Description
The Kollmorgen (formerly Seidel) S406AM-CA is a legacy high-performance digital servo amplifier designed for controlling brushless DC and AC servo motors. Part of the 600 Series (specifically the S400/S600 family), this drive is known for its compact footprint and its ability to handle complex motion tasks with high dynamic response.
While Kollmorgen has transitioned to the AKD and S700 series, the S406AM-CA remains a critical component in many CNC machines, packaging lines, and robotics applications currently in operation.
Ordering Code Breakdown (S406AM-CA)
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S4: S400 Series platform.
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06: 6 Ampere continuous current rating.
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AM: Analog/Master configuration (Supports analog setpoints and basic motion).
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CA: CANopen communication interface (integrated on-board).
Availability and Procurement
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Condition: Refurbished (Standardized Industrial Bench Testing) or New Surplus.
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Warranty: 12-month technical replacement warranty.
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Lead Time: Typically ships within 2–5 business days.
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Pricing: Variable based on stock levels for legacy Seidel units; contact our technical sales desk for a formal quote.
Technical Specifications
The S406AM-CA is a robust drive that integrates power electronics and control logic into a single unit.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Continuous Current ($I_{rms}$) | 6 A |
| Peak Current ($I_{peak}$) | 12 A (for approx. 5 seconds) |
| Mains Supply Voltage | 230 V AC (Single-phase or Three-phase) |
| Intermediate Circuit Voltage | 310 V DC |
| Feedback Types | Resolver (Standard), ComCoder, or Incremental Encoder |
| Communication | CANopen (Standard) / RS232 (for commissioning) |
| Safety | Integrated “Safe Torque Off” (STO) in newer revisions |
| Operating Temp | 0 °C to +45 °C (up to +55 °C with derating) |
Core Functionality and Design Features
The S406AM-CA was a pioneer in compact digital drive design, focusing on versatility and high bandwidth control.
1. Integrated CANopen Interface
The -CA suffix signifies that this drive is equipped with a CANopen bus. This allows it to be integrated into distributed motion control systems, following the DS301 (Communication) and DSP402 (Device Profile for Drives) standards. It supports Profile Position, Profile Velocity, and Homing modes.
2. Advanced Control Loops
The drive features a nested control architecture:
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Current Loop: High-frequency (typically 62.5 $\mu s$) for rapid torque response.
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Velocity Loop: Digital PI controller with adjustable filters to suppress mechanical resonance.
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Position Loop: Proportional controller for accurate path following.
3. Resolver-Based Feedback
As a Seidel-legacy product, these drives are frequently paired with motors using Resolvers. Resolvers are extremely rugged and heat-resistant compared to optical encoders, making the S406AM-CA ideal for harsh industrial environments where vibration and temperature fluctuate.
Engineering Insights: Deployment and Maintenance
As an automation architect who has serviced many Seidel-era systems, I recommend focusing on these areas:
1. Commissioning with “DRIVE.EXE” or “GUI”
To configure the S406AM-CA, you need the legacy Kollmorgen/Seidel setup software (often referred to as DRIVE.EXE or the S400/S600 GUI).
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Constraint: You must use a serial RS232 cable (null-modem style) to connect your PC to the drive’s X6 port. If your PC lacks a serial port, use a high-quality USB-to-Serial adapter (e.g., FTDI chipset) to avoid communication timeouts.
2. Thermal Management
The S406 series uses a fanless heatsink for the 6A model.
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Best Practice: Ensure there is at least 40mm of clearance above and below the drive inside the cabinet to allow for natural convection. If you are mounting multiple units side-by-side (Zero-stacking), ensure the cabinet has an active cooling fan.
3. Resolving “F04” (Feedback Error)
The most common fault on the S406AM-CA is F04.
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Troubleshooting: This usually indicates a broken wire in the resolver cable or a failure of the resolver inside the motor. Check the X2 connector for loose pins. Because the drive uses a high-frequency carrier signal for the resolver, electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the motor power cable can also trigger this fault if the cables are not properly shielded.
4. Capacitor Aging
Since these drives are legacy units, the internal electrolytic capacitors (DC bus capacitors) may be approaching the end of their lifespan.
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Warning: If a drive has been sitting in storage for more than a year, do not apply full 230V power immediately. Use a variable transformer (Variac) to “reform” the capacitors by slowly increasing the voltage over several hours.
FAQ
Q: Can I replace a Seidel S406AM-CA with a newer Kollmorgen AKD?
A: Yes, but it is not a direct “drop-in” replacement. You will need to rewrite the communication logic (CANopen mapping), rewire the feedback and power connectors, and re-tune the motor parameters.
Q: What is the “AM” variant specifically used for?
A: The “AM” (Analog/Master) version is the most flexible. It can be used in “Analog Mode” (taking a +/- 10V signal from a CNC controller) or in “Digital Mode” via the CANopen bus.
Q: Does it support 480V mains?
A: No. The S400 series (including S406) is designed for 230V mains. Applying 480V will result in catastrophic failure of the input rectifier and DC bus capacitors. For 480V applications, use the S600 series.
