DC servo driveLegacy
maxon ESCON DC servo drive
First-generation 4-quadrant PWM servo controllers for speed and current control of brushed and brushless maxon motors.
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maxon lists this series as legacy. The manufacturer's recommended replacement: maxon-escon2. We can help with spares for installed machines, a migration to the replacement, or an alternative. Find a replacement.
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Need maxon parts, a replacement or another suitable option? Send your part number or describe the application. We’ll review the requirement and help with product selection, sourcing, pricing and lead times.
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Key specifications
| Supply | 10-70 Vdc |
|---|---|
| Fieldbus | USB (configuration), analog / digital I/O |
| Continuous current (max) | 10 A |
| Peak current (max) | 30 A |
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
ESCON 70/10 page marks product NRND (not recommended for new designs). Page names no successor; ESCON2 replacement inferred from the 2026/27 catalogue, which lists only ESCON2.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with maxon group (maxon motor ag). maxon and ESCON are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
maxon ESCON replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original maxon part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
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 | ESCON | ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 10 A | 60 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 30 A | 180 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 2,500 W |
| Axes | — | 1 |
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 | ESCON | ELD3 Series Miniature DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 10 A | 20 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 30 A | 50 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 750 W |
| Axes | — | 1 |
Kinco's fifth-generation low-voltage servo drive platform on 24-60 VDC, offered in pulse, CANopen and EtherCAT versions, with incremental, magnetic and absolute encoder support and a Type-C debug port.
| Published maximum | ESCON | FD1 (FDxS) Series Low-Voltage DC Servo… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 10 A | 20 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 30 A | — |
| Power | — | 1,500 W |
| 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.
Typical applications
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 ESCON
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right ESCON 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 ESCON: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace maxon ESCON or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including Motion Control Products options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the maxon ESCON?
First-generation 4-quadrant PWM servo controllers for speed and current control of brushed and brushless maxon motors. Published series figures include continuous current 10 A, peak current 30 A. It is made by maxon group (maxon motor ag); Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the maxon ESCON?
The maxon ESCON 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 continuous current of the maxon ESCON?
The published series maximum continuous current is 10 A. Individual models and sizes in the ESCON 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 the maxon ESCON still available?
maxon lists the ESCON as legacy. The manufacturer's recommended replacement is maxon-escon2. We can help with spares for installed machines, a migration, or an equivalent from our supply network that meets the same published figures.
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
Engineer support
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Tell us how you use the maxon ESCON: 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.
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- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
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