Topic hub

Drives and Motion

VFD setup and parameters, servo drive tuning, PLCopen motion function blocks, drive fault codes, and the difference between speed control and true coordinated motion.

A VFD will run a motor with default parameters. Making it run the way the machine needs, and stop the way the process needs, is parameter work: acceleration and deceleration ramps, current limits, and the decision between coasting and braking. Servo and coordinated motion add position and the tuning that goes with it.

5 articles in this hub

Flat vector diagram of a VFD connected to a motor and PLC with labeled parameter setting groups including frequency limits, accel and decel, and control mode
vfd parametersvariable frequency drivedrives

VFD Parameters Explained: 12 Settings You Must Get Right

Learn which VFD parameters matter most, what values to set, and the common mistakes that cause nuisance trips, motor damage, and failed startups.

Jul 23, 2026 路 9 min read

Servo drive PID tuning loop diagram showing proportional integral and derivative gain blocks
servomotion controlpid tuning

Servo Drive Tuning: PID Gains Explained

Servo drive tuning mystifies a lot of engineers. Here is what P, I and D gains actually control in a servo loop, with real numbers and a practical tuning sequence.

Jul 11, 2026 路 8 min read

PLCopen motion control function blocks MC_Power MC_Home MC_MoveAbsolute chained to a servo drive, flat vector diagram
motion controlplcopenservo

PLCopen Motion Blocks: MC_MoveAbsolute and Friends

PLCopen motion function blocks like MC_Power, MC_MoveAbsolute and MC_Home are the lingua franca of PLC-based servo control. Here is exactly how they work.

Jul 11, 2026 路 8 min read

VFD drive fault codes troubleshooting diagram showing drive, motor and PLC connections
vfddrive faultstroubleshooting

VFD Fault Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

Drive fault codes stop production fast. This guide decodes the most common VFD faults, explains the real causes, and gives you a clear fix for each one.

Jun 29, 2026 路 9 min read

Stepper vs servo motor comparison diagram showing step-pulse and closed-loop encoder feedback
stepper motorservo motormotion control

Stepper vs Servo Motor: How to Choose the Right One

Stepper vs servo motor is one of the most argued topics in motion control. Here is a concrete, no-fluff breakdown of torque curves, cost, accuracy and when each one wins.

Jun 29, 2026 路 7 min read