Multi-axis servo drive
Aerotech Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack
3U 19-inch rack drive for up to six axes, mixing PWM amplifiers (10 to 30 A peak) and linear amplifiers (10 A peak), with bus options to 320 VDC and 20 kHz current and servo loops.
Key specifications
| Voltage (max) | 320 V |
|---|---|
| Supply | 100/120/200/240 VAC switch-selectable |
| Feedback | square-wave (40 M counts/s), sine-wave x65,536, absolute encoders |
| Fieldbus | HyperWire |
| Axes | 6 |
| Continuous current (max) | 10 A |
| Peak current (max) | 30 A |
| Servo rate | 20 kHz current and servo loop |
Summarised in our own words from Aerotech, Inc.'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Aerotech, Inc.. Aerotech and Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack 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 Aerotech 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.
A dual-axis version of the ELD2 for 24-70 VDC systems: 20 or 30 Arms per axis (750 W or 1.2 kW per axis), gantry synchronisation and STO, saving around 30% installed volume versus two single drives.
| Published maximum | Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack | 2ELD2 Two-Axis DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 10 A | 30 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 30 A | 90 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 1,200 W |
| Axes | 6 | 2 |
Kinco's new-platform AC servo drive for SMK motors, 400 W-7.5 kW on 220 or 380 V, with 17/23-bit absolute encoder support and RS485, EtherCAT or PROFINET variants.
| Published maximum | Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack | FD5P (PRO) Series AC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 10 A | 26 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 30 A | 65.06 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 7,500 W |
| Axes | 6 | — |
ADVANCED Motion Controls' ultra-compact, high power-density digital servo drives for 10-90 VDC systems, up to 100 A continuous and 200 A peak. They come in PCB, machine-embedded, panel and development-board formats, carry STO as standard, and run EtherCAT, CANopen or Ethernet/IP. Extended-environment models are rated -40 to +95 C.
| Published maximum | Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack | FlexPro Digital Servo Drives (FE, FX, … |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 10 A | 100 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 30 A | 200 A meets or exceeds |
| Axes | 6 | — |
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 a multi-axis servo drive is
A multi-axis servo drive controls two or more servo motors from one unit, usually sharing a power supply, DC bus and communication interface. Formats include compact two- to four-axis drives in one housing and modular systems with a common supply module and separate axis modules. Sharing the bus lets energy from a decelerating axis be used by others, reducing braking losses. Most connect to a motion controller or PLC over EtherCAT or another industrial Ethernet network.
When engineers choose a multi-axis servo drive
Choose a multi-axis drive for machines with several coordinated servo axes in one cabinet, such as robots, packaging machines and gantries. It saves space, wiring and cost per axis compared with single drives. The trade-offs are flexibility and fault isolation: axes share the supply, so a supply fault affects all axes, and replacing one module may need specific spare strategy. Mixing very different power levels can be limited by module ranges.
How to specify the Aerotech Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack variant or an equivalent:
- Number of axes and power per axis (A, kW)
- Supply voltage (V AC or DC)
- Network interface and cycle time
- Motor and feedback types
- Shared bus and regenerative energy handling
- Safety functions per axis
- Cabinet size and cooling
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sizing supply module for the sum of peaks without considering simultaneous demand
- Ignoring how one fault affects all axes
- Choosing modules without room for future axes
- Overlooking network cycle time with many axes
Aerotech Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack: frequently asked questions
What is the Aerotech Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack?
3U 19-inch rack drive for up to six axes, mixing PWM amplifiers (10 to 30 A peak) and linear amplifiers (10 A peak), with bus options to 320 VDC and 20 kHz current and servo loops. Published series figures include voltage 320 V, axes 6, continuous current 10 A, peak current 30 A. It is made by Aerotech, Inc.; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Aerotech Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack?
The Aerotech Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack is made by Aerotech (Aerotech, Inc.) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Aerotech, Inc.; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the voltage of the Aerotech Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack?
The published series maximum voltage is 320 V. Individual models and sizes in the Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack 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 Aerotech Automation1 XR3 multi-axis servo drive rack?
Yes. On published figures, Leadshine 2ELD2 Two-Axis DC Servo Drives and Kinco FD5P (PRO) Series AC Servo Drives are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What are the benefits of a shared DC bus?
On a shared DC bus, energy regenerated by a decelerating axis can be used by other axes that are accelerating, reducing the energy dissipated in braking resistors. It also reduces wiring and supply components. Sizing must consider simultaneous peak demand on the shared supply.
Are multi-axis drives cheaper than single-axis drives?
Typically, per axis, multi-axis drives cost less and take less cabinet space, because the supply, communication and housing are shared. The saving grows with the number of axes. For machines with only one or two axes, or widely separated axes, single drives can be simpler.
Further reading: How to select a multi axis servo drive · How to select a servo drive · Servo drives
Other multi-axis servo drive series
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