Hilscher employee standing next to a robot and holding a comX module.
empowering communication

    Drive technology

    Drive technology in modern production environments

    Modern, intelligent drive technology is an integral part of today's automation systems and essential for implementing Industry 4.0. Regardless of their individual application, modern drives in an automation network must interact with each other easily, flexibly and seamlessly. Whether used in machines and plants or in robots, they're what keep the interconnected, decentralized and autonomous processes running in a smart factory. Drive units, however, are dependent on high-performance interfaces for connecting to modern fieldbus or Real-Time Ethernet networks. And for the components responsible for communication there are a number of specific challenges to overcome.

    Challenges for industrial communication
    Time-critical applications

    As moving components within an automated environment, drives rely on especially short cycle times in the microsecond range, low jitter and reliable bus synchronization. This ensures a smooth process flow and supports the required path accuracy.As moving components within an automated environment, drives rely on especially short cycle times in the microsecond range, low jitter and reliable bus synchronization. This ensures a smooth process flow and supports the required path accuracy.

    Demanding environments

    Depending on the use case, communication components have to meet different requirements, for example, for the extended temperature range, with IP67 enclosures or with extra small dimensions for space-sensitive applications.

    Flexibility and variability

    As different markets use different communication protocols, the ability to easily switch between protocols increases the flexibility of the motion device in terms of its target markets. Additionally, modern drive technology needs to be compatible with a wide range of other components and devices, using standardized interfaces, drivers, and tools.

    As a leading provider of industrial communication solutions, we have decades of experience in integrating devices and equipment into the factory infrastructure. Thanks to different formats and the multi-protocol capability of our solutions, you're more flexible than ever when integrating drive technology into fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet networks. We provide a wide range of products and services, covering the entire spectrum of software and hardware solutions for a vast number of different requirements. Over time, we have been able to support countless projects in the field of drive technology, enabling the integration of a wide variety of components into automated networks. These include, for example:

    • Robotic arms
    • Compact inverters
    • Fan control units
    • Valve control units
    • Actuators
    • Hydraulic drives
    Simple integration of drive technology

    Our netX chips integrate servo drives, compact inverters, pumps, compressors, robots and any other motion device into the relevant networks. The extensive netX ecosystem provides the right SoC for every application — from integrated multi-protocol solutions to high-performance master applications. Our latest chip generation allows you to run the drive control unit and the network connection from a single chip with low latency, minimal power consumption and low connection costs. You also get everything from a single source with the appropriate software components, development boards, extensive product support and additional services. This enables you to achieve short, efficient development cycles and minimize your time to market.

    In addition to our chips, our compact netX-based embedded modules also provide ready-made hardware components for industrial communication that you only need to connect to your application. Our portfolio contains versions for a wide range of requirements, e.g., for different data rates or with an extended range of functions. The comX module and the netRAPID chip carrier offer you a simple and efficient option to make drive units capable of communication. Thanks to the completely integrated and easy-to-use network interface, you benefit from low development costs for drive profiles of various network standards.

    We can also help you analyze your Real-Time Ethernet network with our netANALYZER during operation of your production plant. Thanks to the intuitive, graphical user interface netANALYZER Scope you have full view of your network independent of the protocol or application, while also measuring important performance indicators such as process values, usage, and jitter without impacting your network or PLC. With the powerful trigger function, you also have the option of leaving the device unattended and having a telegram snapshot made whenever a defined event occurs.

    Multiprotocol SoCs
    Embedded Modules
    Network and Communication Diagnostics
    Your advantages with our solutions at a glance:
    • Industry-leading solutions for drive control units
    • Multi-protocol support
    • Lower development costs
    • Fast time to market
    • Easy integration
    • Holistic portfolio for industrial communication
    • High systems and factory availability
    • Support and additional services throughout the entire lifecycle
    • Long-term product availability