SMC-501 Kollmorgen
Wake Industrial LLC is not an authorized distributor of this product.
The Kollmorgen SMC-501 is a programmable motion controller from the SMC Motion Stepper Drives series measuring 6 inches wide, 4.13 inches high, and 1.125 inches deep. It features a bipolar chopper drive type, supports microstepping mode, and delivers an output current of 4 Amps. The device is equipped with 3 dedicated motion inputs, 4 general purpose inputs, 4 general purpose outputs, and an RS-232C serial interface.
Internal Product Review
The SMC-501 is a Kollmorgen programmable motion controller and bipolar chopper stepper drive built for accurate positioning. Microstepping operation and 4 A output current provide notably smooth resolution and solid current delivery under dynamic loads. RS-232C connectivity and open-collector output topology simplify integration, making the SMC-501 an efficient choice for compact motion platforms.
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Product Description:
The SMC-501 is a combined programmable motion controller and stepper drive manufactured by Kollmorgen for the SMC Motion Stepper Drives series. Designed for panel-mounted automation equipment, the device controls two-phase stepper motors by generating synchronized phase currents in response to digital commands. Its role in industrial automation is to execute indexed moves, velocity profiles, and positioning loops without requiring an external amplifier. The controller also reports move completion to the host system, allowing the surrounding equipment to coordinate subsequent operations.
Power conversion is handled by a bipolar chopper stage capable of delivering up to 4 A of phase current, allowing the motor to maintain holding torque while reducing losses at low speeds. The front end accepts commands through TTL ground-seeking inputs. The controller provides three discrete motion inputs for step, direction, and home signals, keeping them separate from the four general-purpose inputs that monitor auxiliary sensors. Configuration, diagnostic echo, and program downloads occur through the RS-232C serial interface, providing point-to-point communication without external gateways. The sequential control of both motor phases supports stable operation while the connected motor is under load.
The compact housing measures 6.00 inches in width, 4.13 inches in height, and 1.125 inches in depth, allowing it to fit within densely populated control enclosures. Four #6-32 tapped mounting inserts simplify attachment to backplates without requiring additional brackets. For host feedback, the controller provides one busy output that indicates when a commanded operation is in progress. Four open-collector general-purpose outputs can switch external indicators or pneumatic valves, while the remaining user inputs can monitor limit switches or operator push buttons. The motion engine operates in microstepping mode, interpolating current waveforms to improve positional resolution and reduce abrupt shaft movement. After a commanded move is completed, the drive returns to its idle state without introducing unnecessary overshoot.
