Control Techniques, part of the Nidec group, has announces the high performance Unidrive M700 and M702 drives are now available with enhanced multi-protocol Ethernet ports that support PROFINET RT as well as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and Control Techniques RTMoE (Real Time Motion over Ethernet). The new ports have the words “Multi-Protocol” printed next to the Ethernet sockets, the prior versions that do not support PROFINET RT do not have this marking.

This new hardware is being incorporated in standard drives manufactured on or after August 3rd, 2020. The date code can be viewed on the product label and will be 2032 for the new multi-protocol version. The model number for the drives is unchanged from prior versions.

While Control Techniques’ drives have always been multi-protocol in their nature, being able to support Real-Time Motion over Ethernet (RTMoE) simultaneously with Ethernet/IP and Modbus/TCPIP communications, this new variant adds Profinet RT capability to the list of protocols supported by the Unidrive M700 and M702. The changes also bring about performance improvements to the Modbus and EtherNet protocols.

Previously, the ability to implement Profinet systems has required using Unidrive M in conjunction with an SI-Profinet option module. The new multi-protocol variants remove that requirement, thus freeing up access to all three option module slots on the drive. Now, by utilising option modules offering EtherCAT, Profibus, DeviceNet, CANopen and CTNet, the user can create complex integrated systems from multiple protocols on a single network.

Stephen Turner, Global Product Management Director, said: “We’re pleased to announce the introduction of these two multi-protocol drives to our Unidrive M portfolio. The ability of our drives to perform coordinated motion between multiple axes, for only the additional cost of an Ethernet cable, remains an advantage over our largest competitors.

“By bringing Profinet RT onboard, our drives now enable users to have the same flexibility to simultaneously support multiple protocols. We feel this further strengthens our reputation for producing products with integration and connectivity at the heart of them.”

Press Release         Product Image