Micro DD Motor and Servo Driver FAQ
About μDD Motors
No. The step is created by the internal machining process and is not a defect.
Please make sure the shaft or component passing through the motor is smaller than the hollow-shaft diameter shown in the product drawing.
Both types are available.
The letter “E” at the end of the model number indicates an incremental encoder. The letter “B” indicates an absolute encoder.
Face runout and radial runout are approximately 20 to 30 μm.
Please contact MTL regarding high-precision machining options.
Yes. Please provide the required pin position, diameter, length, and other dimensional requirements.
The available speed depends on the motor series and encoder configuration.
For example, the MD-20 Series can operate at approximately 4,000 rpm under applicable conditions. Please contact MTL with the motor model and required operating conditions.
Geared μDD Motor samples are available for evaluation and purchase.
Please contact MTL regarding available models, specifications, and loan-unit availability.
The instantaneous maximum torque and continuous torque will be significantly reduced.
Use of the specified 48 V power supply is recommended to obtain the rated motor performance.
The instantaneous maximum current is approximately 7 A and the rated current is approximately 3.2 Arms.
A power-supply capacity of at least 168 W should be considered. Additional capacity may be required depending on acceleration, load, and duty cycle.
Typical measures include correct FG wiring, separation of signal and power cables, appropriate shield termination, and avoidance of ground loops.
Refer to the applicable product drawing, specification, and support documentation for model-specific wiring requirements.
About Servo Drivers
Select the power supply based on the motor rated current and power-supply voltage.
Additional capacity should be provided according to the load, acceleration, deceleration, operating cycle, and required peak current.
Available command methods include pulse commands through the I/O interface, analog current commands, USB communication, and SPI communication.
Select the controller based on the required control mode, communication interface, positioning method, and command cycle.
The function of each pin is shown in the product drawing and specification.
Please contact MTL if you require the applicable specification document.
Yes. The A-phase, B-phase, and Z-phase signals can be obtained through USB communication or the CN4 output.
Position information is output from CN4 pins 27 and 28 as an RS-422 differential signal.
ASCII or binary output formats can be used depending on the configuration.
Current consumption is approximately 150 to 250 mA while the servo is OFF.
When the servo is ON, the motor drive current must be added to this value.
Approximately 50 to 100 mA.
Assign the emergency-stop or deceleration-stop function to a DIN input and send the command from the upper-level controller.
Yes. The driver can output the encoder position even when the motor is rotated manually while the servo is OFF.
Prevent excessive temperature rise and install a cooling fan when necessary.
Installation with CN1 facing downward is recommended.
Motor torque can be estimated by multiplying the effective current by the motor torque constant.
The effective current can be obtained through USB communication or the CN4 interface.
The Z-phase signal can be used for homing.
Assign the HOME function to a DIN input and perform the homing operation using the applicable pulse command.
The specifications are described on page 16 of the applicable specification document.
Each applicable pin uses a 5 V CMOS interface.
It is a sink input when viewed from the external equipment side.
Use an input voltage within the VCC 5 to 24 V range.
Driver Specifications and Alarms
Yes. Position and speed can be controlled using commands sent through USB communication.
Yes. The current value can be obtained using the $Ecur or $G command.
Set parameter No. 100 to “30” and parameter No. 101 to “1.”
Save the settings and restart the driver to apply the changes.
Use parameter No. 300 to select PLS/DIR, CW/CCW, or two-phase 90-degree phase-difference input.
The maximum frequency is 2.5 MHz for single-phase pulse input.
Refer to the firmware update manual: Firmware Update Manual
The encoder cable may be disconnected or incorrectly wired.
Inspect the encoder wiring and connector connections.
The configured encoder resolution may not match the connected motor.
Check the motor model setting in MTLParam.
The load or operating conditions may be excessive.
Review the load, acceleration, deceleration, motor installation, and mechanical alignment.
Check the value of parameter No. 406 and the position-control gain settings.
The power-supply capacity may be insufficient, or the input voltage may be dropping.
Check the power-supply capacity, wiring, and voltage at the driver input terminals.
The driver output current has exceeded the configured limit.
Review the operating cycle, load, acceleration, deceleration, and cooling environment.
The counter value has exceeded the 32-bit range.
Reset the counter to clear the alarm.
MTLParam Software
Confirm that the operating system is supported.
Also check the COM port number, baud rate, USB connection, and USB cable length.
Install the FTDI VCP driver.
Contact MTL if you cannot access or install the required driver.
“K” means 1,000.
For example, 108KE indicates an encoder resolution of 108,000 pulses.
Enter the encoder resolution before x4 multiplication.
For example, enter 108,000 for a 108,000-pulse encoder.
A sampling time of approximately 50 to 100 ms is recommended.
Close unnecessary display items while recording the waveform.
Use the CN4 analog monitor to observe the effective current while adjusting the proportional and integral gains.
Confirm that the command source is set to internal command and that the control mode is set to position control.
Also confirm that the MODEL setting matches the connected motor.
Purchasing
Orders are accepted from one unit.
Made-to-order products normally require approximately two months after order confirmation. Some models may be available from stock.
Please contact MTL with the required model number and quantity.
The main purchasing methods are shown below.
1. Request a quotation from MTL
Send the required model number, quantity, application, and project information through the inquiry form. An MTL sales representative will review the request and provide a quotation.
2. Purchase through an authorized sales partner
The applicable partner depends on the region and product. MTL will provide the appropriate contact information and support route.
Support and Demonstrations
Loan units are available for selected models.
Some models may need to be prepared or manufactured before the loan. The standard loan period is up to three weeks.
Specifications and instruction manuals are available for each applicable model.
Please submit the required model number through the inquiry form.
Yes. MTL can issue the applicable export-classification document.
Preparation normally requires approximately one week, so submit the request before the planned export date.
A Declaration of Conformity can be issued for applicable products and configurations.
Please provide the required motor and driver model numbers when requesting compliance documentation.
Demonstrations can be arranged at the MTL showroom.
A portable demonstration unit may also be available for an on-site presentation. Please contact MTL regarding the location, application, and required demonstration.
MTL does not normally provide overseas on-site service.
If product inspection is required, send the product to MTL for investigation and analysis.
Please inform MTL in advance when the product will be exported or installed overseas.
Connection with Third-Party Servo Amplifiers
Mitsubishi Electric J4 Series
Yes. Refer to the applicable collaboration catalog for compatible motor and amplifier combinations.
Compatible combinations are available. However, the MD-20 Series is not supported.
No. An amplifier configured specifically for the applicable μDD Motor combination is required.
No. The applicable collaboration currently uses an SSCNET III-compatible amplifier.
Yes. A dedicated conversion connector cable is available.
Yes. Please contact MTL or the applicable amplifier sales representative.
MTL can provide the applicable motor-setting file.
Please provide the motor model and amplifier model when submitting the request.
Purchase the motor from MTL or the applicable MTL sales channel, and purchase the amplifier through the applicable amplifier distributor.
Perform an initial diagnosis to determine whether the problem is related to the motor or amplifier.
Contact MTL for motor-related issues and the amplifier manufacturer or distributor for amplifier-related issues.
It may be possible, but the available output characteristics will change.
Contact MTL with the motor model, amplifier model, load, and operating conditions before selection.
A general reference value is approximately 50 times the motor inertia.
Higher ratios may be possible depending on the mechanical structure, motion profile, required response, and servo tuning.
Panasonic MINAS Series
Yes. Refer to the applicable collaboration catalog for compatible motor and amplifier combinations.
Compatible combinations are available. However, the MD-13 and MD-20 Series are not supported.
Compatibility depends on the amplifier model.
Please provide the existing amplifier model and the required μDD Motor model.
Yes. A dedicated conversion connector cable is available.
Yes. An MFC-10P conversion board box is required.
Connection is possible using an applicable A6BL configuration.
Contact MTL or the applicable amplifier distributor according to the required product and sales channel.
Perform an initial diagnosis to determine whether the issue originates from the motor or amplifier.
Contact MTL for motor-related issues and the amplifier manufacturer or distributor for amplifier-related issues.
Customization
Please provide the required specifications. MTL will review feasibility, development cost, lead time, and specification-control requirements.
Typical customization examples
• Encoder resolution change
• Internal thread machining in the hollow shaft
• Low-particle-generation specification
• Larger hollow-shaft diameter
• Cable-length change
• Connector change
• Flangeless motor housing
• Output-shaft modification
• Pinion gear integration
• Positioning-pin addition
• Knurled shaft machining
• Aluminum anodizing
A brake-equipped model is not currently available as a standard catalog product.
Please contact MTL regarding the application requirements and possible alternative solutions.
Master-Slave Systems
A master-slave system allows the motion of one axis to be reproduced by another axis and is suitable for remote-control and synchronized-motion applications.