Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) is proud to announce its first powerful, modular servo drive, which leverages embedded EtherNet/IP technology for integrated motion control. Its embedded EtherNet/IP drive with Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6500 servo drive will eliminate the need for dedicated motion network, as well as allowing high-performance smart actuators, I/O, drives and other EtherNet/IP-connected devices to be held on a common network. Using it with the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix programmable automation controller (“PAC”), the Kinetix 6500 drive helps to give reduced system cost, improved system performance and increased machine design flexibility.

The EtherNet/IP’s integrated motion within the Kinetix 6500 servo drive utilizes Common Industrial Protocol (“CIP”) Motion, an extension of CIP from the Open Device Vendors Association (“ODVA”). EtherNet/IP is the leading industrial Ethernet topology in the world, with more than 850 product lines in 250 companies and more than two million nodes sold.

Torque, speed and position loops can be adjusted within the Kinetix 6500 servo drive, giving an open, bandwidth solution for motion control. Adding the power of CIP Sync technology from ODVA (“IEEE-1588 compliant Precision Clock Synchronization”) and a variety of axes can be organized for synchronized motion control.

To leverage the tested performance of the Kinetix 6000 family, Kinetix 6500 drive also gives advance safety features, including safe maximum acceleration monitoring, safe direction monitoring, zero speed monitoring and safe stop. These amazing features will improve user safety and enhance machine efficiency by permitting access to guarded areas when a process or machine is still operating, to reduce downtime.

The Kinetix 6500 servo drives have an innovative modular structure to give an adaptable platform for machine enhancements, including increased power range. With interchangeable control modules, one axis can easily transit to another safety functionality or network, to help operators adapt new technologies or market trends, reducing upgrade costs by 50%.

The Kinetix 6500 servo drive is best suited for motion control applications where safety, efficiency and performance are crucial, such as printing and web, packaging, food processing, and other machine types that require position control.