set on the machine to ensure that personnel cannot power on when in a hazardous area.
Surface high temperature: During operation, the surface temperature of the radiator may exceed 80 ° C, and it needs to be cooled to below 40 ° C before contact.
Functional safety limitation: The control of the built-in brake in the motor cannot be used to achieve functional safety. For vertical suspended loads, an additional mechanical braking device controlled by the electromechanical circuit must be equipped.
Leakage current treatment: Due to high-frequency switching, the driver will generate leakage current. The calculation formula is I2 leak=n × 20mA+L × 1mA/m (at 8kHz). If the calculated value exceeds 3.5mA, double PE wire or grounding wire with a cross-sectional area greater than 10mm ² should be used.
2.3 Compliance with global certification standards
The SERVOSTAR 600 series has obtained UL 508C, UL 840 (file number E217428), and cUL certifications, meeting the requirements of the North American market. At the same time, it declares compliance with the EC EMC Directive (2014/30/EC) and the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EC), meeting the immunity requirements for industrial environments (Class 2) and the emission requirements for Class C3 products. However, as a component, the responsibility for the entire machine to comply with relevant directives (such as the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC) after its final integration into the machine lies with the machine manufacturer.

Chapter 3: Installation, Setting up, and Operational Practice
3.1 Key points of mechanical and electrical installation
Mechanical installation requires vertical placement, ensuring good forced ventilation inside the cabinet and an ambient temperature not exceeding 45 ° C (under rated conditions). Electrical installation is the key to stable system operation:
Cable separation: Power cables and control cables should be laid separately, with a recommended distance of at least 200mm to improve anti-interference ability.
Shielding and grounding: All shielding layers must be grounded with a large area and low impedance at both ends. When the motor power cable exceeds 25 meters, a motor reactor (3YL) needs to be installed near the amplifier.
Key signal connection: The BTB/RTO (ready) contacts must be connected in series to the emergency stop circuit of the system. The simulated ground (AGND) must be connected to the control system ground (CNC-GND).
3.2 Software Debugging and Quick Startup
Kormorgen provides DRIVE. EXE setup software, which connects the PC and driver through an RS232 interface (X6), providing an intuitive interface for parameter configuration, monitoring, and diagnosis. Its' Quick Start Guide 'summarizes the basic debugging process:
Preparation and wiring: Complete the minimum system wiring (power supply, motor, feedback, enable).
Connection and Communication: Establish an online connection by selecting the correct serial port through software.
Basic settings: Configure basic parameters (such as grid voltage) in the software, select motor models (call parameters from the built-in database), and match feedback types in sequence.
Save and restart: After configuring parameters, they need to be saved to EEPROM and perform a cold start to make the parameters effective.
Testing and Monitoring: Use the "Jog" function of the software to test the motor operation, and use the "Oscilloscope" and "Monitor" functions to observe real-time data such as speed, current, and position.
3.3 Fault diagnosis and status monitoring
The front of the drive is equipped with a 3-character LED display screen, which can display status codes, error (E.xx), and warning (n.xx) information. For example, F02 represents overvoltage on the DC bus, F05 represents undervoltage, and n05 represents phase loss in the power grid. The 'Status' screen in the software provides more detailed diagnostic information. The manual and software online help provide rich troubleshooting guidelines, such as checking the enable signal, phase sequence, and brake when the motor does not rotate; Motor oscillation may be caused by high speed loop gain or feedback cable shielding issues.
Chapter 4: Advanced Features, Options, and System Expansion
4.1 Optional Expansion Card Ecosystem
The option slots of SERVOSTAR 600 bring great scalability to its network communication capabilities, and users can choose based on the upper layer architecture:
Fieldbus cards: PROFIBUS-DP, DeviceNet, EtherCAT, SynqNet, SERCOS interface cards, enabling deep integration with different PLCs and control systems.
I/O expansion card (- I/O-14/08-): Provides 14 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs, specifically designed to trigger and execute motion tasks stored within the drive, suitable for independent or semi independent positioning control.
Interface Separation Module (-2CAN -): Separate the RS232 and CAN signals shared on the X6 interface into separate Sub-D connectors for easy wiring and use of standard cables.
4.2 Motor Brake Control and Shutdown Behavior
The driver can directly control the built-in 24V/2A brake of the motor. The control timing is carefully designed: when the enable signal is removed, the internal slope of the speed setting value drops to zero. The brake output only acts when the speed is below 5rpm or for a maximum of 5 seconds, ensuring that the electrical brake intervenes before the mechanical brake and achieving smooth parking. In addition, the on/off behavior of the drive can be flexibly configured through parameters such as STOP MODE and ACTFAULT to comply with the stop categories 0, 1, 2 and emergency stop requirements defined in EN 60204.
4.3 Multi axis systems and master-slave applications
By paralleling the DC bus and CANopen bus, it is easy to construct a multi axis system. Using dedicated multi link cables (such as SR6Y6), one PC can connect and set up up up to 6 drives. In multi axis synchronization applications, the "electronic gear" function can be used to use the encoder output of one driver as the position setting source for other drivers, achieving precise electronic cam or gear synchronization.
