Motion controller
Leadshine MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) motion controller
CODESYS-based PLC/motion controller with EtherCAT for 8, 16 or 32 axes plus 6 local pulse axes, dual-core SOC+FPGA and 32-module R2 I/O expansion.
Key specifications
| Axes max | 32 |
|---|---|
| Pulse axes | 6 x 200 kHz |
| Io onboard | 16 DI / 16 DO |
| Comms | EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus-TCP, Modbus-RTU, OPC UA, CANopen, RS232, RS485 x2, USB-C |
| Programming | Leadsys Studio / CODESYS V3.5 SP15; ST, LD, SFC, CFC, FBD, IL |
| Memory | 20 MB program / 40 MB data |
| Supply | 24 VDC |
| Expansion | up to 32 R2 modules |
| Ethercat slaves max | 128 |
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
Leadshine MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) model codes
Published model codes in the MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) range. Search this page for your part number, or send it to us for availability, pricing and lead time.
| Model code |
|---|
| MC508CS |
| MC516CS |
| MC532CS |
Options
- MC508CS (8 axes)
- MC516CS (16 axes)
- MC532CS (32 axes)
- R2 I/O modules
- micro SD
Typical applications
What a motion controller is
A motion controller plans and coordinates movement for one or more axes, sending position, velocity or torque commands to servo or stepper drives. It generates trajectories with defined acceleration and jerk, synchronises axes for interpolation, electronic gearing and camming, and handles homing, limits and registration inputs. Commands reach drives over pulse, analogue or, most commonly now, EtherCAT and other real-time networks. Many controllers also include PLC functions to IEC 61131-3, combining logic and motion.
When engineers choose a motion controller
Choose a dedicated motion controller when a machine needs coordinated multi-axis motion beyond basic point-to-point moves, such as robots, gantries, packaging and CNC. It gives deterministic timing and motion libraries. The trade-offs are cost, programming effort and ecosystem lock-in. For simple machines with a few independent axes, a PLC with motion function blocks or intelligent drives with stored moves may be enough.
How to specify the Leadshine MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) variant:
- Number of axes and drives
- Network and cycle time (ms)
- Motion functions: interpolation, camming, robotics
- Programming environment and languages
- I/O and expansion
- HMI and connectivity
- Safety integration
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a controller that does not support the drives' network
- Underestimating cycle time needs for many axes
- Ignoring programming tools and skills in the team
- Not planning for future axis count
Leadshine MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS): frequently asked questions
What is the Leadshine MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS)?
CODESYS-based PLC/motion controller with EtherCAT for 8, 16 or 32 axes plus 6 local pulse axes, dual-core SOC+FPGA and 32-module R2 I/O expansion. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
Who makes the Leadshine MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS)?
The Leadshine MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) is made by Leadshine (Leadshine Technology) available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.
What model codes are in the Leadshine MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) range?
The MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) range includes MC508CS, MC516CS, MC532CS. The table on this page lists each published model code with its key figures. Send us the code you use, or the one you need to replace, and our engineers will confirm availability, lead time or the closest equivalent.
What is the difference between a motion controller and a PLC?
A PLC handles machine logic, sequencing and I/O. A motion controller specialises in trajectory planning and coordinating axes. Many modern controllers combine both, running PLC logic and motion libraries on one CPU. Choose based on axis count, motion complexity and timing requirements.
Why is EtherCAT common for motion control?
EtherCAT offers short cycle times, precise synchronisation using distributed clocks and simple cabling, which suit coordinated multi-axis motion. Many drives and I/O devices support it. Other real-time networks such as PROFINET IRT and Sercos are also used, so check what the drives and controller support.
Further reading: How to select a motion controller or plc · Controllers and PLCs
Often compared with
Engineers specifying this series often compare it with:
Other motion controller series
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