AC servo drive
Leadshine EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS)
Leadshine's high-end 220 VAC servo drive from 400 W to 2 kW with 3.5 kHz bandwidth, STO SIL3, dual-encoder full closed-loop control and gantry synchronisation. EC models run EtherCAT; RS models offer Modbus RTU, pulse+direction and analogue.
Key specifications
| Power | 400–2,000 W |
|---|---|
| Supply | 1ph/3ph 200-240 VAC |
| Feedback | RS485 serial absolute encoder (23-bit ELM motors), Second external encoder / linear scale (full closed loop) |
| Fieldbus | EtherCAT (EC), Modbus RTU / RS485 (RS), Pulse + direction (RS), Analogue (RS), USB-C tuning |
| Axes | 1 |
| Continuous current (max) | 12 A |
| Peak current (max) | 36 A |
| Safe torque off | SIL3 |
| Bandwidth | 3.5 |
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
Leadshine EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS) model codes
Published model codes in the EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS) range, with key figures from the manufacturer's data. Search this page for your part number, or send it to us for availability, pricing and lead time.
| Model code | Rated power (W) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EL8-EC400F | 400 | EtherCAT |
| EL8-EC750F | 750 | EtherCAT |
| EL8-EC1000F | 1000 | EtherCAT |
| EL8-EC1500F | 1500 | EtherCAT |
| EL8-EC2000F | 2000 | EtherCAT |
| EL8-RS400F | 400 | RS485 / pulse |
| EL8-RS750F | 750 | RS485 / pulse |
| EL8-RS1000F | 1000 | RS485 / pulse |
| EL8-RS1500F | 1500 | RS485 / pulse |
| EL8-RS2000F | 2000 | RS485 / pulse |
Options
- EL8S version with batteryless absolute / 26-bit support
- Holding brake port
Typical applications
What an AC servo drive is
An AC servo drive, or servo amplifier, powers and controls a servo motor from mains supply. It rectifies the AC input to a DC bus, then uses an inverter of power transistors switched by PWM to produce controlled three-phase current in the motor. Nested current, velocity and position loops use encoder feedback to follow commands from pulse and direction, analogue or industrial Ethernet. Modern drives add auto-tuning, vibration suppression and safety functions such as safe torque off.
When engineers choose an AC servo drive
Choose an AC servo drive for mains-powered machines with servo axes from tens of watts to many kilowatts, such as packaging, machine tools and robotics. It gives precise, dynamic control with standard industrial interfaces. The trade-offs are cabinet space, wiring, EMC measures and the need to match motor and feedback. For low-voltage or mobile machines, a DC drive is more suitable; for many axes in one cabinet, a multi-axis drive may save space.
How to specify the Leadshine EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS) variant:
- Supply voltage and phases (V AC)
- Continuous and peak output current (A rms)
- Motor and feedback compatibility
- Command interface: pulse, analogue, EtherCAT, PROFINET and so on
- Safety functions, such as STO, and their rating (SIL, PL)
- Braking resistor and regenerative energy (W, J)
- Ambient temperature, mounting and cooling
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sizing on motor rated current without the drive's peak duration
- Ignoring regenerative energy on fast decelerations or vertical axes
- Leaving out EMC filtering and screened motor cables
- Mixing motor and encoder types the drive does not support
Leadshine EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS): frequently asked questions
What is the Leadshine EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS)?
Leadshine's high-end 220 VAC servo drive from 400 W to 2 kW with 3.5 kHz bandwidth, STO SIL3, dual-encoder full closed-loop control and gantry synchronisation. EC models run EtherCAT; RS models offer Modbus RTU, pulse+direction and analogue. Published series figures include power 400 W, power 2,000 W, axes 1, continuous current 12 A. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
Who makes the Leadshine EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS)?
The Leadshine EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS) is made by Leadshine (Leadshine Technology) available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.
What model codes are in the Leadshine EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS) range?
The EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS) range includes EL8-EC400F, EL8-EC750F, EL8-EC1000F, EL8-EC1500F, EL8-EC2000F, EL8-RS400F, EL8-RS750F, EL8-RS1000F and 2 more. The table on this page lists each published model code with its key figures. Send us the code you use, or the one you need to replace, and our engineers will confirm availability, lead time or the closest equivalent.
What is the power of the Leadshine EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS)?
The published series minimum power is 400 W. Individual models and sizes in the EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS) 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.
Does a servo drive need a braking resistor?
When a servo motor decelerates, it acts as a generator and returns energy to the drive's DC bus. If the bus capacitors cannot absorb it, the voltage rises and the drive trips. A braking resistor dissipates the energy as heat. Fast decelerations, high inertia and vertical axes usually need one.
What is safe torque off on a servo drive?
Safe torque off, or STO, is a safety function that removes power that could produce torque at the motor, without disconnecting the drive supply. It is defined in IEC 61800-5-2 and used as part of a machine's safety system. Check the safety level achieved and wiring requirements.
Further reading: How to select a servo drive · How to select a servo motor · Servo drives
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