Linear motor drive
ACS Motion Control NPMpm NanoPWM linear motor drive
One- or two-axis NanoPWM EtherCAT drive for 12–100 V DC, up to 13.3/40 A per axis, aimed at nanometre-precision stages, with up to four encoder channels and certified STO.
Key specifications
| Voltage (max) | 100 V |
|---|---|
| Data / bus | EtherCAT |
| Supply | 12–100 V DC |
| Feedback | up to 4 channels: AqB, SinCos, absolute |
| Fieldbus | EtherCAT SubDevice |
| Axes | 1 or 2 |
| Continuous current (max) | 13.3 A |
| Peak current (max) | 40 A |
| Safe torque off | certified STO |
Summarised in our own words from PI Group (Physik Instrumente)'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Classed as linear-drive for its precision-stage (linear motor) focus. Current pair not labelled by ACS.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with PI Group (Physik Instrumente). ACS Motion Control and NPMpm NanoPWM 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 an ACS Motion Control 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.
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 | NPMpm NanoPWM | EL7S / EL7 Series AC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 13.3 A | 44 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 40 A | 88 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 22,000 W |
| Axes | — | 1 |
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 | NPMpm NanoPWM | ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 13.3 A | 60 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 40 A | 180 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 2,500 W |
| Axes | — | 1 |
A dual-axis version of the ELD2 for 24-70 VDC systems: 20 or 30 Arms per axis (750 W or 1.2 kW per axis), gantry synchronisation and STO, saving around 30% installed volume versus two single drives.
| Published maximum | NPMpm NanoPWM | 2ELD2 Two-Axis DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 13.3 A | 30 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 40 A | 90 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 1,200 W |
| Axes | — | 2 |
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 linear motor drive is
A linear motor drive is a servo drive configured to control linear motors, tubular motors, linear-rotary motors or direct-drive rotary motors. It provides the same current, velocity and position loops as a rotary servo drive, but supports linear encoder inputs, magnetic pole detection or Hall commutation, and units in millimetres or micrometres. Many drives for linear motors include high-speed current loops, high-frequency encoder inputs and motion functions designed for direct drives, such as cogging compensation.
When engineers choose a linear motor drive
Choose a linear motor drive when the axis uses a linear or direct-drive motor rather than a rotary motor with a mechanism. It supports the high bandwidth and fine feedback direct drives need. The trade-offs are compatibility and set-up: commutation, encoder type and motor parameters must match, and tuning direct drives requires care. Some general servo drives also support linear motors, which may simplify a machine with mixed axes.
How to specify the ACS Motion Control NPMpm NanoPWM
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right NPMpm NanoPWM variant or an equivalent:
- Motor type: flat, tubular, linear-rotary or rotary direct drive
- Continuous and peak current (A)
- Supply voltage (V AC or DC)
- Encoder type and input frequency
- Commutation method
- Interface and fieldbus
- Safety functions
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a drive that does not support the linear encoder interface
- Ignoring commutation start-up on power-on
- Leaving out thermal protection for the motor
- Underestimating tuning effort on low-mass axes
ACS Motion Control NPMpm NanoPWM: frequently asked questions
What is the ACS Motion Control NPMpm NanoPWM?
One- or two-axis NanoPWM EtherCAT drive for 12–100 V DC, up to 13.3/40 A per axis, aimed at nanometre-precision stages, with up to four encoder channels and certified STO. Published series figures include voltage 100 V, continuous current 13.3 A, peak current 40 A. It is made by PI Group (Physik Instrumente); Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the ACS Motion Control NPMpm NanoPWM?
The ACS Motion Control NPMpm NanoPWM is made by ACS Motion Control (PI Group (Physik Instrumente)) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with PI Group (Physik Instrumente); brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the voltage of the ACS Motion Control NPMpm NanoPWM?
The published series maximum voltage is 100 V. Individual models and sizes in the NPMpm NanoPWM 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 ACS Motion Control NPMpm NanoPWM?
Yes. On published figures, Leadshine EL7S / EL7 Series AC Servo Drives and Leadshine ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Can a standard servo drive run a linear motor?
Many modern servo drives can, provided they support the linear encoder type, commutation method and motor parameters. Dedicated linear motor drives may offer higher encoder input rates, faster current loops and specific functions. Check compatibility of motor, encoder and drive before selecting.
How does a linear motor drive find commutation at power-up?
The drive needs to know the motor's magnetic position. Options include Hall sensors, absolute encoders with stored offset, or a phase-finding routine that moves the motor slightly at power-up. Phase-finding can be unsuitable on vertical or constrained axes, so choose the method early.
Further reading: How to select a linear motor · How to select a servo drive · Servo drives
Other linear motor drive series
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of NPMpm NanoPWM
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 ACS Motion Control NPMpm NanoPWM: 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.