Description

Schmeider MC-4/10/50/400

I. Basic Information

Model: MC-4/10/50/400

Brand: Schneider Electric

Supported Platform: PacDrive MC-4 series modular servo drive motion control platform. It is compatible with PacDrive series motion controllers and supports multi-axis synchronous automated production line control systems.

Product Type: Single-axis high-performance AC servo drive integrating rectifier power supply, power inverter unit and servo closed-loop regulation module. With a rated current of 10 A, it adapts to three-phase 400 V industrial power grids and features 250% short-time overload capability. It realizes high-precision multi-axis synchronous motion control via the SERCOS III optical fiber real-time bus, serving as the core motion control spare part for packaging, printing, CNC machine tools and automated robotic equipment.

Product Positioning

MC-4/10/50/400 is the 4th-generation high-performance servo drive unit of ELAU PacDrive. Model explanation: MC-4 refers to the 4th-generation modular servo drive series; 10 stands for rated output current of 10 A; 50 is the hardware power specification code; 400 indicates compatibility with the three-phase 380~480 V industrial voltage class. Adopting current-speed-position three-loop vector control architecture, the drive supports automatic identification of single-turn/multi-turn absolute encoders and incremental encoders. It can read motor electronic nameplate parameters upon power-up to realize one-click automatic parameter matching. Equipped with the high-speed SERCOS III optical fiber bus featuring excellent electromagnetic interference resistance, it achieves microsecond-level multi-axis synchronous interpolation control. The built-in hardware safety enable circuit complies with EN ISO 13849-1 industrial safety standards. Suitable for automated processes including high-speed reciprocating motion, precision positioning and multi-axis linkage, it is widely deployed in high-end automated production lines such as food & pharmaceutical packaging, printing & binding, lithium battery equipment, rubber & plastic machinery and CNC machining.

Hardware Architecture

The drive adopts a sealed wall-mounted industrial rugged housing with isolated layout for strong and weak current circuits internally. The power loop integrates an IPM intelligent power module, and the PCB of the control board is coated with three-proof protective coating. The whole device consists of six core hardware units:

Three-Phase Rectification & DC Bus Power Supply Unit

It rectifies and filters three-phase 380~480 V alternating current into stable DC bus voltage, integrating a soft-start anti-surge circuit and bus overvoltage bleed-off loop to suppress inrush current during power-on. It also provides isolated regulated power supply for the power inverter loop and control boards, equipped with multi-level hardware protection against undervoltage, overvoltage and bus short-circuit.

IPM Power Inverter Drive Unit

The intelligent power module converts DC voltage into three-phase variable-frequency and variable-voltage driving alternating current, with a rated effective output current of 10 A and short-time overload output up to 25 A. Built-in hardware lockout protection against overcurrent, overtemperature and power tube short-circuit enables fast driving of AC servo motors to achieve high-dynamic acceleration and deceleration.

Three-Loop Servo Motion Control Unit

Equipped with a high-performance motion control processor to execute current loop, speed loop and position loop algorithms, it supports multiple control modes including electronic cam, electronic gear, positioning and torque limiting. It collects encoder feedback signals in real time to correct position deviation, achieving positioning accuracy down to single-step encoder resolution and millisecond-level dynamic response.

SERCOS III Optical Fiber Real-Time Communication Unit

Dual-channel optical fiber SERCOS bus interface delivers strong anti-interference performance free from electromagnetic coupling noise. The minimum multi-axis synchronization cycle is 250 μs. It can connect to PacDrive motion controllers to realize multi-axis synchronous interpolation and electronic cam linkage, supporting real-time uploading of fault codes and operating parameters.

Encoder Signal Acquisition & Safety Control Unit

It supports signal acquisition of single-turn/multi-turn absolute encoders and incremental servo encoders, and automatically reads motor electronic nameplates to complete motor parameter identification. Integrated with hardware safety enable and emergency stop safety circuits, it cuts off drive output at the hardware level for safe shutdown to comply with equipment safety specifications.

IO Terminal & Status Diagnosis Unit

Multiple digital input and digital output terminals are integrated to connect limit switches, home position sensors, fault alarms and external enable switches. The front panel is fitted with LED indicators for run, fault and communication status. Built-in fault log storage records time-sequential fault information such as overcurrent, overtemperature, overload and communication interruption to facilitate equipment fault tracing and troubleshooting.

Mounting Specifications

Mounting Method: Standard vertical wall-mounted installation with reserved upper and lower ventilation and heat dissipation space. Horizontal installation or sealed non-ventilated installation is prohibited; in-situ replacement of drives from the same series is supported.
Overall Dimensions: 69 mm (W) × 310 mm (H) × 260 mm (D)
Net Weight: Approximately 3.1 kg
Front Panel Interfaces: Three-phase main power input terminals, servo motor power output terminals, DC 24 V control power terminals, SERCOS III optical fiber transceiving interfaces, encoder terminals, multiple digital IO terminals, status LED indicators
Supporting Software: ELAU PacDrive Engineer motion control programming and commissioning software, supporting parameter configuration, servo optimization, fault diagnosis and online program downloading & debugging
Firmware Compatibility: Supports firmware upgrade, backward compatible with networking of MC-4 drives from the same series; compatible with all PacDrive motion controllers and SH-series servo motors
Recommended Accessories: Shielded power cables, double-shielded encoder cables, optical fiber communication cables, wall-mounted shock-absorbing gaskets, cable entry waterproof cable glands

Supporting System

Supporting Hardware

PacDrive motion controller, SH-series AC servo motors, three-phase 400 V power distribution cabinet, 24 V DC switching power supply, SERCOS optical fiber, shielded power and encoder cables.

Commissioning Tools

Laptop, commissioning software, multimeter, oscilloscope, torque wrench, insulation resistance tester.

Upper-Level Connection System

Equipment HMI touch screen, factory MES production management system, enabling remote modification of motion parameters, collection of equipment operating status, upload of fault alarms and statistical archiving of production data.

Typical Application Industries

Fully-automatic food & pharmaceutical packaging production lines, printing & binding machinery, lithium battery electrode coating & winding equipment, CNC machine tools, industrial robots, rubber & plastic extrusion molding automated equipment.

Product Features

1. Three-Loop Vector Control + 250% Short-Time Overload for High-Dynamic Motion Response

The three-loop control algorithm delivers high-precision servo positioning and fast dynamic start-stop performance. With 2.5 times rated current overload capability, it adapts to working conditions featuring high-speed startup, emergency stop and reciprocating impact loads, effectively suppressing speed fluctuation caused by load disturbance and guaranteeing repetitive positioning accuracy for processes.

2. SERCOS III Optical Fiber Bus for High-Precision Multi-Axis Synchronous Control

Optical fiber transmission completely eliminates electromagnetic interference from industrial frequency converters and high-power contactors, achieving microsecond-level multi-axis synchronization timing error. It reliably executes electronic cam and multi-axis interpolation linkage to meet stringent timing requirements for synchronous processes such as high-speed packaging and continuous winding.

3. Automatic Motor Identification for Rapid Servo System Commissioning

It automatically reads the built-in electronic nameplate of the servo motor upon power-up, realizing one-click motor parameter identification and static/dynamic servo parameter tuning, which greatly shortens on-site equipment commissioning cycles and lowers technical barriers for debugging.

4. Hardware Safety Enable Circuit Compliant with Industrial Safety Standards

An independent hardware safety cut-off circuit locks power output at the hardware level when external emergency stop or safety door signals are triggered, eliminating risks of out-of-control operation caused by software faults and complying with EN ISO 13849 machinery safety standards.

5. Isolated Strong/Weak Current Three-Proof Industrial Design for Long-Term Stable Operation on Harsh Production Lines

Electrical isolation between power and control loops, three-proof coating on the control board and IP20 protection rating enable the drive to withstand workshop dust, temperature & humidity fluctuation and electromagnetic interference, supporting 7×24-hour uninterrupted mass production operation.

6. Comprehensive Fault Diagnosis & Log Storage for Convenient and Efficient Equipment Maintenance

It monitors bus voltage, output current, module temperature, communication status and encoder signals in real time. Fault codes are automatically latched and operating logs stored to quickly locate faults such as overcurrent, overtemperature, wire breakage and communication abnormality, shortening equipment downtime for maintenance.

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II. Technical Specifications

2.1 Main Circuit Electrical Parameters

Rated Main Power Supply: Three-phase AC 380~480 V (allowable voltage fluctuation: ±10%), power frequency 48~62 Hz
Rated Output Current: 10 A (RMS), peak output current 25 A
Rated Drive Capacity: 6.9 kVA
Control Circuit Power Supply: DC 24 V (allowable range: 20~30 V), rated power consumption 1 A, control board power consumption approx. 12 W
Overload Capacity: 250% of rated current, duration meeting process requirements for short-time equipment acceleration and deceleration
Rectification Mode: Three-phase full-bridge controlled rectification with built-in power-on soft-start protection

2.2 Control & Communication Parameters

Control Mode: Current loop, speed loop, position loop three-closed-loop vector control
Bus Type: SERCOS III dual-channel optical fiber real-time bus, minimum synchronization cycle 250 μs
Encoder Compatibility: Single-turn/multi-turn absolute encoders, A/B/Z incremental servo encoders
Control Functions: Electronic gear, electronic cam, fixed-point positioning, torque limiting, home return, multi-segment position program operation
Safety Specification: Hardware safety enable input, compliant with EN ISO 13849-1 safety standard

2.3 IO Interface Parameters

Digital Input: Multiple high-speed isolated DI channels for limit, home, emergency stop and external enable signals
Digital Output: Multiple isolated DO channels for servo ready, fault alarm and positioning completion status signals
Wiring Method: Terminal crimp wiring with electrically isolated signal loops to prevent external interference intrusion

2.4 Environmental Specifications

Standard Operating Temperature: 5 ℃ ~ +45 ℃ (wall-mounted ventilated full-load condition)
Storage & Transportation Temperature: -25 ℃ ~ +70 ℃
Operating Relative Humidity: 5%~90% RH, non-condensing, free of corrosive gas and conductive dust
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures): ≥ 260,000 hours
Ingress Protection Rating: IP20, to be installed only in sealed dust-proof electrical control cabinets

2.5 Mechanical & Physical Parameters

Mounting Method: Vertical wall-mounted installation with a minimum 100 mm reserved upper and lower ventilation gap
Overall Dimensions: 69 mm (W) × 310 mm (H) × 260 mm (D)
Net Weight: 3.1 kg
Housing Material: Cold-rolled steel plate with electrostatic sprayed industrial protective coating, internally partitioned shielding layout for strong and weak currents
Cooling Mode: Natural convection air cooling; blocking of upper and lower air vents is prohibited

III. Key Features

High-Precision Three-Loop Servo Drive Control

Based on vector three-loop control algorithms, it realizes accurate speed, position and torque regulation of servo motors. High-overload dynamic response adapts to high-speed automated processes, ensuring equipment repetitive positioning accuracy and reducing product process defect rates.

Multi-Axis Synchronous Motion Control via Optical Fiber SERCOS Real-Time Bus

Optical fiber transmission delivers excellent anti-interference performance to achieve microsecond-level multi-axis synchronous linkage, stably executing complex motion processes including electronic cam, flying shear and synchronous winding, and avoiding multi-axis timing misalignment faults caused by bus electromagnetic interference.

Automatic Servo Motor Parameter Identification & One-Click Parameter Tuning

It automatically reads motor electronic nameplate parameters to rapidly complete static inductance, inertia and dynamic servo gain tuning, greatly simplifying on-site commissioning procedures and shortening equipment commissioning and production ramp-up cycles.

Independent Hardware Safe Shutdown Protection

When the external safety loop is triggered, power output is directly cut off at the hardware level independent of software faults, effectively preventing mechanical collision and personal safety accidents and complying with mandatory safety standards for industrial machinery and equipment.

Full-Range Hardware Fault Protection & Fault Log Storage

Integrated full-protection functions against overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, overload, overtemperature, encoder disconnection, bus interruption and earth short-circuit. Fault codes are automatically latched and operating logs stored to help maintenance personnel quickly locate root causes of failures.

Modular Compatible Networking Design with High Spare Part Versatility

MC-4 drives from the same series can be directly connected in parallel for networking, compatible with all ELAU SH servo motors and PacDrive controllers. Faulty drives on legacy equipment can be replaced in-situ with the same model, reusing original wiring, control programs and parameters to significantly shorten production line downtime for maintenance.

IV. Working Principle

After the equipment is powered on, three-phase 400 V alternating current is connected to the main power terminals of the drive, converted into stable DC bus voltage via a soft-start rectifier circuit to supply power to the IPM power inverter module. The DC 24 V control power supply feeds the main control board, communication, IO and encoder acquisition loops. The drive performs power-on self-test to check bus voltage, module temperature, hardware circuits and bus communication status, and enters standby ready mode if self-test passes.

Position, speed and torque commands issued by the upper-level motion controller are received via the SERCOS III optical fiber bus. The main control unit executes three-loop control algorithms and outputs PWM drive signals to control the IPM inverter module, which outputs three-phase adjustable alternating current to drive the servo motor. Encoders collect real-time rotor position and speed signals and feed them back to the drive for closed-loop correction of control output, eliminating position deviation caused by load disturbance and transmission backlash.

The motor automatic identification program can be executed during commissioning for the drive to collect motor electrical parameters and optimize servo gains automatically. During operation, hardware operating parameters are monitored continuously. Once faults such as overcurrent, overtemperature, bus abnormality or safety loop trigger occur, the drive immediately blocks power output, illuminates the front panel fault LED, latches fault codes and stores operating logs, and uploads fault alarm signals to the upper-level system via digital output terminals. Relying on the unified clock reference of the SERCOS optical fiber bus, the multi-axis system realizes strict timing synchronous linkage of each servo axis to complete complex motion process control for automated equipment.

V. Application Scenarios

Packaging Automation Industry: Multi-axis synchronous motion control for vertical pillow packaging machines, pharmaceutical bottle filling and sealing equipment, case packing and palletizing manipulators.
Printing & Paper Processing Industry: Flying shear synchronous control for high-speed web printing presses, paper die-cutting & binding equipment and self-adhesive label rotary printing machines.
New Energy Lithium Battery Equipment: Servo drive for multi-axis tension synchronization and precision positioning in electrode coating, calendaring, slitting and winding equipment.
CNC Machine Tools & Rubber & Plastic Machinery: Servo control systems for high-precision positioning and reciprocating motion in CNC grinders, extruders and injection molding manipulators.
Technical Renovation & Replacement for Legacy Automated Production Lines: In-situ replacement of aging faulty original ELAU servo drives with MC-4/10/50/400 drives of the same model, reusing original buses, wiring and motion control programs to reduce equipment renovation and commissioning costs.