Motion controllerLegacy
Kollmorgen PCMM motion controller
First-generation EtherCAT multi-axis master controller supporting all five IEC 61131-3 languages plus PLCopen motion, now closed to new applications.
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Kollmorgen lists this series as legacy. The manufacturer's recommended replacement: kollmorgen-pcmm2g. We can help with spares for installed machines, a migration to the replacement, or an alternative. Find a replacement.
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Key specifications
| Fieldbus | EtherCAT |
|---|---|
| Axes | 20 |
| Cpu | 800 MHz or 1.2 GHz |
| Io | 6 digital inputs, 2 digital outputs onboard |
Summarised in our own words from Regal Rexnord Corporation's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1
Notes on this data
Page states PCMM is not available for new applications and points to PCMM2G. '20 axes or more' at 1 kHz for low-complexity machines; about 8 axes at 4 kHz.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Regal Rexnord Corporation. Kollmorgen and PCMM are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Kollmorgen PCMM replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original Kollmorgen part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
Slim 54 mm EtherCAT motion controller programmed in CODESYS, running up to 32 synchronised axes on a 1 ms cycle with RP20 I/O expansion.
| Published maximum | PCMM | AK (AK8 / AK840) |
|---|---|---|
| Axes | 20 | 32 meets or exceeds |
CODESYS-based PLC/motion controller with EtherCAT for 8, 16 or 32 axes plus 6 local pulse axes, dual-core SOC+FPGA and 32-module R2 I/O expansion.
| Published maximum | PCMM | MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) |
|---|---|---|
| Axes | 20 | 32 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.
Typical applications
What a motion controller is
A motion controller plans and coordinates movement for one or more axes, sending position, velocity or torque commands to servo or stepper drives. It generates trajectories with defined acceleration and jerk, synchronises axes for interpolation, electronic gearing and camming, and handles homing, limits and registration inputs. Commands reach drives over pulse, analogue or, most commonly now, EtherCAT and other real-time networks. Many controllers also include PLC functions to IEC 61131-3, combining logic and motion.
When engineers choose a motion controller
Choose a dedicated motion controller when a machine needs coordinated multi-axis motion beyond basic point-to-point moves, such as robots, gantries, packaging and CNC. It gives deterministic timing and motion libraries. The trade-offs are cost, programming effort and ecosystem lock-in. For simple machines with a few independent axes, a PLC with motion function blocks or intelligent drives with stored moves may be enough.
How to specify the Kollmorgen PCMM
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right PCMM variant or an equivalent:
- Number of axes and drives
- Network and cycle time (ms)
- Motion functions: interpolation, camming, robotics
- Programming environment and languages
- I/O and expansion
- HMI and connectivity
- Safety integration
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a controller that does not support the drives' network
- Underestimating cycle time needs for many axes
- Ignoring programming tools and skills in the team
- Not planning for future axis count
Kollmorgen PCMM: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace Kollmorgen PCMM or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including Motion Control Products options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the Kollmorgen PCMM?
First-generation EtherCAT multi-axis master controller supporting all five IEC 61131-3 languages plus PLCopen motion, now closed to new applications. Published series figures include axes 20. It is made by Regal Rexnord Corporation; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Kollmorgen PCMM?
The Kollmorgen PCMM is made by Kollmorgen (Regal Rexnord Corporation) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Regal Rexnord Corporation; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the axes of the Kollmorgen PCMM?
The published series maximum axes is 20. Individual models and sizes in the PCMM 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 the Kollmorgen PCMM still available?
Kollmorgen lists the PCMM as legacy. The manufacturer's recommended replacement is kollmorgen-pcmm2g. We can help with spares for installed machines, a migration, or an equivalent from our supply network that meets the same published figures.
What is the difference between a motion controller and a PLC?
A PLC handles machine logic, sequencing and I/O. A motion controller specialises in trajectory planning and coordinating axes. Many modern controllers combine both, running PLC logic and motion libraries on one CPU. Choose based on axis count, motion complexity and timing requirements.
Why is EtherCAT common for motion control?
EtherCAT offers short cycle times, precise synchronisation using distributed clocks and simple cabling, which suit coordinated multi-axis motion. Many drives and I/O devices support it. Other real-time networks such as PROFINET IRT and Sercos are also used, so check what the drives and controller support.
Further reading: How to select a motion controller or plc · Controllers and PLCs
Other motion controller series
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