Description
Product Overview
Kollmorgen MC-4/11/03/400 is a digital servo amplifier designed for precise control of industrial servo motors in demanding automation environments. The unit belongs to the Kollmorgen MC servo drive family and provides the power electronics and control functions required to operate brushless servo motors in closed-loop motion systems.
The Kollmorgen MC-4/11/03/400 receives motion commands from a higher-level controller and regulates motor current according to position, velocity, and torque requirements. Through feedback from the motor resolver or encoder system, the drive continuously adjusts output performance to maintain commanded motion accuracy.
A typical servo axis configuration using the MC-4/11/03/400 consists of:
PLC / Motion Controller → MC-4/11/03/400 Servo Drive → Servo Motor → Feedback Device
The drive is intended for applications where coordinated motion, repeatability, and dynamic response are required. Common installations include CNC machine tools, robotic handling equipment, assembly machinery, and automated production systems.
The MC-4/11/03/400 belongs to an established generation of Kollmorgen servo amplifiers that remain in service in many industrial machines. For replacement projects, matching only the output rating is not sufficient. Engineers should verify motor compatibility, feedback type, parameter configuration, firmware revision, and communication options before installation.
Servo drive failures can also be caused by external conditions such as motor insulation faults, encoder cable damage, excessive mechanical load, or incorrect tuning parameters. A replacement drive should be commissioned as part of the complete motion system rather than treated as a simple plug-in component.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kollmorgen / Danaher Motion |
| Model | MC-4/11/03/400 |
| Product Type | Digital Servo Amplifier |
| Series | MC Series |
| Input Voltage | 400 VAC, 3-phase class |
| Rated Current | Approx. 3 A |
| Power Rating | Approx. 1.1 kW class |
| Control Modes | Position, Velocity, Torque |
| Motor Type | Brushless AC Servo Motor |
| Feedback Interface | Resolver / Encoder (option dependent) |
| Control Loop | Digital current, velocity, position loops |
| Installation | Electrical cabinet mounting |
| Cooling Method | Forced air / cabinet airflow |
| Protection Functions | Overcurrent, overvoltage, overheating, feedback monitoring |
| Application | Industrial automation and motion control |
Main Features and Advantages
Digital Closed-Loop Motion Control
The primary function of the Kollmorgen MC-4/11/03/400 is accurate regulation of servo motor operation through closed-loop feedback.
The drive manages:
- Motor torque generation
- Speed regulation
- Position correction
- Dynamic response
This allows machinery to perform controlled movements with repeatable positioning.

MC-4/11/03/400
400VAC Industrial Power Class
The MC-4/11/03/400 is designed for industrial electrical systems using a 400VAC supply class.
Typical installations include:
- European industrial machinery
- Automated production lines
- Machine tools
- Multi-axis systems
Proper verification of incoming power and protective devices is required before commissioning.
Servo Motor Compatibility
The drive is designed for use with Kollmorgen servo motor systems.
Before replacement, confirm:
- Motor winding parameters
- Rated current
- Feedback device
- Encoder/resolver wiring
- Motor identification data
A drive with similar current capability may still require different motor configuration parameters.
Industrial Machine Integration
The compact servo architecture allows integration into multi-axis automation equipment.
Common applications:
- CNC positioning axes
- Robotic mechanisms
- Pick-and-place systems
- Packaging machines
- Automated assembly equipment
Legacy Equipment Support
Many MC-series drives remain installed in long-service industrial equipment.
Maintaining a tested spare MC-4/11/03/400 can reduce downtime during unexpected servo failures.
Typical failure symptoms include:
- Servo not enabled
- Overcurrent alarms
- Feedback errors
- Position deviation faults
- Drive communication failures
Application Scenarios
CNC Machinery
Used for:
- Feed axes
- Rotary tables
- Tool positioning systems
Robotics
Applications include:
- Servo joints
- Transfer mechanisms
- Automated handling
Packaging Equipment
Used for:
- Indexing
- Synchronization
- Motion sequencing
Industrial Automation Lines
Suitable for:
- Assembly systems
- Inspection machines
- Material handling equipment
Related Components
| Model | Function |
|---|---|
| Kollmorgen AKM Series | Servo motors commonly paired with Kollmorgen drives |
| MC-4/11/03/400-00 | Related MC servo drive variants |
| Kollmorgen S200 Series | Digital servo drive family |
| Resolver Feedback Devices | Motor position feedback components |
| Servo Motor Power Cables | Motor connection accessories |
Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls
⚠️ Verify Complete Model Configuration
The MC series contains multiple variations.
Check:
- Voltage class
- Current rating
- Firmware
- Communication option
- Feedback interface
A similar-looking drive may not be electrically compatible.
⚠️ Check Motor and Feedback Matching
Servo faults often originate from:
- Incorrect encoder wiring
- Resolver faults
- Motor parameter mismatch
- Damaged feedback cables
Always verify the complete motor-drive combination.
⚠️ Preserve Existing Parameters
Before replacing the drive, save:
- Current loop settings
- Velocity gains
- Position parameters
- Motor data
- Machine-specific tuning values
Incorrect tuning can cause vibration, overshoot, or following errors.
⚠️ Inspect Mechanical Causes
Repeated servo alarms may result from:
- Mechanical binding
- Excessive inertia
- Coupling problems
- Gearbox wear
- Brake release issues
Replacing the amplifier alone may not correct the original problem.
⚠️ Refurbished Drive Testing Requirements
A proper evaluation should include:
- Visual inspection
- Power supply test
- DC bus verification
- Motor simulation test
- Feedback input test
- Communication verification
- Load operation test
A drive that powers on is not necessarily ready for production use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kollmorgen MC-4/11/03/400?
It is a digital servo amplifier from the Kollmorgen MC series used for industrial servo motor control.
Is MC-4/11/03/400 a servo motor?
No. It is the servo drive/amplifier that controls a compatible servo motor.
What voltage does it use?
The model designation indicates a 400VAC industrial supply class.
What applications use this drive?
Typical applications include CNC machines, robotics, packaging equipment, and automated production systems.
What should be checked before replacement?
Verify:
- Exact model number
- Supply voltage
- Motor compatibility
- Feedback type
- Controller interface
- Parameter backup
- Commissioning requirements
