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The ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 is a high-performance servo drive with integrated motion control intelligence, designed for demanding industrial automation applications requiring precise positioning, velocity, and torque control. Originally developed by ELAU AG—a German pioneer in decentralized motion systems later acquired by Schneider Electric—the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 combines a power amplifier and a programmable motion controller in a single compact unit. This integration eliminates the need for a separate PLC in many motion-centric tasks, reducing system complexity and response latency.
As part of ELAU’s Modula series, the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 operates from a 400 VDC DC bus and delivers 11 A continuous output current, making it suitable for medium-power servo motors in packaging, printing, converting, and robotic handling systems. It supports advanced motion profiles via PLCopen Part 1 & 2 function blocks and can execute complex sequences autonomously using its built-in CoDeSys-compatible runtime environment. Communication options include CANopen, Sercos II/III, and ELAU’s proprietary SmartWire, enabling flexible integration into both legacy and modern architectures.
In automation systems where space, speed, and reliability are critical, the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 delivers exceptional value by decentralizing control logic directly to the drive level. This reduces wiring, minimizes scan-time delays, and enhances machine modularity. Whether used as a standalone axis controller or as part of a synchronized multi-axis network, the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 remains a trusted solution for engineers seeking deterministic, high-bandwidth motion performance in compact form factor.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | MC-4/11/03/400 |
| Manufacturer | ELAU AG (now part of Schneider Electric) |
| Product Type | Integrated servo drive with motion controller |
| DC Bus Voltage | 400 VDC (nominal) |
| Continuous Output Current | 11 A |
| Peak Output Current | 33 A (for up to 2 seconds) |
| Communication Interfaces | CANopen, Sercos II/III, RS-232 (service port), SmartWire |
| Control Mode | Position, velocity, torque, homing (PLCopen-compliant) |
| Mounting Method | DIN rail or panel mount (with optional brackets) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +45°C (derating above 40°C) |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, overheating, short-circuit |
| Physical Dimensions | 200 mm H × 90 mm W × 180 mm D (approx.) |
Main Features and Advantages
Integrated motion intelligence: Unlike conventional servo amplifiers that rely solely on external controllers, the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 features a full-featured motion CPU capable of executing IEC 61131-3 logic and PLCopen motion commands locally. This enables autonomous axis operation—such as flying shear, electronic gearing, or cam profiling—without constant supervision from a central PLC, significantly reducing cycle times and network traffic.
High-voltage efficiency and dynamic response: Operating from a 400 VDC bus, the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 delivers higher motor speeds and faster acceleration compared to standard 230 V or 300 V drives, especially beneficial in high-inertia applications like roll-to-roll printing or carton erecting. Its 33 A peak current capability ensures robust performance during transient load demands, while advanced current-loop tuning maintains smooth torque delivery at low speeds.
Multi-protocol communication flexibility: The ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 supports both Sercos II/III (for high-speed deterministic networks) and CANopen (for cost-effective distributed control), allowing seamless migration from older ELAU systems to newer Schneider EcoStruxure platforms. Additionally, its SmartWire interface simplifies connection to ELAU SmartCrate I/O modules, minimizing cabinet wiring and commissioning time.
Robust diagnostics and serviceability: Equipped with an RS-232 service port and comprehensive status LEDs, the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 enables rapid troubleshooting via ELAU’s MotionStudio software. Real-time monitoring of motor temperature, bus voltage, and error history aids predictive maintenance. The drive also stores configuration and firmware in non-volatile memory, ensuring quick recovery after replacement.
Application Field
The ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 excels in high-speed, precision machinery where coordinated motion and compact design are essential. In the packaging industry, it commonly powers form-fill-seal machines, case erectors, and labeling systems—executing synchronized cut-and-place motions with sub-millisecond jitter. Its ability to run cam profiles locally allows machines to maintain throughput even if the main PLC experiences a brief communication hiccup.
In printing and converting applications, the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 drives unwind/rewind spindles, dancer rolls, and registration correction axes. The 400 VDC bus voltage enables consistent tension control across wide speed ranges, critical for handling thin films or foils without slippage or web breakage. Similarly, in material handling robotics—such as palletizing cells or gantry pick-and-place units—the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 provides the dynamic response needed for rapid acceleration and precise stopping.
Legacy machine retrofits represent another key use case. Many OEMs originally equipped with ELAU SmartCrate systems continue to rely on the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 due to its backward compatibility and long-term availability. Even as plants modernize their HMIs or supervisory networks, this drive ensures continuity of motion performance without full line replacement. Across all these domains, the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 delivers reliability, responsiveness, and engineering efficiency.
Related Products
MC-4/06/03/400: Lower-current variant (6 A continuous); suitable for smaller servo motors.
MC-4/18/03/400: Higher-power model (18 A continuous); used in heavy-duty conveying or pressing.
ELAU PS-4/400: 400 VDC power supply module; designed to pair with MC-4 series drives.
SmartCrate DI/DO Modules: Digital I/O blocks that connect via SmartWire to MC-4/11/03/400 for local signal handling.
Schneider Lexium 32: Modern successor platform; offers similar functionality under Schneider branding.
MotionStudio Software: Official ELAU configuration and tuning tool; required for programming MC-4/11/03/400.
MC-4/11/02/300: 300 VDC version; compatible with lower-voltage motor systems.
Installation and Maintenance
Pre-installation preparation: Before mounting the ELAU MC-4/11/03/400, ensure adequate clearance for airflow—minimum 50 mm above and below the unit—to prevent thermal derating. Install on a grounded DIN rail or panel using anti-vibration mounts if subject to mechanical shock. Verify that the 400 VDC bus supply is properly fused and includes a braking resistor if regenerative energy is expected. Motor and encoder cables must be shielded and routed separately from power lines to avoid noise coupling into feedback signals.
Maintenance recommendations: The ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 contains no user-serviceable parts but benefits from periodic inspection of terminal tightness and cooling vents. Monitor the front-panel LEDs: green indicates normal operation, while red flashes denote specific faults (e.g., overtemperature, overcurrent). Use MotionStudio software to export diagnostic logs and verify firmware version. Always keep a backup of your project file (.prj) and parameter set; in case of drive replacement, this ensures identical behavior without re-tuning. The ELAU MC-4/11/03/400 retains its configuration in flash memory, but firmware updates should only be performed with stable power and verified files.
