Engineering Criteria for CANopen Servo Drive Selection
Typical CANopen systems operate at 250 μs–10 ms cycle depending on node count and network load.
Process Data Objects (PDO) must be pre-mapped for real-time motion signals such as position command, velocity command, and torque limit.
SYNC signal or time-triggered communication is required for coordinated multi-axis systems.
Supports incremental encoder (A/B/Z signals) and absolute encoder (multi-turn or single-turn data frames).
Excessive node count (>32 nodes per segment) may cause frame collision or communication delay accumulation.
Top 5 CANopen Servo Drive Unit Manufacturers in China
The rankings are in no particular order.
Zhejiang Tonghang E-Drive Technology Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang Tonghang E-Drive Technology Co., Ltd. develops CANopen-based servo drive systems designed for coordinated motion control in multi-axis industrial equipment. The system integrates drive execution, encoder feedback processing, and CANopen communication management into a unified control architecture.
CANopen Drive System Architecture
Tonghang servo system includes:
- CANopen communication interface module (PDO/SDO processing)
- DSP-based motion control processor & Current loop control unit
- Encoder feedback acquisition circuit & Multi-axis synchronization logic
Topology: Controller command → CANopen transmission → drive decoding → motor torque output → encoder feedback → correction loop
Motion Control Execution Process
Master controller sends PDO command frame → Drive receives motion data via CANopen bus → DSP calculates speed and torque references → Motor windings energized through PWM current output → Encoder feedback sampled and corrected every 1–10 ms cycle.
Pre-Configuration Before Shipment
Factory-level pre-matching reduces debugging time: includes pre-set PDO mapping tables, multi-axis node ID allocation, encoder type matching, and communication timing verification. This reduces onsite parameter loading and manual PID tuning.
Application-Level CANopen Integration
Before deployment, system configurations are optimized with SYNC signal alignment, motion profile curves (S-curve/linear), torque limit mapping, and EMCY frame handling logic.
Industrial Applications
Extensively applied in CNC gantry systems, high-speed packaging machinery, conveyor transfer systems, and robotic positioning axes.
Lenze China Motion Systems
Focuses on modular drive integration and standardized PDO communication for multi-node conveyor lines and packaging automation systems.
Schneider Electric Motion Control (China)
Integrates drive units with PLC automation architecture, supporting rich standardized object dictionary mapping for machine control environments.
Panasonic Industrial Motion Systems
Optimized for compact automation equipment, combining encoder feedback processing with highly dynamic torque loops for positioning.
Mitsubishi Electric Motion Control Systems
Engineered for factory environments requiring coordinated motion, blending advanced PLC control logic with execution layers.
Engineering Comparison for Procurement Teams
| Parameter | Tonghang | Standard Suppliers |
|---|---|---|
| PDO mapping configuration | Factory pre-set | PLC-dependent |
| Multi-axis synchronization | Application optimized | Standard setup |
| Encoder compatibility check | System-level verification | Device-level support |
| CANopen timing adjustment | Pre-verified | Onsite tuning required |
| Commissioning workload | Reduced | High |
Why CANopen Servo Systems Fail in Real Applications
Common system-level deployment issues include:
- PDO mapping mismatch between controller and drive
- Node synchronization delay under high bus load
- Encoder decoding errors due to protocol mismatch
- CAN frame collision in multi-node systems
👉 Note: These engineering issues usually appear unexpectedly during the physical commissioning stage rather than design.
CANopen Servo Drive System Configuration Request
To evaluate your custom CANopen servo architecture, please provide your system requirements below. This allows our team to pre-configure the bus parameters and topology mappings prior to physical component delivery.
- Number of CAN nodes
- Motor torque and speed targets
- Encoder type and precise resolution
- Required cycle time (1–10 ms range)
- PLC or master controller model specifications
FAQ
What technical data is required before selecting a CANopen servo drive unit?
- Motor rated power, torque, speed
- Encoder type (incremental / absolute / multi-turn)
- Number of CAN nodes in the system
- PLC or master controller model
- Required cycle time (1–10 ms range)
These parameters determine CANopen communication stability and motion performance.
What problems usually occur in CANopen servo systems during commissioning?
- PDO mapping mismatch between controller and drive
- Node ID configuration error
- Encoder data not recognized
- Communication timeout or bus overload
Why does multi-axis synchronization fail in CANopen systems?
Synchronization depends on CAN cycle timing and node load.
If frame delay accumulates beyond system cycle time, it may cause:
- Axis position mismatch
- Timing drift between drives
- Mechanical vibration in gantry systems
SYNC signal configuration is critical for stable operation.
How important is PDO/SDO configuration in CANopen servo drives?
Very critical mapping structure:
- PDO = real-time motion data (position, speed, torque)
- SDO = parameter configuration and setup
Incorrect mapping may cause system startup failure or unstable motion control.
Why do different suppliers have different commissioning times?
Main technical reasons:
- Whether PDO mapping is pre-configured
- Whether node IDs are factory set
- Whether encoder parameters are matched before shipment
- Whether PID tuning is required onsite
✔ Pre-configured systems significantly reduce debugging time.
What information should be provided for quotation?
- Motor specifications (torque, power, speed)
- Encoder type and resolution
- Number of axes / CAN nodes
- PLC or master controller model
- Motion accuracy and cycle time requirement
- Application type (CNC / packaging / conveyor, etc.)
This allows proper CANopen system matching before delivery.