Multi-axis servo drive
ACS Motion Control IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives)
DS402-compliant EtherCAT servo drives for use with any EtherCAT master, in 1 to 4 axis panel units from 12–48 V DC up to 100–440 V AC, with up to 30/60 A per axis (IDMdx).
Key specifications
| Data / bus | EtherCAT |
|---|---|
| Supply | 12–48 V DC (IDMsm), 12–150 V DC (IDMsa), 24–150 V DC (IDMma), 100–440 V AC (IDMdx) |
| Fieldbus | EtherCAT CiA 402 |
| Axes | 1–4 depending on model |
| Continuous current (max) | 30 A |
| Peak current (max) | 60 A |
Summarised in our own words from PI Group (Physik Instrumente)'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Models IDMsa, IDMsm, IDMma, IDMdx; current pairs not labelled by ACS.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with PI Group (Physik Instrumente). ACS Motion Control and IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives) 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 an ACS Motion Control 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.
A dual-axis version of the ELD2 for 24-70 VDC systems: 20 or 30 Arms per axis (750 W or 1.2 kW per axis), gantry synchronisation and STO, saving around 30% installed volume versus two single drives.
| Published maximum | IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives) | 2ELD2 Two-Axis DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 30 A | 30 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 60 A | 90 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 1,200 W |
| Axes | — | 2 |
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 | IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives) | 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 |
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 | IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives) | ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 30 A | 60 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 60 A | 180 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 2,500 W |
| Axes | — | 1 |
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 multi-axis servo drive is
A multi-axis servo drive controls two or more servo motors from one unit, usually sharing a power supply, DC bus and communication interface. Formats include compact two- to four-axis drives in one housing and modular systems with a common supply module and separate axis modules. Sharing the bus lets energy from a decelerating axis be used by others, reducing braking losses. Most connect to a motion controller or PLC over EtherCAT or another industrial Ethernet network.
When engineers choose a multi-axis servo drive
Choose a multi-axis drive for machines with several coordinated servo axes in one cabinet, such as robots, packaging machines and gantries. It saves space, wiring and cost per axis compared with single drives. The trade-offs are flexibility and fault isolation: axes share the supply, so a supply fault affects all axes, and replacing one module may need specific spare strategy. Mixing very different power levels can be limited by module ranges.
How to specify the ACS Motion Control IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives) variant or an equivalent:
- Number of axes and power per axis (A, kW)
- Supply voltage (V AC or DC)
- Network interface and cycle time
- Motor and feedback types
- Shared bus and regenerative energy handling
- Safety functions per axis
- Cabinet size and cooling
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sizing supply module for the sum of peaks without considering simultaneous demand
- Ignoring how one fault affects all axes
- Choosing modules without room for future axes
- Overlooking network cycle time with many axes
ACS Motion Control IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives): frequently asked questions
What is the ACS Motion Control IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives)?
DS402-compliant EtherCAT servo drives for use with any EtherCAT master, in 1 to 4 axis panel units from 12–48 V DC up to 100–440 V AC, with up to 30/60 A per axis (IDMdx). Published series figures include continuous current 30 A, peak current 60 A. It is made by PI Group (Physik Instrumente); Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the ACS Motion Control IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives)?
The ACS Motion Control IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives) is made by ACS Motion Control (PI Group (Physik Instrumente)) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with PI Group (Physik Instrumente); brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the continuous current of the ACS Motion Control IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives)?
The published series maximum continuous current is 30 A. Individual models and sizes in the IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives) 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 ACS Motion Control IDM series (DS402 EtherCAT drives)?
Yes. On published figures, Leadshine 2ELD2 Two-Axis DC Servo Drives and Leadshine EL7S / EL7 Series AC Servo Drives are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What are the benefits of a shared DC bus?
On a shared DC bus, energy regenerated by a decelerating axis can be used by other axes that are accelerating, reducing the energy dissipated in braking resistors. It also reduces wiring and supply components. Sizing must consider simultaneous peak demand on the shared supply.
Are multi-axis drives cheaper than single-axis drives?
Typically, per axis, multi-axis drives cost less and take less cabinet space, because the supply, communication and housing are shared. The saving grows with the number of axes. For machines with only one or two axes, or widely separated axes, single drives can be simpler.
Further reading: How to select a multi axis servo drive · How to select a servo drive · Servo drives
Other multi-axis servo drive series
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