DC servo drive
maxon ESCON2 DC servo drive
New generation of maxon servo controllers from nano to compact formats, adding CANopen and absolute-encoder support over the original ESCON.
Key specifications
| Power (max) | 1,800 W |
|---|---|
| Feedback | Hall sensors, incremental encoder, absolute encoder SSI / BiSS-C |
| Fieldbus | CANopen (CiA 301/402/305), USB, RS232, analog / digital I/O |
Summarised in our own words from maxon group (maxon motor ag)'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1
Notes on this data
Variants Nano 24/2, Micro 60/5, Module 60/12 and 60/30, Compact 60/2-60/30. Supply and current ratings not stated on overview page; names suggest up to 60 V / 30 A but not stored.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with maxon group (maxon motor ag). maxon and ESCON2 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 maxon 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 | ESCON2 | ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | — | 60 A |
| Peak current | — | 180 A |
| Power | 1,800 W | 2,500 W meets or exceeds |
| Axes | — | 1 |
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 | ESCON2 | EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / E… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | — | 12 A |
| Peak current | — | 36 A |
| Power | 1,800 W | 2,000 W meets or exceeds |
| Axes | — | 1 |
Leadshine's EL7 platform spans 220 VAC drives from 400 W to 2 kW, 400 VAC drives to 7.5 kW and an 11-22 kW high-power range, all with STO and EtherCAT, Modbus/pulse or PROFINET variants.
| Published maximum | ESCON2 | EL7S / EL7 Series AC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | — | 44 A |
| Peak current | — | 88 A |
| Power | 1,800 W | 22,000 W meets or exceeds |
| Axes | — | 1 |
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 maxon ESCON2
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right ESCON2 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
maxon ESCON2: frequently asked questions
What is the maxon ESCON2?
New generation of maxon servo controllers from nano to compact formats, adding CANopen and absolute-encoder support over the original ESCON. Published series figures include power 1,800 W. It is made by maxon group (maxon motor ag); Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the maxon ESCON2?
The maxon ESCON2 is made by maxon (maxon group (maxon motor ag)) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with maxon group (maxon motor ag); brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the power of the maxon ESCON2?
The published series maximum power is 1,800 W. Individual models and sizes in the ESCON2 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 maxon ESCON2?
Yes. On published figures, Leadshine ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives and Leadshine EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS) 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
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