AC servo drive
Beckhoff Automation AX5000 AC servo drive
EtherCAT servo drive family covering a wide current range in single- and dual-channel units, with optional drive-integrated safety cards.
Key specifications
| Supply | 3 x 400-480 Vac (DC link up to 875 V) |
|---|---|
| Feedback | SinCos 1 Vpp, resolver, EnDat 2.1, HIPERFACE, BiSS B |
| Fieldbus | EtherCAT (SoE profile) |
| Continuous current (max) | 170 A |
| Peak current (max) | 221 A |
Summarised in our own words from Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1
Notes on this data
Series range 1.5 A to 170 A per Beckhoff page; maxima from AX5193 (170 A rated, 221 A peak). Product status 'regular delivery'. OCT not supported on AX5193. Dual-channel models exist but were not read; safety via optional AX58xx module.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG. Beckhoff Automation and AX5000 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 a Beckhoff Automation 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 | AX5000 | DigiFlex Performance Servo Drives (DP,… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 170 A | 150 A |
| Peak current | 221 A | 250 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 27,400 W |
Kinco's high-performance AC servo drive covering 200 W to 7.5 kW on 220 or 400 V class supplies, with full closed loop, multi-axis synchronisation, vibration suppression and SIL3 STO on selected models.
View series →A higher-power Kinco AC drive for SMH, SMC and SMG motors on 220 or 380 VAC, with Modbus, CANopen and EtherCAT, absolute encoders to 24-bit, an independent 24 VDC control supply and direct brake output.
View FD2S Series AC Servo Drives →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 Beckhoff Automation AX5000
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right AX5000 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
Beckhoff Automation AX5000: frequently asked questions
What is the Beckhoff Automation AX5000?
EtherCAT servo drive family covering a wide current range in single- and dual-channel units, with optional drive-integrated safety cards. Published series figures include continuous current 170 A, peak current 221 A. It is made by Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Beckhoff Automation AX5000?
The Beckhoff Automation AX5000 is made by Beckhoff Automation (Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the continuous current of the Beckhoff Automation AX5000?
The published series maximum continuous current is 170 A. Individual models and sizes in the AX5000 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 Beckhoff Automation AX5000?
Yes. On published figures, ADVANCED Motion Controls DigiFlex Performance Servo Drives (DP, DZ, DV) and Kinco JD Series AC Servo Drives (JD430/620/630/640/650) 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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