Servo Amplifiers

Choosing Servo Amplifiers components

Servo amplifiers exist on a spectrum from analog torque amplifiers (±10 V command, no built-in position loop) through fully digital networked drives. The amplifier's role in the loop determines what must match for replacement — an analog torque amp is forgiving of motor variants but rigid about command interface; a digital amp ties motor, feedback, and network together.

Specs to confirm before ordering:

Exact OEM part number with all option codes
Loop type: torque-only (analog command), velocity loop, full position loop
Command interface: ±10 V analog, step/direction, CANopen, EtherCAT, Mechatrolink, RS-232/485 serial
Input supply: DC bus shared with other axes vs. standalone AC input (single-phase, three-phase)
Continuous and peak current rating
Motor compatibility: brushed DC, brushless AC, induction
Feedback supported: tachogenerator, resolver, encoder (TTL, RS-422, sin/cos), Hall, absolute serial
Tuning interface (front-panel pots on legacy amps, software-based on modern)
Safe Torque Off (STO) presence on newer units

Common gotchas: legacy torque amplifiers tuned with front-panel pots cannot be cleanly cloned — a "matched replacement" still needs the pot positions copied from the original or re-tuned on the bench. Yaskawa SGDH and SGDV Servopacks look similar but use different command sets and parameter formats. Kollmorgen Servostar S-series and AKD use completely different software environments (Drive.exe vs. WorkBench); a saved Servostar parameter file does not load into AKD. DC-bus-shared amplifier banks need the DC bus power supply and shared shunt resistor to match the new amplifier's expectations.

Typical applications: legacy machine-tool spindle and feed drives, older motion control on packaging and converting equipment, robotic systems with analog torque-mode amplifiers, and OEM machines where the controller was designed around a specific amplifier line. For these, exact OEM amplifier replacement preserves the loop configuration and the controller's command behavior.

For obsolete servo amplifiers, send the OEM part number for a sourcing quote.

Servo amplifier vs. servo drive — are they the same?

The terms are often used interchangeably. "Amplifier" is more common for analog torque-loop devices and for OEM-specific names like Yaskawa Servopack and Kollmorgen Servostar. "Drive" is more common for modern digital units with built-in position loops and fieldbus.

Do you stock obsolete Servopack and Servostar amplifiers?

Yes. Discontinued Yaskawa SGDA/SGDH, Kollmorgen Servostar S200/S400/S700, end-of-life Glentek SMC, and earlier Copley Xenus are sourced through our supplier network.

Will my analog ±10 V controller work with a replacement amplifier?

If the replacement amplifier supports analog torque or velocity command and the polarity/scaling match, yes. Newer digital-only amplifiers without analog input require controller-side changes to a digital command protocol.

Can pot settings be cloned from my old amplifier?

If your old amplifier still powers up and the pots are accessible, the settings can be measured and copied. Without a working reference, the replacement needs to be tuned to the load.

Does the DC bus need to be sized for the new amplifier?

For bank-architected systems with a shared DC bus, the bus power supply must accommodate the combined demand of all amplifiers. Adding a different amplifier with higher current draw can overload the bus PSU and shunt resistor.

What is the warranty?

12 months functional warranty. Damage from incorrect supply, motor short, or overload is not covered.

Pilz 1803117 CAN Bus Cable

Pilz 1803136 CAN Bus Cable

Pilz 680040 Motion Controller

Pilz 680041 Motion Controller

Pilz 680042 Motion Controller

Pilz 680043 Motion Controller

Pilz 8176278 Motion Controller

Pilz 8176280 Motion Controller

Pilz 8176300 Motion Controller

Pilz 8176330 Motion Controller

Pilz 8176332 Braking Resistor

Pilz 8176334 Braking Resistor

Pilz 8176364 Braking Resistor

Pilz 8176372 Braking Resistor

Pilz 8176374 Braking Resistor

Pilz 8176376 Braking Resistor

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