DC servo drive
Nanotec N5 motor controller DC servo drive
Fieldbus controller/drive for BLDC and stepper motors at 12–72 V, 10–18 A rated and up to 40 A peak, with EtherCAT, CANopen, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU versions.
Key specifications
| Voltage (max) | 72 V |
|---|---|
| Data / bus | EtherCAT, CANopen, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU |
| Supply | 12–72 VDC |
| Fieldbus | EtherCAT, CANopen, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU |
| Axes | 1 |
| Continuous current (max) | 18 A |
| Peak current (max) | 40 A |
| Motor types | BLDC, stepper |
Summarised in our own words from Nanotec Electronic GmbH's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Currents RMS. Encoder inputs and STO not stated on the page read. Drives both BLDC and steppers.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Nanotec Electronic GmbH. Nanotec and N5 motor controller 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 Nanotec 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.
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 | N5 motor controller | ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 18 A | 60 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 40 A | 180 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 2,500 W |
| Axes | 1 | 1 meets or exceeds |
Palm-sized 24-70 VDC servo drives (76 x 50 x 33.5 mm) from 50 to 750 W in EtherCAT, CANopen and Modbus RTU versions, with STO, a second encoder input for full closed loop and support for slotless, brushed, voice-coil and linear motors.
| Published maximum | N5 motor controller | ELD3 Series Miniature DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 18 A | 20 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 40 A | 50 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 750 W |
| Axes | 1 | 1 meets or exceeds |
Palm-sized Kinco 24-60 VDC drives at 5, 10 or 20 Arms for 50-750 W BLDC servo motors, with RS485, CANopen or EtherCAT, used heavily in AGVs.
| Published maximum | N5 motor controller | OD Series Mini DC Servo Drives (OD114S… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 18 A | 20 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 40 A | — |
| Power | — | 750 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 a DC servo drive is
A DC servo drive controls a servo motor from a low-voltage DC supply, typically between about 12 and 100 V, such as a battery or a DC power supply. It uses a PWM power stage to regulate current in brushless or brushed motors, with current, velocity and position loops closed using encoder or Hall feedback. Many are compact, some palm-sized, with CANopen, EtherCAT, Modbus or pulse inputs. Higher current is needed for the same power than with mains drives.
When engineers choose a DC servo drive
Choose a DC servo drive for mobile robots, AGVs, battery equipment, medical devices and machines designed around safety extra low voltage. It allows simple distribution and safe access to live parts. The trade-offs are current and power: high currents need heavy cables and good connections, so power is typically limited to a few kilowatts. For mains-powered machines above that, an AC servo drive is usually more economical.
How to specify the Nanotec N5 motor controller
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right N5 motor controller variant or an equivalent:
- Supply voltage range (V DC)
- Continuous and peak current (A)
- Motor type: brushless, brushed, linear
- Feedback: encoder, Hall or absolute
- Interface: CANopen, EtherCAT, Modbus, pulse
- Safety functions and STO
- Size, mounting and cooling
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring battery voltage swing from full to low charge
- Undersizing cables and connectors for high current
- Forgetting regenerative energy into the battery
- Overlooking grounding and EMC on low-voltage systems
Nanotec N5 motor controller: frequently asked questions
What is the Nanotec N5 motor controller?
Fieldbus controller/drive for BLDC and stepper motors at 12–72 V, 10–18 A rated and up to 40 A peak, with EtherCAT, CANopen, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU versions. Published series figures include voltage 72 V, axes 1, continuous current 18 A, peak current 40 A. It is made by Nanotec Electronic GmbH; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Nanotec N5 motor controller?
The Nanotec N5 motor controller is made by Nanotec (Nanotec Electronic GmbH) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Nanotec Electronic GmbH; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the voltage of the Nanotec N5 motor controller?
The published series maximum voltage is 72 V. Individual models and sizes in the N5 motor controller 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 Nanotec N5 motor controller?
Yes. On published figures, Leadshine ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives and Leadshine ELD3 Series Miniature DC Servo Drives are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Can a DC servo drive return energy to a battery?
Yes, during braking the motor regenerates energy into the DC bus, and with a battery it can be absorbed if the battery management system allows charging. Without a battery or with a full battery, voltage rises, so a braking resistor or clamp circuit may be needed. Check the drive's overvoltage threshold.
What size DC drive do I need?
Size the drive from the motor's continuous and peak current demands, the supply voltage range and the duty cycle. Allow margin above the motor's peak current and check how long the drive can deliver peak. Then confirm the interface and feedback types match the motor and controller.
Further reading: How to select a servo drive · How to select a pcb mount servo drive · Servo drives
Other dc servo drive series
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of N5 motor controller
Select every part you need, answer the questions an applications engineer would ask, and see your summary before we ask for any details.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
Engineer support
Let our experienced engineers do the hard work for you
Tell us how you use the Nanotec N5 motor controller: the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.