AC servo drive
ABB (Motion) MotiFlex e180 AC servo drive
Single-axis servo drive for 200–480 V AC three-phase mains with rated currents from 3 to 55 A and peaks up to 120 A (series maximum), multi-Ethernet, dual encoder inputs including HIPERFACE DSL, and STO to SIL 3 / PL e.
Key specifications
| Data / bus | EtherCAT, PROFINET IO, POWERLINK, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP |
|---|---|
| Supply | 200–480 V AC 3-phase; 270–650 V DC |
| Feedback | SSI, 1 Vpp SinCos, BiSS-B, EnDat 2.1/2.2, SmartAbs, HIPERFACE, resolver, incremental; HIPERFACE DSL on units of 46 A and below |
| Fieldbus | EtherCAT, PROFINET IO, POWERLINK, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP |
| Axes | 1 |
| Continuous current (max) | 55 A |
| Peak current (max) | 120 A |
| Safe torque off | STO SIL 3 / PL e standard |
| Overload | 200% or 300% for 3 s |
| Programming | Mint multitasking motion language |
Summarised in our own words from ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1 · Source 2
Notes on this data
Rated 3–55 A in 200% mode (6–110 A peak); 2–40 A in 300% mode (6–120 A peak). 400 V motor packages 0.85–7.5 kW per catalogue.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd. ABB (Motion) and MotiFlex e180 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 ABB (Motion) 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.
Network-capable AMC digital drives spanning 10-747 VDC and 120-480 VAC, up to 150 A continuous and 250 A peak (27.4 kW peak power), in PCB, panel, machine and vehicle formats. They support almost any motor type and feedback, plus CANopen, EtherCAT, POWERLINK and Modbus.
| Published maximum | MotiFlex e180 | DigiFlex Performance Servo Drives (DP,… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 55 A | 150 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 120 A | 250 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 27,400 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 | MotiFlex e180 | ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 55 A | 60 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 120 A | 180 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 2,500 W |
| Axes | 1 | 1 meets or exceeds |
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 maximum | MotiFlex e180 | EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / E… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 55 A | 12 A |
| Peak current | 120 A | 36 A |
| Power | — | 2,000 W |
| Axes | 1 | 1 meets or exceeds |
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 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 ABB (Motion) MotiFlex e180
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right MotiFlex e180 variant or an equivalent:
- 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
ABB (Motion) MotiFlex e180: frequently asked questions
What is the ABB (Motion) MotiFlex e180?
Single-axis servo drive for 200–480 V AC three-phase mains with rated currents from 3 to 55 A and peaks up to 120 A (series maximum), multi-Ethernet, dual encoder inputs including HIPERFACE DSL, and STO to SIL 3 / PL e. Published series figures include axes 1, continuous current 55 A, peak current 120 A. It is made by ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the ABB (Motion) MotiFlex e180?
The ABB (Motion) MotiFlex e180 is made by ABB (Motion) (ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the axes of the ABB (Motion) MotiFlex e180?
The published series maximum axes is 1. Individual models and sizes in the MotiFlex e180 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 ABB (Motion) MotiFlex e180?
Yes. On published figures, ADVANCED Motion Controls DigiFlex Performance Servo Drives (DP, DZ, DV) and Leadshine ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
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
Other ac servo drive series
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