PCB-mount drive
mjbots moteus-r4 (r4.11) PCB-mount drive
46 × 53 mm brushless FOC controller with an integrated absolute magnetic encoder for 10 to 44 V: 100 A peak phase current, 12 A continuous (32 A with cooling), 900 W peak and 5 Mbps CAN-FD.
Key specifications
| Voltage (max) | 44 V |
|---|---|
| Temperature | -40–85 °C |
| Data / bus | CAN-FD (5 Mbps) |
| Power (max) | 900 W |
| Supply | 10–44 V |
| Feedback | on-axis absolute magnetic encoder |
| Continuous current (max) | 32 A |
| Peak current (max) | 100 A |
| Weight | 14.2 g |
| Control rate | 15–30 kHz |
| Firmware | open source (Apache 2.0) |
Summarised in our own words from mjbots Robotic Systems's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Specify Motion is not affiliated with mjbots Robotic Systems. mjbots and moteus-r4 (r4.11) 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 mjbots 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.
ADVANCED Motion Controls' ultra-compact, high power-density digital servo drives for 10-90 VDC systems, up to 100 A continuous and 200 A peak. They come in PCB, machine-embedded, panel and development-board formats, carry STO as standard, and run EtherCAT, CANopen or Ethernet/IP. Extended-environment models are rated -40 to +95 C.
| Published maximum | moteus-r4 (r4.11) | FlexPro Digital Servo Drives (FE, FX, … |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 32 A | 100 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 100 A | 200 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | 900 W | — |
Novanta's ultra-compact, power-dense servo drive for 8-72 VDC: 45 A continuous, 60 A peak, up to 5 kW, with a 75 kHz current loop. It comes as an SPI core module, a PCB-mount EtherCAT/CANopen board or a connectorised XCR unit, for cobot joints, humanoids and unmanned vehicles.
| Published maximum | moteus-r4 (r4.11) | Everest Servo Drives (EVE-CORE, EVE-NE… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 32 A | 45 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 100 A | 60 A |
| Power | 900 W | 5,000 W meets or exceeds |
| 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 | moteus-r4 (r4.11) | ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 32 A | 60 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 100 A | 180 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | 900 W | 2,500 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 PCB-mount drive is
A PCB-mount servo drive is a compact servo drive module designed to be soldered or plugged into a host circuit board, rather than mounted in a cabinet. It contains the power stage and control loops for brushless, brushed or stepper-style motors, with interfaces such as CANopen, EtherCAT, SPI or analogue. Some versions are supplied with evaluation or carrier boards. Very high power density lets them fit inside robots, medical devices and instruments.
When engineers choose a PCB-mount drive
Choose a PCB-mount drive when the motor control must be embedded in the product, such as surgical robots, exoskeletons, AGVs, drones and laboratory instruments. It saves space and weight and integrates with the host board. The trade-offs are design responsibility and thermal management: the host board must provide heatsinking, connectors, EMC and protection. For machines with space for cabinets, packaged drives are simpler.
How to specify the mjbots moteus-r4 (r4.11)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right moteus-r4 (r4.11) variant or an equivalent:
- Supply voltage (V DC)
- Continuous and peak current (A)
- Motor and feedback type
- Interface: CANopen, EtherCAT, SPI or analogue
- Size and mounting (mm)
- Thermal path and heatsinking
- Safety functions and approvals
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring the thermal path on the host board
- Not designing EMC filtering and protection
- Assuming evaluation board performance in a sealed product
- Leaving out testing for safety and medical approvals
mjbots moteus-r4 (r4.11): frequently asked questions
What is the mjbots moteus-r4 (r4.11)?
46 × 53 mm brushless FOC controller with an integrated absolute magnetic encoder for 10 to 44 V: 100 A peak phase current, 12 A continuous (32 A with cooling), 900 W peak and 5 Mbps CAN-FD. Published series figures include voltage 44 V, temperature -40 °C, temperature 85 °C, power 900 W. It is made by mjbots Robotic Systems; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the mjbots moteus-r4 (r4.11)?
The mjbots moteus-r4 (r4.11) is made by mjbots (mjbots Robotic Systems) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with mjbots Robotic Systems; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the voltage of the mjbots moteus-r4 (r4.11)?
The published series maximum voltage is 44 V. Individual models and sizes in the moteus-r4 (r4.11) 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 mjbots moteus-r4 (r4.11)?
Yes. On published figures, ADVANCED Motion Controls FlexPro Digital Servo Drives (FE, FX, FM, FD, FMP; Micro and Mini sizes) and Novanta Everest Servo Drives (EVE-CORE, EVE-NET, EVE-XCR) - Summit Series are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is the benefit of a PCB-mount servo drive?
A PCB-mount drive puts motor control inside the product, saving space, weight and cabling. It integrates with the host electronics and can be very power-dense. The host board designer takes on thermal, EMC and protection design, so evaluation boards are often used first.
How is heat removed from a PCB-mount drive?
Heat is usually conducted through the drive's base or pins into the host board and a heatsink or chassis. Copper area, thermal interface materials and airflow all matter. Continuous current ratings often assume specific heatsinking, so check the conditions in the datasheet.
Further reading: How to select a pcb mount servo drive · How to select a servo drive · Servo drives
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