AX5701 by Beckhoff

The AX5701 is a single-axis digital servo drive produced by Beckhoff within the AX Digital Servo Drives series. Designed for cabinet installation, the unit converts DC-link power into precisely modulated phase currents that position permanent-magnet motors. It works as the field-level actuator in an EtherCAT-based automation architecture, processing sensor feedback and issuing torque commands with cycle times suited to high-speed pick-and-place, conveying, and machining cells. By integrating safety-rated inputs and standardized encoder channels, it helps machine builders consolidate motion control hardware.

The drive provides 6 optically isolated digital inputs for direct connections to limit switches and reference sensors. The A-D input path uses an open-collector circuit with a quiescent current draw of 1 mA maximum, allowing simple NPN devices to switch it without causing an overload. Signal polarity is handled in a single-ended configuration that references the drive common, simplifying cable layouts in small control panels. Control, encoder, and I/O conductors are consolidated in a 15-pin connector that mates with standard D-sub hoods. A TTL interface supports incremental encoders, although wire-break detection is not available on that channel.

For high-resolution feedback, a dedicated E-F receiver operates in differential mode and is terminated internally with 120 ?, providing noise-resistant transmission over shielded twisted pairs. The drive accepts one encoder input and can automatically recognize EnDat, BiSS B, Hiperface, or Sin/Cos 1 Vpp protocols, allowing different feedback types to be used on the same machine. Power for Hiperface sensors is supplied at 9 V, while the primary incremental or absolute sensor rail delivers 5 V to standard TTL encoders. The integrated power supplies eliminate the need for external encoder power modules in typical servo cabinets. Selectable protocol support also allows the connected feedback device to communicate through the appropriate interface without requiring a separate signal converter.