A stepper motor with an integrated controller combines the motor, power stage and positioning controller in one compact drive unit. A separate motor controller in the control cabinet is no longer required. Our Colibri drives also include an encoder for position detection or monitoring. Interfaces and functionality depend on the product series and version.

The integrated controller reduces wiring between the motor and power electronics and saves control cabinet space. Motion functions are executed directly in the drive. This facilitates decentralized machine designs and provides a compact combination of motor, electronics and communication.

The Colibri 4.0 series includes NEMA 17, NEMA 23, NEMA 24 and NEMA 34. An Inline version is also available for NEMA 17. Depending on the frame size, different motor lengths, torque ratings, housing versions and options are available. Selection depends on the mechanical and electrical requirements of the application.

Key factors include the required torque at the intended speed, load and inertia, acceleration, duty cycle and installation space. Holding torque alone is not sufficient for motor selection. The torque-speed curve and permissible axial and radial shaft loads must also be considered. MotorFinder supports drive sizing using motion and load data.

Colibri 4.0 is available with PROFINET, EtherCAT or EtherNet/IP, depending on the frame size and version. CANopen is also documented for selected versions. Depending on the model, older Colibri series and BAC versions offer digital I/O, pulse/direction, RS485, CANopen or PROFIBUS-DP. Not every interface is available for every frame size; the selected device version determines availability.

Yes. With the appropriate communication interface, Colibri drives can be integrated directly into a PLC system. For example, Colibri 4.0 receives positioning commands and motion parameters via Industrial Ethernet. The drive executes the movement and returns status and diagnostic information. BAC versions can alternatively be controlled via digital I/O or pulse/direction.

TIA libraries and function blocks are available for the PROFINET version. The PLC sends control commands and motion parameters to the drive. The PROFINET manual describes functions including absolute and relative positioning, homing, jogging and stop commands. Status information, errors, actual position and actual speed are returned to the PLC.

PC configuration is performed with Colibri Studio using the interface provided for the device version. The datasheets specify Ethernet TCP/IP with an ASCII protocol or USB, particularly for EtherCAT and selected CANopen versions. These interfaces allow parameter settings and support commissioning. Older documentation also refers to the configuration software as Colibri40 Config.

Yes. The Colibri 4.0 datasheets also describe direct PC control via the respective configuration interface for simple laboratory and test applications. Appropriately equipped devices can use Ethernet TCP/IP with an ASCII protocol for this purpose. Monitoring mechanisms such as a heartbeat help supervise communication. Available commands and connection options depend on the device version.

The Colibri 4.0 drives described here use a separate 24 VDC logic supply and a 24–48 VDC motor supply. Different values apply to older BAC versions: for example, Colibri 23 BAC is documented with a 24–36 VDC control supply and a 24–48 VDC motor supply, while Colibri Kompakt 34 BAC uses 24–36 VDC and 24–60 VDC respectively. The nameplate and datasheet of the specific drive are always decisive.

The integrated encoder detects motor movement and enables position determination or monitoring. With the appropriate monitoring enabled, deviations between commanded and actual movement can be detected. Available responses and feedback depend on the controller and parameter settings. An encoder alone does not mean that every version operates with servo-style closed-loop control.

Absolute encoders are offered as an option for various Colibri 4.0 versions, including multiturn encoders for several frame sizes. Availability depends on the frame size and device version. Whether homing is required and how the position is adopted after power-up depend on the encoder and configuration.

The BAC version is suitable for positioning tasks using digital I/O, pulse/direction or optional RS485 communication. Depending on the operating mode, stored motion profiles can be selected or program sequences executed. Colibri 4.0 with Industrial Ethernet connects to the machine controller via PROFINET, EtherCAT or EtherNet/IP and exchanges motion commands, status values and diagnostic data via the respective interface.

A gearbox is useful when a lower output speed or higher output torque is required. The transmission ratio also changes the load inertia reflected to the motor and the motion resolution at the output. Selection must take account of efficiency, backlash, permissible loads and the required positioning accuracy. Gearboxes are available as an option depending on the Colibri version.

The Colibri 4.0 datasheets specify mainly M8 connectors for NEMA 17 and mainly M12 connectors for NEMA 23, NEMA 24 and NEMA 34. Additional sensor or I/O connectors are provided depending on the version. The devices described are documented with IP40 as standard and IP54 as an option. Connector configuration, IP rating and required mating connectors must be checked against the respective datasheet.

Additional 24 V digital inputs and outputs are provided for Colibri 4.0 depending on the version, for example for sensors or valves. A brake is also optionally available for various NEMA 23, NEMA 24 and NEMA 34 versions. No brake is specified for the NEMA 17 versions documented here. Equipment must be selected to suit the frame size and application.

The Colibri 4.0 datasheets describe STO (Safe Torque Off) as an equipment-dependent option with two separate inputs. STO prevents the generation of motor torque. According to the supplied datasheet, the STO option for Colibri 4.0 NEMA 17 Inline is not planned to be available until 2027. Availability and safety-related specifications for the specific version must be checked against the associated STO documentation.

Typical applications include positioning axes, feeding mechanisms, dosing systems, packaging machines, handling systems and laboratory automation. Integrated stepper motors are particularly useful where compact drives and decentralized installation are required. Suitability depends on the required torque, speed, dynamics and environmental conditions.