Product Overview

The Schneider Electric LXM23AU55M3X is a Lexium 23A servo drive rated for 5.5 kW applications, intended for controlling the movement of compatible servo motors in industrial machinery. It combines motor power regulation with command processing and feedback handling, allowing a machine controller to manage motor speed, position, and torque according to the selected operating mode.

This drive is particularly relevant to machines that need controlled acceleration, repeatable positioning, and coordinated movement rather than simple motor on/off operation. Typical examples include packaging equipment, material handling systems, automated assembly stations, and production machinery with repeated indexing or positioning cycles.

The model uses a three-phase 170–255 V AC supply specification and incorporates a CANopen communication interface. Its control capabilities allow it to operate in different motion-control arrangements, including pulse-command positioning and communication-based control. The appropriate method depends on the machine controller, the required motion sequence, and the way the servo system is configured.

For example, in an automated packaging machine, a servo motor may need to advance film by a specified distance, stop accurately for sealing, and then repeat the cycle. The LXM23AU55M3X regulates the motor response according to the motion command and feedback from the connected motor encoder. Acceleration, deceleration, speed limits, and position-related parameters must be configured to match the mechanics of the machine.

The Lexium 23A platform also supports speed and torque control applications. This makes the drive suitable for more than point-to-point positioning. Depending on the machine design, it can regulate the speed of a feed mechanism or control motor torque where the process requires a defined force-related response. The selected operating mode and command source must correspond to the intended application.

The drive is only one part of the motion-control system. Correct operation depends on matching the servo motor, encoder, supply, braking arrangement, control wiring, and protective devices. A suitable drive configuration also requires consideration of the machine’s inertia, acceleration profile, duty cycle, and regenerative energy during deceleration.

In practical installations, commissioning should begin with the motor and drive configuration, followed by command verification and low-speed movement tests. This approach helps identify incorrect motor data, feedback wiring errors, or unsuitable motion parameters before the equipment is operated at production speed.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• 5.5 kW servo control: Supports motion applications requiring controlled motor acceleration, speed, and torque.
• CANopen communication: Enables integration with compatible motion controllers and automation networks.
• Multiple control modes: Supports position, speed, and torque control according to the selected configuration.
• Pulse-command positioning: Accepts supported external pulse commands for applications requiring defined movement increments.
• Internal motion sequences: Supports configured motion procedures for applications using the drive’s internal positioning functions.
• Encoder feedback: Uses motor feedback to regulate motion and monitor the relationship between commanded and actual movement.
• Adjustable motion parameters: Allows control settings to be adapted to the connected motor and machine mechanics.
• Digital control signals: Supports external control and status signals through the available digital I/O.
• Cabinet installation: Fits into a compatible industrial control cabinet with the required cooling clearances.
• External braking support: Accommodates an external braking resistor where required by the machine’s deceleration characteristics.

Working Principle

The LXM23AU55M3X receives motion commands from the machine controller or a configured internal motion procedure. It processes these commands and regulates the electrical power delivered to the servo motor. Encoder feedback allows the drive to monitor motor movement and adjust its output to follow the commanded motion.

Motion Controller → LXM23AU55M3X Servo Drive → Servo Motor → Mechanical Load

The feedback path runs from the motor encoder back to the drive, allowing the control system to compare actual movement with the commanded response.

In a positioning application, the controller may command the motor to move a conveyor indexer through a specified distance. The drive converts the command into a motor response, manages acceleration and deceleration, and uses feedback to regulate movement. The final positioning performance depends on the configured motion parameters, motor characteristics, mechanical backlash, load inertia, and the resolution of the feedback system.

For a speed-control application, the command may come from an external analog signal or an internal parameter, depending on the selected operating arrangement. The drive regulates motor speed in response to the command and feedback. This is useful in feed mechanisms, winding equipment, and other processes where the motor must maintain a controlled speed as operating conditions change.

Torque control serves a different purpose. Rather than making position the primary target, the drive regulates motor torque according to the selected command and configured limits. Applications may include tension-related mechanisms or equipment requiring controlled force through a rotating actuator. The machine design must still account for mechanical limits and the consequences of torque changes.

When CANopen is used, the drive communicates with a compatible controller over the configured network. The controller and drive must use compatible communication settings, supported control functions, and the correct command and status data. Network communication alone does not guarantee that the motion sequence is configured correctly.

During deceleration, the motor may return energy to the drive’s DC bus. Depending on the load, operating cycle, and deceleration profile, an external braking resistor may be required to dissipate this energy. The resistor and associated protection must be selected according to the drive’s specifications and the actual regenerative duty.

The drive’s response ultimately depends on the relationship between electrical configuration, feedback, and the mechanical system. Correct motor matching and commissioning are essential to achieve controlled movement without excessive vibration, following errors, or unnecessary trips.

Role in a Lexium 23 Motion Control System

The LXM23AU55M3X forms the power-control stage between the machine’s motion commands and its servo motor. It translates control instructions into motor movement while using feedback to regulate the response.

PLC or Motion Controller → Command Interface → Servo Drive → Servo Motor → Machine Mechanism

The control architecture should be selected according to the required motion functions, command source, and machine response.

Industrial Applications

The drive is most suitable when its power rating, supply requirements, control interface, and motor compatibility match the machine’s motion requirements.

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the supply configuration: Confirm that the available three-phase AC supply is within the drive’s specified operating range and that the installation meets applicable electrical requirements.
2. Match the servo motor: Check the motor’s rated power, voltage, current, encoder type, and other required parameters against the drive’s supported combinations.
3. Inspect the cabinet installation: Ensure that the enclosure protects the equipment from conductive contamination, excessive moisture, and other unsuitable environmental conditions.
4. Maintain cooling clearances: Follow the specified vertical mounting orientation and required free space around the drive to prevent overheating.
5. Check protective devices: Select circuit protection and disconnecting equipment according to the drive manual and the installation’s electrical design.
6. Inspect motor power wiring: Verify the phase connections, terminal tightness, cable rating, and grounding before energizing the system.
7. Check encoder connections: Confirm that the encoder cable and connectors match the motor and drive configuration. Incorrect feedback wiring can prevent normal operation.
8. Configure the control mode: Select position, speed, or torque control according to the machine’s requirements and configure the corresponding command source.
9. Verify CANopen settings: When network control is used, check the node address, communication rate, network wiring, and controller configuration.
10. Review braking requirements: Determine whether the application requires an external braking resistor based on load inertia, deceleration time, and operating frequency.
11. Perform controlled commissioning: Test enable signals, direction of rotation, feedback, acceleration, deceleration, and stopping behavior at a reduced speed before production operation.
12. Record maintenance findings: Document parameter settings, alarm history, motor information, wiring changes, and corrective actions to support future troubleshooting.

If the drive trips during acceleration or deceleration, check the alarm code and operating conditions before changing parameters. Excessive load inertia, unsuitable acceleration settings, incorrect motor data, feedback problems, and regenerative energy can produce different symptoms and require different corrective actions.

Related Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Supports 5.5 kW servo motion applications.
• Offers position, speed, and torque control modes.
• Incorporates CANopen communication for compatible control architectures.
• Supports external pulse commands and configured internal motion sequences.
• Uses encoder feedback to regulate motor response.
• Accommodates external braking arrangements when regenerative energy requires dissipation.

Technical FAQs

What type of supply does the LXM23AU55M3X require?

This model is specified for a three-phase AC supply in the 170–255 V range. The incoming supply, protective devices, grounding arrangement, and installation wiring must comply with the drive’s electrical requirements.

How can the drive receive positioning commands?

The Lexium 23A platform supports external pulse-train positioning and internal motion sequences. The selected method depends on the controller, required motion profile, and configured operating mode.

What should be checked if the motor does not follow the commanded position?

Check the drive’s alarm status, encoder feedback, motor configuration, command signals, and mechanical load. Incorrect motor data, wiring faults, excessive load inertia, or unsuitable motion parameters can all affect positioning performance.

When is an external braking resistor needed?

A braking resistor may be required when the motor returns significant regenerative energy during deceleration or when the application repeatedly stops a high-inertia load. Selection depends on the drive’s specifications, braking energy, deceleration frequency, and duty cycle.