Drive Electronics

Find answers to frequently asked questions, specific information about your products and their usage or special PLC configuration files. If you need a quotation or general information about our products please contact our sales or info[at]faulhaber.com.

FAQ

General

What protection do the products have against overvoltage?

High voltage, backwards induced from the motor, is measured from the controller. The controller tries to reduce the energy if the value which is set in the controller is exceeded. Via the motor or by reducing the deceleration.

Alternatively a brake choppers can be connected to the DC-supply

Is there some sort of thermal protection for my motor?

All FAULHABER Controllers do calculate an estimated winding temperature based on the environmental temperature and the measured current. If the calculated winding temperature is higher than a first threshold, the current is limited to the configured continuous current. If the estimated winding temperature is increasing further the power-stage will finally be shut off.

Is there some sort of auto-tuning for the control loops?

Yes of course. Using the motor selection wizard all control loops are preset for the selected motor. After this it's the speed loop and the position loop that might be tuned to the application.

So in a second step the connected inertia can be identified by means of a step response test – if possible. Alternatively you can enter a best guess for the inertia of the system compared to the motor. In both cases the control parameters for the speed- and the position loop are adjusted. Same for the profile parameters. Further tuning might be necessary and is supported by our interactive tuning tool.

MC V3

Which controller should be used for an xxxx motor?

Try to select a controller where the continuous current of the motor is not less than 30% of the continuous current of the controller. So for a 3268 BX4 with a cont. current of around 2A, the MC 5005 is fine, the MC 5010 might not be the best selection.

The reason is the limited resolution of the current measurement. But anyway: it always depends of the type of operation. Position control is usually fine even for a 1A motor at a 10A driver, torque control might be somehow dissatisfying.

How is it possible to duplicate the configuration to the next Controller?

Parameterization and duplication requires the Motion Manager software. The configuration can be send and saved via the Object browser. This parameter file (XDC) can be loaded in the same way into the unconfigured device.

Is it possible to restore the delivery configuration state of the device?

The command „restore_all“ must be send via the terminal. A power cycle is needed after this command.

Do these controllers support non FAULHABER motors too?

Yes we do. In the end it's a matter of the feedback-system and the parameter range of the motor. FAULHABER controllers are optimized for coreless motors. Electrical time-constants of these motors are as low as 50µs. But even state of the art standard servo-motors with an electrical time constant of around 1ms are supported. In the end we will have to check the parameters. So either try to add your motor to the database of the FAULHABER MotionManager or send a request to mcsupport[at]faulhaber.com.

Which feedback-systems are supported by the FAULHABER controllers?

There are various feedback options. BLDC-servo-motors will typically have either digital or analog hall signals. Additionally they can have an incremental encoder. Alternatively FAULHABER motors using an AES absolute encoder can easily be used.

DC-motors will require an incremental encoder.

Do these controllers support different Abs-Encoders or Mutli-turn absolute encoders?

The MC5010, MC5005 and MC5004 do implement an SSI encoder interface. Single turn and multi-turn encoders can be configured using either SSI or BiSS interfacece. There are some restrictions however. You might want to check with our AppNote 158 or send a request to mcsupport[at]faulhaber.com.

MC V2.5

How is it possible to duplicate the configuration to the next Controller?

Parameterization and duplication requires the Motion Manager software. A parameter file (.MCP) can be generated via the menu tab "Receive file". This parameter file can be downloaded in the same way on the unconfigured device.

Is it possible to restore the delivery configuration state of the device?

- RS232:

The command „fconfig“ must be send via the terminal. A power cycle is needed after this command.

- CAN:

The command „restore_all“ must be send via the terminal. A power cycle is needed after this command.

How is it possible to duplicate the configuration to the next Controller?

Parameterization and duplication requires the Motion Manager software.

In the “drive configuration” (last tab) a parameter file can be created (.BIN) This parameter file can be downloaded in the same way into the unconfigured device.

Is it possible to restore the delivery configuration state of the device?

In the drive configuration (last tab) you will find the button "Load factory settings".

Is it possible to operate BL motors without sensors?

It is not possible with Motion Controllers. The feedback signal is needed for the commutation.

The Speed Controller (except SC5004 / 8) can control BL motors without sensors feedback. The commutation point is determined by the back EMF

RS232

What are the voltage levels of the RS232?

For the MC2 / 3, a voltage level of -5.5 volts can be expected on the TxD line. The MCxx 3002 x RS and the 22xx BX4 CSD deliver -4 volts. Depending on the master system, different voltages are possible on RxD (typically a PC delivers between -5V ... -9V).

CAN

What is a typical configuration of the CANopen network settings for a FAULHABER Motioncontroller?

Baud rate might be anywhere between 125kBit and 1Mbit. We recommend to use node-guarding. Guard time could be 100ms, life time factor of the guarding = 3. Use a Synch with a minimum of 10ms. Add 1ms to the synch cycle for every node. To reduce the bus traffic send the RxPDOs only if a value has changed (transmission type 255). In most cases actual values are monitored cyclically though. So change their transmission type to 1 – every SYNCH cycle.

Even using the FAULHABER Motionmanager I don't detect any CANopen controller at all?

Check the termination resistors. The standard configuration is a 120 Ohm termination at the two ends of the bus. So if the devices are switched off, you should be able to measure a resistance of 60 Ohm between CAN_H and CAN_L.

I don't have such an ideal bus. It's more like a star configuration. Where do I place the termination.

There is no strict rule. The overall value has to be in the range of 40 Ohm to 80 Ohm. But the places with the best effect have to be identified my minimization of bus errors. Start with a 60 Ohm in the central connection.

I seem to be unable to change the PDO mapping of the FAULHABER controllers using my CAN-master.

There is a sequence for the PDO mapping. Even dynamic mapping should be done while the nodes are still in the pre-operational stage of the CAN communication. It can be done in the operational stage too. To do this, the invalid bit of the PDO has to be set first. This is the MSB of the COB-ID parameter of the PDO. Then change the mappings and reset the invalid bit again.

EtherCAT

What is the typical / minimum update rate supported by our controllers?

The minimum update rate is 500µs, typical values could be 1ms … 2ms depending on the type of operation. For a system using server based interpolation 1ms is a good choice.

What are all these different OpModes for: Which one should I use?

Profile based modes (PP, PV) are used if only a single axis is moved or if the different axes to be moved don't need a tight synchronization. These modes are ideally suited for a bus system, with limited update rate such as RS232 or CAN. Controller based scripts are the same.

Cyclic modes (CSP, CSV, CST) are used, if the trajectory of the movement is calculated in the master. This can be for a single axis or for a multi-axis configuration. In these cases even some of the control loops (most probably the pos loop only) might be closed in the master. A typical configuration is a master using NC-I interpolation and a number of slaves in CSP mode like our milling cutter demo.

Analog modes (APC, AVC, ATC) are used, if the ref-value is not to be received via bus system but via one of the discrete inputs. This can be torque-, speed- or position control using an analog ref like a potentiometer or an analog output of a PLC. It can be a PWM-ref or a ref-encoder in gear-mode.

Application Notes

Product

Version

Downloads

Integration Electronics

2232 BX4 CSD/COD
2250 BX4 CSD/COD
3242 BX4 CO, RS
3268 BX4 CO, RS
3564 BX4 CO, RS
MCS 3242 BX4 CO/ET/RS
MCS 3268 BX4 CO/ET/RS
MCS 3274 BP4 CO/ET/RS

Controllers

MCxx 3002 S/F/P
MCxx 3003 P
MCxx 3006 S
MC 5004 P CO/RS / ET
MC 5005 S CO/RS/ET
MC 5010 S CO/RS/ET

Libraries

ZIP	Beckhoff PLC	Download
ZIP	Omron PLC	Download
ZIP	Kendrion PLC	Download
ZIP	RaspberryPi with CODESYS Control	Download
ZIP	FAULHABER MomanLib (Win32 Programming Library) Check the FAULHABER AppNote 176 for more Detail	Download

Software examples

A collection of examples for device scripting, with additional comments in Code.

Good for Beginners and Intermediates

ZIP

MC V2.5 / MC V3.0 Sample programs

Download

Integration Electronics

2232 BX4 CSD/COD
2250 BX4 CSD/COD
3242 BX4 CO, RS
3268 BX4 CO, RS
3564 BX4 CO, RS

Controllers

MCxx 3002 S/F/P
MCxx 3003 P
MCxx 3006 S

Firmware

ZIP

MC V2.5 Firmware 3150.12 C for CS-BX4, CSD-BX4,

MCBL3003P-RS, MCBL3006S-RS, MCBL3002x-RS

Download

Support Files

PDF	Instructions for installing the Files	Download
ZIP	Files for the Motion Manager (*.xdd)	Download
ZIP	Files for CAN master / PLC (*.eds)	Download

Integrated Electronics

MCS 3242 BX4 CO/ET/RS
MCS 3268 BX4 CO/ET/RS
MCS 3274 BP4 CO/ET/RS

Controllers

MC 3001 P CO/RS
MC 3001 B CO/RS
MC 5004 P CO/RS/ET
MC 5005 S CO/RS/ET
MC 5010 S CO/RS/ET

Firmware

ZIP	MC V3.0 Beta Firmware M1 08/2021 – Firmware	Download
PDF	MC V3.0 Firmware M 08/2021 – Release Notes	Download
ZIP	MC V3.0 Firmware L 03/2021 – Firmware	Download
PDF	MC V3.0 Firmware L 03/2021 – Release Notes	Download
ZIP	MC V3.0 Firmware K 01/2020 – Firmware	Download
PDF	MC V3.0 Firmware K 01/2020 – Release Notes	Download
PDF	MC V3.0 Firmware J 11/2018 – Release Notes	Download
PDF	MC V3.0 Firmware I 11/2017 – Release Notes	Download
PDF	MC V3.0 Firmware H 05/2017 – Release Notes	Download

How-to-videos

FAULHABER Drive Time: How to setup a Drive System with the FAULHABER Motion Manager (3)

In this new FAULHABER Drive Time video, our expert Dr. Andreas Wagener shows you how to commission your Drive System with the FAULHABER Motion Manager.

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FAULHABER Drive Time: How to connect FAULHABER Motors to Drive Electronics (2)

In this new FAULHABER Drive Time video, our expert Dr. Andreas Wagener shows you how to connect FAULHABER Motors to the Drive Electronics.

Show Video

FAULHABER Drive Time: Overview of Drive Electronics (1)

In this new FAULHABER Drive Time video, our expert Dr. Andreas Wagener gives you an overview about Drive Electronics.

Show Video

FAULHABER Drive Time: How to handle FAULHABER products ESD conform

In this new FAULHABER Drive Time video, our expert Marco Härle explains how to unpack FAULHABER products and handle them in an ESD-compliant manner.

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Webinars

Drive systems for space applications

English

In this webinar, our expert will drive you through our experiences in space applications, starting with an overview about space economy and the importance of commercial off the shelf products in this ...

The new MC 3001

English

Meet the smallest Motion Controller that is available worldwide! In this webinar, we will introduce you to our new MC 3001 Motion Controllers, available as MC 3001 B (board-to-board connectors) or MC ...

The new MC 3001

German

FAULHABER Speed Controller - Optimal use and customer-specific adaptation

English

FAULHABER Speed Controllers are specifically designed to get the most out of FAULHABER DC and BL motors. They are compact, easy to operate and offer precise as well as efficient speed control. The ...

Motion Control & Speed Control

English

If you are interested in learning more about our MotionControl, the easy to use single axis positioning controllers tailor made for the control of FAULHABER DC, Brushless, linear motors and the ...

FAULHABER Speed Controller - Optimal use and customer-specific adaptation

German

Noise Emission with small Drive Systems

English

In this webinar, our expert will tell you everything there is to know about vibrations and noise in a drive system, what causes it and how these issues can be addressed. Starting with the basics of ...

Drive System Technology Selection

German

In less than 45 minutes, our webinar will get you set to select the right system for your application, based on your specific requirements and desired product characteristics. Our expert will make ...

Drive System Technology Selection

German

TechNews

Drive Electronics

Powerful and extremely miniaturised

With the new MC3001 motion controllers, available as MC 3001 B (board-to-board connectors) or MC3001P (28-pin plug connector), FAULHABER completes the MC V3.0 generation of controllers for smaller motor series. The controllers are extremely miniaturised and, with 1.4 amperes in continuous operation…