Modern industrial automation demands motion systems that are not only high-performance, but also tightly integrated, scalable, and safe. Kinetix® Integrated Motion, part of the Rockwell Automation® Integrated Architecture®, delivers a unified approach to motion control that simplifies machine design, commissioning, operation, and long-term maintenance.
By integrating motion directly into RSLogix 5000 software and the Studio 5000 Logix Designer application, Kinetix Integrated Motion enables engineers to configure, program, and maintain motion systems within a single development environment.
Integrated Motion over EtherNet/IP™
Kinetix Integrated Motion operates over a standard EtherNet/IP™ network using CIP Motion™, CIP Sync™, and CIP Safety™ technologies from ODVA. Built on the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP™), this architecture ensures global interoperability, consistent performance, and seamless device integration.
Time synchronization across drives, I/O, and other EtherNet/IP-compliant devices allows precise coordination of motion, enabling engineers to solve complex applications while improving plant-wide visibility, real-time control, and operational efficiency.
Kinetix 5500 Servo Drives Overview
The Kinetix 5500 servo drives are designed to deliver a flexible and scalable motion solution within the Kinetix Integrated Motion platform. These drives support both 200V and 400V-class systems, operating in single-phase or three-phase configurations.
They can be deployed in standalone applications or expanded into multi-axis systems using shared-bus power architectures. The zero-stacked, drive-to-drive design minimizes panel space while simplifying power distribution across axes.
Supported Power Configurations
Kinetix 5500 drives support multiple system topologies to accommodate different machine and plant requirements:
Standalone Configurations
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Single-phase or three-phase operation
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Ideal for independent axis control
Shared AC Configurations
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Three-phase AC and 24V control power shared across multiple drives
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All drives must have the same power rating
Shared AC/DC Configurations
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AC input power, 24V control power, and DC bus shared
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Suitable for compact multi-axis systems
Shared DC Common-Bus Configurations
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A leader drive supplies DC power to follower drives
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Leader drive power rating must be equal to or greater than follower drives
Shared AC/DC Hybrid Configurations
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Parallel converter drives increase DC-bus capacity
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Converter drive ratings must match and exceed inverter drive ratings
These options provide engineers with significant flexibility when designing scalable multi-axis motion systems.
Safe Torque Off (STO) Options
Kinetix 5500 servo drives are available with Safe Torque Off (STO) to help meet functional safety requirements:
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Hardwired STO using dedicated safety connectors
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Network-integrated STO over EtherNet/IP™ (available on 2198-Hxxx-ERS2 models)
This flexibility allows safety integration to align with machine architecture and safety standards.
Motor and Actuator Compatibility
The Kinetix 5500 platform supports a wide range of motors and actuators, making it suitable for diverse motion applications.
Rotary Servo Motors
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Kinetix VP series: VPL, VPF, VPH, VPS (200V and 400V)
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Kinetix MP series: MPL, MPM, MPF, MPS
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Requires Hiperface-to-DSL feedback converter kit
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Linear Motion Solutions
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Kinetix VPAR linear actuators
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Kinetix MPAS ballscrew actuators
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MPAR and MPAI linear actuators
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Kinetix LDAT linear motors (with feedback converter)
Induction Motors
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Supported in open-loop frequency control applications
Studio 5000® Logix Designer® Environment
All Kinetix 5500 motion configuration, programming, commissioning, and maintenance are performed in Studio 5000 Logix Designer®.
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Version 21.00 or later supports CompactLogix® and ControlLogix® controllers
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Version 24.00 or later is required for 2198-Hxxx-ERS2 servo drives
This unified engineering environment reduces development time and simplifies long-term system support.
24V Control Power Considerations
Kinetix 5500 drives require 24V DC control power for internal circuitry. Due to shared-bus architectures and varying current demands, careful evaluation of control power is essential.
Key considerations include:
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Ensuring the 24V DC power supply can support the total system current
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Using separate 24V power supplies for high-demand bus groups when necessary
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Maintaining input voltage within 24V ±10% (21.6–26.4V DC)
To minimize voltage drop:
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Mount the 24V power supply close to the drive system
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Use larger wire gauges where required (up to 10 mm² / 6 AWG with shared-bus connections)
Communication and Network Topologies
Kinetix 5500 servo drives support linear, ring, and star Ethernet topologies. They integrate seamlessly with CompactLogix®, ControlLogix®, and GuardLogix® controllers, enabling reliable real-time motion control over EtherNet/IP™.
Conclusion
The combination of Kinetix® Integrated Motion and Kinetix 5500 servo drives provides a powerful, flexible, and scalable motion control platform. By unifying motion, safety, and networking within Studio 5000® and EtherNet/IP™, this solution supports high-performance machine design while simplifying commissioning, maintenance, and future expansion.
For engineers building modern automation systems, the Kinetix 5500 remains a proven and adaptable choice within Rockwell Automation’s Integrated Architecture®.
Reference: Rockwell Automation Publication 2198-UM001N-EN-P – September 2024
