Compact Efficiency: The Kinetix 2000 in Small-Scale Automation

by Bryan Hellman March 13, 2025

The Kinetix 2000 series is a motion control solution designed for small-scale automation applications where space, efficiency, and high performance are critical factors. These drives offer a compact yet powerful solution, allowing manufacturers and system integrators to optimize motion control without sacrificing performance.

Industries such as robotics, material handling, packaging, electronic assembly, textile production, and metal forming benefit greatly from the Kinetix 2000's small footprint and advanced motion capabilities. With a wide input voltage range, an integrated SERCOS interface, a Drive Peripheral Interface (DPI), and multiple feedback configuration options, this drive provides flexibility for a variety of applications.

In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into how the Kinetix 2000 optimizes automation in space-limited environments, its technical advantages, and examples of specific modules available in this series.

Wide Input Voltage Range for Flexible Power Configurations

One of the standout features of the Kinetix 2000 is its broad input voltage range of 170 to 264V RMS AC, which allows it to be used with both single-phase and three-phase power sources (230V nominal). This feature makes it highly adaptable across different global power standards, ensuring seamless integration into automation systems with varying electrical configurations.

This wide voltage capability is particularly advantageous in small-scale automation setups, where power constraints and space limitations often dictate system design. Whether it's driving robotic arms, conveyor systems, or precision machining tools, the Kinetix 2000 ensures a stable power supply while maximizing energy efficiency.

Unlike some larger, more power-intensive motion control solutions, the Kinetix 2000 balances power and size effectively, making it an ideal choice for applications where both performance and compact design are key considerations.

Compact Design for Small-Scale Applications

The Kinetix 2000 series is engineered to fit within compact automation systems. The Integrated Axis Modules (IAMs) in this series start at just 2.0 kW for a 230V single-phase input, making them one of the most space-efficient solutions in their category.

The compact size is especially beneficial in industries where panel space is at a premium, such as:

Robotics
Automated packaging lines
Pick-and-place systems
Textile machinery
Electronic component assembly

Additionally, the SERCOS interface significantly reduces the need for multiple wiring connections, further streamlining the installation process. Unlike larger drives, such as the Kinetix 5500 (Bulletin 2198), which is designed for mid-scale applications, the Kinetix 2000 provides a leaner, more efficient alternative for smaller, space-constrained automation environments.

Power and Performance in a Compact Package

Despite its small footprint, the Kinetix 2000 delivers impressive motion control capabilities. With a power range of 0.3 kW to 3.0 kW and continuous output currents from 1.0 to 9.5 Amps RMS, it offers reliable performance for various industrial applications.

Industries that require high precision and consistent performance—such as packaging, robotics, and automated material handling—benefit from the powerful yet compact nature of the Kinetix 2000. The drive's ability to deliver high-speed, high-precision motion control in small-scale automation applications sets it apart from bulkier alternatives.

Its Bulletin 2093 modules, which come in IAMs (Integrated Axis Modules) and AMs (Axis Modules), are specifically designed to integrate into systems where space savings and efficiency are top priorities. For more power-demanding applications requiring increased accuracy, a step up to the Kinetix 3500 (Bulletin 2095) may be necessary.

Simplified Connectivity with an Integrated SERCOS Interface

One of the most valuable features of the Kinetix 2000 is its integrated SERCOS interface. SERCOS (Serial Real-time Communication System) is a high-speed, fiber-optic communication protocol designed for motion control applications.

This single-cable solution:

Reduces wiring complexity, eliminating the need for multiple communication cables.
Improves system reliability, thanks to the noise immunity of fiber optics.
Enables real-time synchronization between the drive and the controller, making it ideal for multi-axis applications.

The SERCOS interface makes the Kinetix 2000 an excellent choice for small-scale applications that require precise and coordinated motion, such as:

Pick-and-place robots
Automated conveyor systems
CNC machines with multiple axes

By integrating IAMs (Integrated Axis Modules) and AMs (Axis Modules), the Kinetix 2000 delivers a space-efficient, high-performance motion control solution.

Enhanced Connectivity with Drive Peripheral Interface (DPI)

The Drive Peripheral Interface (DPI) connector ports on the Kinetix 2000 allow for seamless communication with the DPI Human Interface Module and software tools.

Benefits of the DPI interface include:

Easier system configuration, reducing setup time.
Real-time diagnostics, helping users quickly identify and resolve issues.
More effective troubleshooting, minimizing downtime and improving overall system efficiency.

With the DPI interface, automation professionals can fine-tune performance and monitor system health without requiring extensive manual intervention.

Support for Various Feedback Configurations

Motion control systems rely on precise feedback to ensure accurate positioning and synchronization. The Kinetix 2000 series supports both incremental and absolute encoder feedback, making it versatile for applications requiring high-precision motion control.

Key Feedback Features:

Single-turn and multi-turn feedback configurations for improved accuracy.
Feedback-only auxiliary axis option to enhance system precision.
Kinetix 2000-CM (Bulletin 2093-CM) variant for expanded feedback capabilities.

These flexible feedback options allow the Kinetix 2000 to adapt to various automation setups, ensuring maximum performance in space-constrained applications.

Example Modules in the Kinetix 2000 Series

The Kinetix 2000 series consists of various modules designed for different automation needs. Here are two common examples:

2093-AC05-MP1
- Includes a 230V AC power converter and inverter.
- Provides a continuous power output of 3.0 kW and peak power of 6.0 kW.
- Features a high efficiency rate (95%) and a compact size (1.32 kg).
- Suitable for robotics, packaging, and material handling applications.
2093-AM02
- A multi-axis servo drive with 230V DC bus power inverter.
- Offers 1.9 kW of continuous power and 28.5 A peak current.
- High 98% efficiency, ensuring low energy consumption.
- Designed for shock durability, vibration resistance, and reliable performance in small-scale automation setups.

Final Thoughts: Compact Efficiency at its Best

The Kinetix 2000 series exemplifies the perfect balance between size, performance, and versatility in small-scale automation. With its wide input voltage range, compact design, integrated SERCOS interface, DPI connectivity, and multiple feedback options, it delivers precision motion control while minimizing system footprint.

Industries ranging from robotics and material handling to packaging and CNC machining can benefit from the reliable, high-performance automation offered by the Kinetix 2000.

At Industrial Automation Co., we understand that selecting the right automation drive is crucial. We offer fast shipping, expert guidance, and a 2-year Warranty on all Kinetix 2000 drives. Contact us today to find the perfect drive for your automation needs!

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