PCB-mount drive
Copley Controls Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM) PCB-mount drive
High-current PCB-mount servo module of 78.7 x 60.1 x 23.4 mm delivering 30 A continuous and 60 A peak from 9–55 V DC or 14–90 V DC, with EtherCAT or CANopen and STO to SIL 3, Cat 3, PL d.
Key specifications
| Voltage (max) | 90 V |
|---|---|
| Data / bus | EtherCAT, CANopen |
| Supply | 9–55 V DC or 14–90 V DC |
| Feedback | BiSS-C, SSI, Absolute A, EnDat, incremental, Halls, resolver option |
| Fieldbus | GEM: EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP; GPM: CANopen, DeviceNet, J1939 |
| Axes | 1 |
| Continuous current (max) | 30 A |
| Peak current (max) | 60 A |
| Safe torque off | SIL 3, Cat 3, PL d |
| Dimensions | 78.7 x 60.1 x 23.4 mm |
Summarised in our own words from Analogic Corporation's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
A ruggedised R71 version is also listed.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Analogic Corporation. Copley Controls and Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM) 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 Copley Controls 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.
Novanta's ultra-compact, power-dense servo drive for 8-72 VDC: 45 A continuous, 60 A peak, up to 5 kW, with a 75 kHz current loop. It comes as an SPI core module, a PCB-mount EtherCAT/CANopen board or a connectorised XCR unit, for cobot joints, humanoids and unmanned vehicles.
| Published maximum | Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM) | Everest Servo Drives (EVE-CORE, EVE-NE… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 30 A | 45 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 60 A | 60 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 5,000 W |
| Axes | 1 | 1 meets or exceeds |
ADVANCED Motion Controls' ultra-compact, high power-density digital servo drives for 10-90 VDC systems, up to 100 A continuous and 200 A peak. They come in PCB, machine-embedded, panel and development-board formats, carry STO as standard, and run EtherCAT, CANopen or Ethernet/IP. Extended-environment models are rated -40 to +95 C.
| Published maximum | Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM) | FlexPro Digital Servo Drives (FE, FX, … |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 30 A | 100 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 60 A | 200 A meets or exceeds |
| Axes | 1 | — |
Leadshine's EL7 platform spans 220 VAC drives from 400 W to 2 kW, 400 VAC drives to 7.5 kW and an 11-22 kW high-power range, all with STO and EtherCAT, Modbus/pulse or PROFINET variants.
| Published maximum | Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM) | EL7S / EL7 Series AC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 30 A | 44 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 60 A | 88 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 22,000 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 PCB-mount drive is
A PCB-mount servo drive is a compact servo drive module designed to be soldered or plugged into a host circuit board, rather than mounted in a cabinet. It contains the power stage and control loops for brushless, brushed or stepper-style motors, with interfaces such as CANopen, EtherCAT, SPI or analogue. Some versions are supplied with evaluation or carrier boards. Very high power density lets them fit inside robots, medical devices and instruments.
When engineers choose a PCB-mount drive
Choose a PCB-mount drive when the motor control must be embedded in the product, such as surgical robots, exoskeletons, AGVs, drones and laboratory instruments. It saves space and weight and integrates with the host board. The trade-offs are design responsibility and thermal management: the host board must provide heatsinking, connectors, EMC and protection. For machines with space for cabinets, packaged drives are simpler.
How to specify the Copley Controls Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM) variant or an equivalent:
- Supply voltage (V DC)
- Continuous and peak current (A)
- Motor and feedback type
- Interface: CANopen, EtherCAT, SPI or analogue
- Size and mounting (mm)
- Thermal path and heatsinking
- Safety functions and approvals
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring the thermal path on the host board
- Not designing EMC filtering and protection
- Assuming evaluation board performance in a sealed product
- Leaving out testing for safety and medical approvals
Copley Controls Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM): frequently asked questions
What is the Copley Controls Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM)?
High-current PCB-mount servo module of 78.7 x 60.1 x 23.4 mm delivering 30 A continuous and 60 A peak from 9–55 V DC or 14–90 V DC, with EtherCAT or CANopen and STO to SIL 3, Cat 3, PL d. Published series figures include voltage 90 V, axes 1, continuous current 30 A, peak current 60 A. It is made by Analogic Corporation; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Copley Controls Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM)?
The Copley Controls Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM) is made by Copley Controls (Analogic Corporation) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Analogic Corporation; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the voltage of the Copley Controls Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM)?
The published series maximum voltage is 90 V. Individual models and sizes in the Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM) 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 Copley Controls Argus PLUS (GEM/GPM)?
Yes. On published figures, Novanta Everest Servo Drives (EVE-CORE, EVE-NET, EVE-XCR) - Summit Series and ADVANCED Motion Controls FlexPro Digital Servo Drives (FE, FX, FM, FD, FMP; Micro and Mini sizes) are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is the benefit of a PCB-mount servo drive?
A PCB-mount drive puts motor control inside the product, saving space, weight and cabling. It integrates with the host electronics and can be very power-dense. The host board designer takes on thermal, EMC and protection design, so evaluation boards are often used first.
How is heat removed from a PCB-mount drive?
Heat is usually conducted through the drive's base or pins into the host board and a heatsink or chassis. Copper area, thermal interface materials and airflow all matter. Continuous current ratings often assume specific heatsinking, so check the conditions in the datasheet.
Further reading: How to select a pcb mount servo drive · How to select a servo drive · Servo drives
Other pcb-mount drive series
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