DC servo drive
Beckhoff Automation EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals DC servo drive
Servo amplifiers in EtherCAT I/O terminal format that drive low-voltage servo motors such as AM8100 directly from the I/O rail.
Key specifications
| Ingress protection | IP20 |
|---|---|
| Supply | 8-48 Vdc motor supply; 24 Vdc electronics |
| Feedback | resolver (EL7211), OCT absolute (ELM7221) |
| Fieldbus | EtherCAT |
| Axes | 1 |
| Continuous current (max) | 8 A |
| Peak current (max) | 16 A |
Summarised in our own words from Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2
Notes on this data
EL7211: 4.5 A rms, 9 A peak 1 s. ELM7221-0010: 8 A rms, 16 A peak 1 s. Other members (EL7201, EL7221, ELM7231) not read, so maxima may understate the range.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG. Beckhoff Automation and EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
Alternatives that meet or exceed these figures
Engineers often come to us with a Beckhoff Automation part number and leave with an alternative that is easier to source, quicker to deliver or a better fit for the machine. These 3 series from our supply network are the closest match on published figures.
Single-axis 24-70 VDC servo drives from 5 to 60 Arms (180 A peak), in RS (Modbus/pulse/analogue) and CAN (CANopen/analogue) versions. They drive brushless, brushed and PMSM motors including ELVM, with STO SIL3 and backup logic supply on the 40/60 A models.
| Published maximum | EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals | ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 8 A | 60 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 16 A | 180 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 2,500 W |
| Axes | 1 | 1 meets or exceeds |
Palm-sized 24-70 VDC servo drives (76 x 50 x 33.5 mm) from 50 to 750 W in EtherCAT, CANopen and Modbus RTU versions, with STO, a second encoder input for full closed loop and support for slotless, brushed, voice-coil and linear motors.
| Published maximum | EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals | ELD3 Series Miniature DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 8 A | 20 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 16 A | 50 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 750 W |
| Axes | 1 | 1 meets or exceeds |
Palm-sized Kinco 24-60 VDC drives at 5, 10 or 20 Arms for 50-750 W BLDC servo motors, with RS485, CANopen or EtherCAT, used heavily in AGVs.
| Published maximum | EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals | OD Series Mini DC Servo Drives (OD114S… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 8 A | 20 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 16 A | — |
| Power | — | 750 W |
| Axes | 1 | 1 meets or exceeds |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What a DC servo drive is
A DC servo drive controls a servo motor from a low-voltage DC supply, typically between about 12 and 100 V, such as a battery or a DC power supply. It uses a PWM power stage to regulate current in brushless or brushed motors, with current, velocity and position loops closed using encoder or Hall feedback. Many are compact, some palm-sized, with CANopen, EtherCAT, Modbus or pulse inputs. Higher current is needed for the same power than with mains drives.
When engineers choose a DC servo drive
Choose a DC servo drive for mobile robots, AGVs, battery equipment, medical devices and machines designed around safety extra low voltage. It allows simple distribution and safe access to live parts. The trade-offs are current and power: high currents need heavy cables and good connections, so power is typically limited to a few kilowatts. For mains-powered machines above that, an AC servo drive is usually more economical.
How to specify the Beckhoff Automation EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals variant or an equivalent:
- Supply voltage range (V DC)
- Continuous and peak current (A)
- Motor type: brushless, brushed, linear
- Feedback: encoder, Hall or absolute
- Interface: CANopen, EtherCAT, Modbus, pulse
- Safety functions and STO
- Size, mounting and cooling
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring battery voltage swing from full to low charge
- Undersizing cables and connectors for high current
- Forgetting regenerative energy into the battery
- Overlooking grounding and EMC on low-voltage systems
Beckhoff Automation EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals: frequently asked questions
What is the Beckhoff Automation EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals?
Servo amplifiers in EtherCAT I/O terminal format that drive low-voltage servo motors such as AM8100 directly from the I/O rail. Published series figures include axes 1, continuous current 8 A, peak current 16 A. It is made by Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Beckhoff Automation EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals?
The Beckhoff Automation EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals is made by Beckhoff Automation (Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the axes of the Beckhoff Automation EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals?
The published series maximum axes is 1. Individual models and sizes in the EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the Beckhoff Automation EL72xx / ELM72xx servo terminals?
Yes. On published figures, Leadshine ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives and Leadshine ELD3 Series Miniature DC Servo Drives are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Can a DC servo drive return energy to a battery?
Yes, during braking the motor regenerates energy into the DC bus, and with a battery it can be absorbed if the battery management system allows charging. Without a battery or with a full battery, voltage rises, so a braking resistor or clamp circuit may be needed. Check the drive's overvoltage threshold.
What size DC drive do I need?
Size the drive from the motor's continuous and peak current demands, the supply voltage range and the duty cycle. Allow margin above the motor's peak current and check how long the drive can deliver peak. Then confirm the interface and feedback types match the motor and controller.
Further reading: How to select a servo drive · How to select a pcb mount servo drive · Servo drives
Other dc servo drive series
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