Integrated drives reimagined

Automation is becoming smarter, more compact, and more connected. JVL is considered a pioneer in integrated drive technology. With its intelligent servo and stepper motors, it combines control, power electronics, and communication in a single housing—thus driving forward decentralized industrial automation.

With increasing digitalization and the pursuit of greater efficiency in automation technology, integrated drive solutions are becoming increasingly important. The Danish company JVL – intelligent motion is one of the pioneers in this field. With its fully integrated servo motors (MAC series) and closed-loop stepper motors (ServoStep MIS series), JVL has been pursuing a clear goal for years: compact, cabinet-free, and communication-capable drives that combine control, power electronics, encoders, and fieldbus connectivity in a single housing.

Switch cabinet-free and modular

The main advantage lies in consistent decentralization: the motor takes on tasks that are distributed across several components in conventional solutions. The power output stage, control, positioning control (ePLC), communication interface, and safety functionality are integrated directly into the motor housing.

This eliminates the need for separate control housings, external drive controllers, and complex wiring. Modular bus and I/O extensions allow JVL drives to be adapted precisely to the respective application – regardless of whether Profinet, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, Powerlink, or Sercos is used. The switch between protocols can be made on the software side without replacing hardware. CANopen and IO-Link are also available.

Distributed intelligence

A unique feature of JVL drives is their fully integrated PLC functionality (ePLC). Motion sequences can be programmed and executed directly in the motor – deterministically and with response times of less than 1 ms. This allows autonomous sequences, format changes, sensor responses, or safety interlocks to be controlled locally – without the need for a higher-level PLC or bus communication.

Integrated closed-loop technology

The closed-loop control concept of the MAC and MIS series ensures high precision, smooth running, and energy efficiency. The motor current is only modulated when necessary, significantly reducing energy consumption and heat generation.

ServoStep (MIS series): Closed-loop stepper motors with integrated encoder, current control, and anti-resonance method. They combine the simplicity of a stepper motor with the accuracy of a servo drive and are ideal for medium power ranges.

MAC servo motors: Brushless servo drives from 50 W to 4.5 kW continuous power – optionally with absolute encoder, integrated brake, STO (SIL3), IP67 design, or gearbox. This series offers a sophisticated platform for demanding motion tasks.

Connectivity, security, and digitalization

The integrated motors support current Industry 4.0 concepts with comprehensive communication and diagnostic functions. The free MacTalk® software can be used to adjust parameters, perform firmware updates, and create ePLC programs. The communication protocol can also be changed with a click of the mouse.

Many models also offer ex-factory safety functions such as STO (Safe Torque Off) in accordance with SIL3. The robust housings with IP65/IP67 protection enable use in harsh industrial conditions. External encoders, brakes, or gearboxes can be connected as options.

Applications and industries

JVL's intelligent drives are used in a wide range of industrial sectors: packaging and food technology, medical technology, textile machinery, robotics, the semiconductor and automotive industries. They really come into their own in decentralized architectures, mobile machines, and energy-optimized systems.

With the intelligent integrated servo motors and stepper motors of the MAC and MIS series, JVL has created a platform that enables decentralized automation with minimal cabling and control effort. The combination of compactness, communication diversity, integrated ePLC, safety, and performance makes these drive systems a future-proof solution for Industry 4.0—and beyond.

Author: Jan Tausend, Sales Director D-A-CH, JVL A/S