Servo Drive and Motor Compatibility Checklist

Matching a servo drive to an existing motor requires confirmation of electrical ratings, feedback, control method, firmware, and cable pinout. Brand and power rating alone do not prove compatibility.

Match the complete drive and motor numbers

Record the full drive, motor, encoder, and cable part numbers. Include option codes and revision suffixes. A motor family can include multiple windings, feedback devices, brakes, shafts, and connector arrangements.

Compare power requirements

  • Drive input voltage and phase
  • Motor rated voltage, current, torque, and speed
  • Continuous and peak output capacity
  • Regeneration, braking resistor, and DC-bus requirements

Confirm the feedback interface

Determine whether the system uses a resolver, incremental encoder, absolute encoder, serial encoder, Hall sensors, or another feedback device. Confirm signal level, resolution, protocol, connector, and pinout.

Confirm the command and network interface

Check whether the drive receives analog velocity or torque commands, pulse and direction, position commands, or a fieldbus connection. Verify the option card and protocol used by the machine controller.

Check firmware and parameter compatibility

Replacement drives may require a parameter backup, motor database entry, firmware match, tuning procedure, safety configuration, or controller project update. Save the existing parameter set before removing a working drive.

Inspect cables and accessories

Motor power and feedback cables can differ by connector, pinout, shielding, length, and feedback type. Confirm whether the replacement listing includes removable terminals, connectors, option cards, keypads, or memory modules.

Commissioning checklist

  • Verify wiring with power isolated.
  • Load or enter the correct motor data.
  • Confirm feedback direction and commutation.
  • Test safety and limit functions.
  • Begin with controlled low-speed movement.

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