High-performance AC and servo drives for demanding industrial automation, motion control and machine applications in New Zealand.
The Control Techniques Unidrive M700 series is a high-performance drive platform designed for demanding industrial automation applications. It combines precision motor control, advanced motion functions, onboard programmable control and flexible communications for machines requiring fast response, accurate speed or position control and close integration with automation systems.
The M700 family can control induction, permanent-magnet and servo motor applications and is available in a wide range of voltage and power ratings. It is particularly suited to machinery where drive performance, encoder feedback, network synchronisation, motion capability and system integration are more important than simple variable-speed control alone.
Three variants are available: M700 with onboard real-time Ethernet, M701 with dual RS485 communications for applications including Unidrive SP upgrades, and M702 with onboard Ethernet plus dual Safe Torque Off inputs.
The Unidrive M700 is a high-performance variable speed AC and servo drive from Control Techniques. Unlike a basic general-purpose VFD, the M700 is intended for industrial automation applications that may require precise torque, speed or position control, encoder feedback, motion functions, high-speed I/O and communication with PLC or machine-control networks.
All three models share the same high-performance motor-control platform, but their onboard communications and safety arrangements differ. The M700 and M702 include two switched Ethernet ports. The M701 replaces onboard Ethernet with two RS485 ports supporting Modbus RTU, making it particularly useful where serial communications or an upgrade path from Unidrive SP is required. The M702 adds a second Safe Torque Off input for applications requiring dual STO.
Unidrive M700 is designed for applications where accurate dynamic motor control matters. The platform supports open-loop and closed-loop operation and can be applied to induction, permanent-magnet and servo motors. Advanced motion-control functions and feedback options allow the drive to be integrated into positioning, synchronising and other coordinated machine-control applications.
M700 and M702 provide onboard Ethernet through two switched RJ45 ports. Supported industrial protocols include EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, PROFINET RT and Control Techniques Real Time Motion over Ethernet (RTMoE). This provides a practical route for integrating the drive into PLC, HMI and machine-control networks without requiring a separate basic Ethernet option module.
Where RS485 communications are preferred, the M701 provides two onboard RS485 ports and supports Modbus RTU.
The Unidrive M700 series includes onboard programmable control and an Advanced Motion Controller. These functions can reduce the amount of external control hardware required for suitable applications and allow drive, motion and machine functions to be coordinated more closely.
The M700 series was designed with Unidrive SP migration in mind. The M701 is particularly relevant where an existing SP installation uses RS485 communications, while the wider M700 family provides a modern high-performance platform for replacement or machine-upgrade projects. A replacement should still be checked for motor feedback, option modules, communications, safety functions, I/O, application programming and mechanical fit before a model is selected.
The Unidrive M700 family can be applied to induction, permanent-magnet and servo motor applications. The correct drive rating, control mode and feedback arrangement must be selected for the motor and machine.
Yes. M700 and M702 have two onboard switched Ethernet ports and support EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, PROFINET RT and RTMoE. M701 uses RS485 with Modbus RTU instead of onboard Ethernet.
The M702 combines the M700-series high-performance drive platform and onboard Ethernet with two Safe Torque Off inputs, making it suitable for applications that require dual STO as part of the machine safety design.
The M701 was designed in part to provide an upgrade path for Unidrive SP installations and includes dual RS485 ports rather than onboard Ethernet. A replacement still needs to be engineered around the existing motor, encoder, communications, options, application program and safety requirements.
Selection should be based primarily on supply voltage, motor current, overload requirement, control mode, motor type, feedback device, braking duty, environmental conditions and the machine duty cycle. Advanced Motor Control can assist with selecting the appropriate M700, M701 or M702 for a New Zealand application.
It can perform variable-speed control, but the M700 is primarily a high-performance industrial automation drive. For a simple pump, fan or conveyor where advanced feedback, motion control or high-performance networking is unnecessary, a simpler drive may be more economical.
Advanced Motor Control supplies and supports Control Techniques AC drives in New Zealand. For assistance with Unidrive M700, M701 or M702 selection, Unidrive SP replacement, application engineering or commissioning, contact AMC on 0508 000052 or use our contact page.