DE
IT
STEP MOTORS
WITH INTEGRATED CONTROL
Stepper Motors with Integrated Control –
All-in-one stepper motors
Our stepper motors with integrated control combine the motor, power electronics, and positioning control into a compact, all-in-one solution within a single housing. Compared to traditional systems with separate stepper motor controllers, these integrated stepper motors reduce wiring effort, save space in the control cabinet, and enable significantly faster commissioning.
Colibri decentralized stepper motors were specifically developed for industrial automation, mechanical engineering, and precise positioning tasks. Rugged M12 connectors, Industrial Ethernet interfaces, and easy configuration via USB or Ethernet using the Colibri-CFG software ensure rapid integration into modern machine and automation concepts.
Overview ofStepper Motors with Integrated Controllers
Our stepper motors with integrated controllers are available in various sizes and performance classes. All Colibri systems combine the motor and controller in a compact, industrial-grade unit.
The name Colibri symbolizes high dynamics, precision, and compact design—features that distinguish our intelligent compact stepper motor drives, which are specifically designed for modern positioning and automation tasks.
Our state-of-the-art Colibri 4.0 series of stepper motors with controllers
Configure and purchase directly in the store with Industrial Ethernet & fieldbus
Colibri 17 4.0 INLINE
NEMA17 stepper motor with controller
- Torque up to 0.6 Nm
- Flange size 42 × 42 mm
Our smallest NEMA 17 stepper motor with integrated controller— everything you need, all in one package.
Colibri 17 4.0
NEMA 17 stepper motor with controller
- Torque up to 0.6 Nm
- Flange size 42 × 42 mm
Compact NEMA 17 stepper motor with integrated controller for precise positioning tasks and space-saving machine designs.
Colibri 23 4.0
NEMA 23 stepper motor with controller
- Torque up to approx. 2 Nm
- Flange size 57 × 57 mm
High-performance NEMA 23 stepper motor with integrated controller for industrial automation and dynamic positioning systems.
Colibri 24 4.0
NEMA 24 stepper motor with controller
- Torque up to approx. 3 Nm
- Flange size 60 × 60 mm
Compact, all-in-one NEMA 24 stepper motor solution with high power density for mechanical engineering and demanding positioning applications.
Colibri 24 4.0
NEMA 24 stepper motor with controller
- Torque up to approx. 3 Nm
- Flange size 60 × 60 mm
Compact, all-in-one NEMA 24 stepper motor solution with high power density for mechanical engineering and demanding positioning applications.
Colibri 34 4.0
NEMA 34 stepper motor with controller
- Torque up to 12 Nm
- Flange size 86 × 86 mm
Rugged NEMA 34 stepper motor with integrated controller for high torque and demanding industrial applications.
Impressive features of the Colibri 4.0 series!
Integrated “
” controller
- Integrated positioning control
- Power electronics integrated into the motor
- Compact all-in-one solution
- Decentralized machine architecture
Industrial Ethernet & fieldbus
- Profinet
- EtherNet/IP
- EtherCAT
- CANopen
- TIA Portal Plug and Play
- Seamless CODESYS integration
Industrial-grade design
- M12 industrial connectors
- Optional IP54
- Motor supply: 24–48 VDC
- Separate 24 VDC logic supply
- Integrated reverse polarity protection
Optional expansions
- Brake
- Multiturn absolute encoder
- Planetary gearbox
- Digital 24V I/O
- Direct M8 connection for limit switches
- STO Safety Function SIL3
Our stepper motors with integrated control, developed and manufactured in Germany, are available in various sizes ranging from 0.5 Nm to 12 Nm. The compact and low-maintenance design is ideal for decentralized machine architectures, industrial direct drives, and precise positioning tasks in mechanical engineering and automation.
The motor is powered by 24 to 48 VDC, and the separate logic supply by 24 VDC, including reverse polarity protection. Thanks to robust industrial connectors, an optional IP54 protection rating, and the ability to operate without forced ventilation at ambient temperatures up to 50 °C, these stepper motors with integrated control are ideally suited for demanding industrial environments.
The integrated stepper motors are optionally available with an absolute encoder, brake, planetary gearbox, and additional digital inputs and outputs, and can be optimally adapted to individual machine and automation solutions.
Our previous version, the Colibri 3.0, with simple basic I/O control (BAC) or a Profibus interface
In addition to the current Colibri 4.0 series, we continue to offer our proven Colibri 3.0 stepper motors with integrated control for existing machine designs and traditional automation applications.
The integrated BAC basic I/O control system enables the independent execution of motion and positioning sequences—either with or without an external PLC. Using the Colibri CFG tool, motion sequences can be easily configured without traditional programming. This makes the BAC systems ideal for simple, flexible, and quickly integrable positioning tasks.
In addition, the Colibri 3.0 stepper motors are also available with a Profibus interface. This variant is particularly well-suited for existing machines and systems with proven Profibus infrastructure and enables easy integration into existing automation systems.
Colibri 17
NEMA17 stepper motor with controller
- Torque up to 0.6 Nm
- Flange size 42 × 42 mm
- BAC Storable motion data (PLC interface)
- Fieldbus: Profibus DP
Colibri 23
NEMA23 stepper motor with controller
- Torque up to approx. 2 Nm
- Flange size 57 × 57 mm
- BAC: Storable motion data (PLC interface)
- Fieldbus: Profibus DP
Colibri 34
NEMA34 stepper motor with controller
- Torque up to 12 Nm
- Flange size 86 × 86 mm
- BAC Storable motion data (PLC interface)
- Fieldbus: Profibus DP
Stepper Motor with Gearhead— Maximum Precision and Performance
All of our stepper motors are also available as stepper motors with gearheads. The right gearhead for stepper motors allows for optimal adaptation to your application, increases torque, and ensures precise positioning. You can find our planetary gearheads here.
Whether it’s a geared stepper motor, a direct-drive stepper motor, or a stepper motor with a controller—you’ll always receive a perfectly tailored, compact drive solution.
Consulting and Selection
Learn more about our versatile stepper motors with integrated controllers. We’re happy to assist you in selecting the right stepper motor with a gearbox and controller for your application.
Servo Motors with Integrated Controllers as Intelligent Complete Solutions
In addition to our stepper motors with controllers, we also offer compact servo motors with integrated controllers for highly dynamic and demanding positioning tasks.
The integrated servo drives combine the motor, controller, and power electronics into a single compact unit, enabling precise and energy-efficient motion sequences for modern machine and automation concepts.
Thanks to their compact design, the integrated servo motors reduce wiring effort, save space in the control cabinet, and simplify integration into industrial machines and decentralized axis systems.
Typical Applications for Stepper Motors with Integrated Control
Integrated stepper motors are used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Automation technology: In machines and production facilities where precise motion control is required.
- Medical devices: In systems that require precise positioning and control, such as in the dosing of medications.
- Integration into the higher-level control system can be easily achieved using available interfaces such as CANopen, Profi-Bus, Profinet, or EtherCAT.
- Overall, integrated stepper motors offer an effective solution for applications where space, efficiency, and ease of installation are important.
Which stepper motor with a controller is right for your application?
Whether it’s a single-step motor, an integrated drive solution, or a custom design—we’ll help you choose the right solution for your application.
Our entire team is working on innovative control systems for stepper motors to benefit you.
Put us to the test!
Send us your inquiry—we’d be happy to assist you with your project.
ADVANTAGES OF OUR STEP MOTORS WITH INTEGRATED CONTROL
Compact Design
All essential components of the stepper motor with controller are housed in a single enclosure. This makes the entire assembly more compact and requires less space.
Easy Installation
Because the components are integrated, there is no need to install and wire separate drivers and controllers, which simplifies and speeds up installation and setup.
Reduced Wiring Effort
Less wiring means greater reliability and fewer potential points of failure. It also reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can be caused by long cable runs.
Built-in Intelligence
Advanced features such as microstepping, torque control, speed control, and fault diagnosis are built in.
Cost savings
Integration also helps reduce overall costs, as fewer separate components need to be purchased and assembled.
Simplified Maintenance
With fewer separate components, maintenance is often easier because there are fewer potential sources of error and problems can be diagnosed more quickly.
Properly Sizing Stepper Motors with Controllers Using the MotorFinder
Gunda Automation’s MotorFinder helps you select stepper motors with integrated controllers, axis systems, and complete drive solutions. Using real motion data as well as defined masses and forces, suitable drives can be selected quickly, precisely, and transparently.
In just a few steps, the axis system, motion profile, and load data are entered. The tool then calculates suitable stepper motors with integrated controllers and clearly displays the results in a torque-speed curve.
In addition, the MotorFinder enables the analysis of accelerations, speeds, and motion profiles, as well as the selection of optimally matched drive solutions—optionally including gearboxes.
Thanks to integrated time-distance diagrams, project management, and PDF export, the MotorFinder is ideally suited for technical project planning in mechanical engineering and industrial automation.
Get started online now
Open the MotorFinder in the Toolbox and create a robust design in just a few minutes—including visualization, load capacity analysis, and export.
Go to MotorFinderColibri Studio 4.0
Configuration & Diagnostics for Colibri Drive Systems
Colibri-Studio is free software for the industrial configuration, parameterization, and diagnostics of Colibri drives. Devices can be quickly connected via Ethernet or USB, parameters can be adjusted as needed, and configurations can be saved.
Ideal for mechanical engineering, service, and development, enabling efficient commissioning, reproducible device states, and structured test runs in daily B2B operations. Software from Ravensburg, Upper Swabia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stepper Motors with Integrated Control
Stepper motors with integrated control combine the motor, power electronics, and positioning control into a single compact unit. This significantly reduces wiring effort, control cabinet size, and commissioning time. Integrated stepper motors are being used more and more frequently, particularly in mechanical engineering, industrial automation, positioning systems, and decentralized drive concepts.
In this FAQ, we answer the most important questions about stepper motors with integrated control, Industrial Ethernet, PLC connectivity, safety functions, gear options, and selecting the right drive solution.
What is a stepper motor with integrated control?
A stepper motor with integrated control combines the motor, power electronics, and positioning control in a single compact housing. Unlike traditional solutions, there is no need for an external stepper motor controller in the control cabinet. This significantly reduces wiring effort, space requirements, and installation costs. Stepper motors with integrated control are frequently used in positioning systems, packaging machines, handling systems, and modern automation solutions.
What are the advantages of stepper motors with integrated control?
The integration of the motor, controller, and power electronics creates a compact all-in-one solution. Installation effort is reduced, commissioning is accelerated, and space requirements in the control cabinet are minimized. At the same time, the number of potential sources of error is reduced due to fewer cables and connectors. Modern stepper motors with integrated control also support Industrial Ethernet protocols and can be easily integrated into existing automation systems.
What is the difference between a stepper motor and a servo motor?
Stepper motors are particularly well-suited for precise positioning tasks at moderate speeds and offer an attractive price-performance ratio. Servo motors are primarily used in highly dynamic applications requiring high acceleration, high speeds, and maximum control accuracy. For many positioning tasks in mechanical engineering, stepper motors with integrated controllers represent a cost-effective alternative to servo drives.
What interfaces do modern stepper motors with built-in controllers support?
Modern stepper motors with integrated controllers support industrial communication interfaces such as Profinet, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, CANopen, or Profibus. This allows the drives to be integrated directly into PLCs and automation systems. The choice of the appropriate interface depends on the control architecture used and the application requirements.
What is the difference between Profinet and EtherCAT?
Profinet is frequently used in Siemens-based automation solutions and enables seamless integration into the TIA Portal. EtherCAT is characterized by particularly short cycle times and very high performance in multi-axis systems. Both systems enable reliable communication between the PLC and the drive, but differ in terms of real-time capability, network architecture, and typical areas of application.
What advantages does EtherCAT offer for stepper motors?
EtherCAT is one of the most powerful Industrial Ethernet systems and is particularly well-suited for applications with short cycle times and synchronized multi-axis systems. Stepper motors with EtherCAT enable fast real-time communication between the controller and the drive and are frequently used in mechanical engineering, packaging systems, and complex automation systems.
Can stepper motors with integrated controllers be connected directly to a PLC?
Yes. Many integrated stepper motors have been specifically designed for direct PLC connection. Motion commands, diagnostic data, and status information can be exchanged directly between the controller and the drive via Industrial Ethernet or fieldbus interfaces. This makes it possible to implement modern machine designs particularly efficiently.
What supply voltage do stepper motors with integrated control require?
Typically, integrated stepper motors have separate power supplies for the motor and the logic. Often, 24 VDC is used for the control electronics and 24 to 48 VDC for the motor power supply. The separate power supplies enable flexible machine and safety designs and increase operational reliability.
When should a stepper motor with a gearbox be used?
A stepper motor with a gearbox is used when higher torques, lower output speeds, or particularly precise positioning are required. Using a planetary gearbox can significantly increase the available torque and improve resolution. Typical applications include rotary tables, dosing systems, positioning systems, and handling axes.
Which size is right for my application?
Selecting the appropriate size depends on the required torque, the masses being moved, the desired dynamics, and the installation conditions. NEMA17 motors are suitable for compact applications, while NEMA23 and NEMA24 drives cover many classic automation tasks. NEMA34 stepper motors are used when high forces and torques are required.
What safety features are available in integrated stepper motors?
Depending on the model, integrated stepper motors feature safety functions such as STO (Safe Torque Off). This function reliably prevents the generation of torque and enables the motor to be safely shut down. This allows modern safety concepts in mechanical engineering to be efficiently implemented.
What does STO (Safe Torque Off) mean?
STO stands for Safe Torque Off and refers to a safety function for safely shutting down the motor torque. When the STO function is activated, the motor can no longer generate torque. This prevents unintentional startup and increases the safety of machines and systems.
What protection ratings are available for stepper motors with integrated controls?
Depending on the model, stepper motors with integrated control are available in various protection ratings. Many industrial drives come standard with IP40 and are also available with higher protection ratings, such as IP54, as an option. This makes them suitable for demanding industrial environments with increased requirements for dust and contact protection.
What are the advantages of M12 connectors?
M12 connectors have established themselves as an industry standard. They enable quick installation, secure signal transmission, and high reliability even under demanding environmental conditions. At the same time, they significantly simplify maintenance and service.
For which applications are stepper motors with integrated control suitable?
Typical applications include positioning systems, packaging machines, laboratory automation, medical technology, dosing systems, handling systems, conveyor systems, CNC applications, and general automation tasks in mechanical engineering. Wherever precise movements, a compact design, and easy integration are required, integrated stepper motors offer significant advantages.
Why are stepper motors with integrated control being used more and more frequently in mechanical engineering?
The trend toward decentralized machine designs and Industry 4.0 applications means that more and more functions are being integrated directly into the drive. Stepper motors with integrated control significantly reduce the effort required for planning, wiring, and commissioning. At the same time, modern interfaces such as Profinet, EtherCAT, or CANopen enable direct communication with the machine controller and lay the foundation for flexible automation solutions.
How do I find the right stepper motor for my application?
When selecting a suitable stepper motor, torque, speed, acceleration, load mass, and installation space should be taken into account. A professional drive design helps to realistically evaluate reserves and loads. With the Gunda MotorFinder, you can quickly and transparently size suitable stepper motors, gearheads, and drive systems.