Fieldbus stepper drive
Nanotec C5-E motor controller fieldbus stepper drive
Compact controller/drive for NEMA 17–34 stepper and BLDC motors at 12–48 V, 6–10 A rated and up to 30 A peak, with Modbus RTU, CANopen, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT or Modbus TCP.
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Key specifications
| Voltage (max) | 48 V |
|---|---|
| Data / bus | Modbus RTU, CANopen, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP |
| Supply | 12–48 VDC |
| Fieldbus | Modbus RTU, CANopen, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP |
| Axes | 1 |
| Continuous current (max) | 10 A |
| Peak current (max) | 30 A |
| Motor types | stepper, BLDC |
Summarised in our own words from Nanotec Electronic GmbH's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Currents RMS.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Nanotec Electronic GmbH. Nanotec and C5-E motor controller are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Nanotec C5-E motor controller replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original Nanotec part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
The second-generation Kinco JD drive, paired with SMK motors from 50 W to 7.5 kW. It accepts a very wide range of encoder protocols plus a second encoder, runs CANopen or EtherCAT, and has STO SIL3 / PL e on every model.
| Published maximum | C5-E motor controller | JD2 Series AC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 10 A | 26 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 30 A | 65 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 7,500 W |
| Axes | 1 | 1 meets or exceeds |
A dual-axis version of the ELD2 for 24-70 VDC systems: 20 or 30 Arms per axis (750 W or 1.2 kW per axis), gantry synchronisation and STO, saving around 30% installed volume versus two single drives.
| Published maximum | C5-E motor controller | 2ELD2 Two-Axis DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 10 A | 30 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 30 A | 90 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 1,200 W |
| Axes | 1 | 2 meets or exceeds |
Leadshine's value AC servo drive, 400 W-3 kW on 220 or 400 VAC, in EtherCAT, Modbus/pulse (up to 4 MHz) and CANopen versions.
| Published maximum | C5-E motor controller | EL6 Series AC Servo Drives (EL6-EC / E… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 10 A | 12 A meets or exceeds |
| Peak current | 30 A | 36 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | — | 3,000 W |
| Axes | 1 | 1 meets or exceeds |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Typical applications
What a fieldbus stepper drive is
A fieldbus stepper drive receives motion commands over a network such as CANopen, Modbus RTU, EtherCAT or another industrial Ethernet protocol, rather than step and direction pulses. Commands set position, velocity and current targets, and the drive reports status, position and faults back to the controller. Many support standard device profiles such as CiA 402, so a PLC or motion controller can treat them like servo axes. Open-loop and closed-loop versions are common.
When engineers choose a fieldbus stepper drive
Choose a fieldbus stepper drive for machines with several stepper axes controlled by a PLC or motion controller, where wiring, diagnostics and parameter management matter. It replaces many pulse cables with one network. The trade-offs are configuration effort and network dependency: the drive needs network set-up and configuration files, and a network fault stops all axes. For a single simple axis, pulse control can be quicker to commission.
How to specify the Nanotec C5-E motor controller
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right C5-E motor controller variant or an equivalent:
- Network protocol and device profile
- Supply voltage (V DC)
- Phase current (A)
- Open or closed loop
- I/O and homing functions
- Cycle time and synchronisation
- Configuration files and software
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a protocol the controller does not support
- Not planning node addressing and network topology
- Overlooking cycle time for synchronised motion
- Missing configuration files for the controller
Nanotec C5-E motor controller: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace Nanotec C5-E motor controller or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including Motion Control Products options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the Nanotec C5-E motor controller?
Compact controller/drive for NEMA 17–34 stepper and BLDC motors at 12–48 V, 6–10 A rated and up to 30 A peak, with Modbus RTU, CANopen, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT or Modbus TCP. Published series figures include voltage 48 V, axes 1, continuous current 10 A, peak current 30 A. It is made by Nanotec Electronic GmbH; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Nanotec C5-E motor controller?
The Nanotec C5-E motor controller is made by Nanotec (Nanotec Electronic GmbH) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Nanotec Electronic GmbH; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the voltage of the Nanotec C5-E motor controller?
The published series maximum voltage is 48 V. Individual models and sizes in the C5-E motor controller range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the Nanotec C5-E motor controller?
We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Kinco JD2 Series AC Servo Drives and Leadshine 2ELD2 Two-Axis DC Servo Drives are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is CiA 402?
CiA 402 is a standard device profile for drives and motion control, originally for CANopen and also used on EtherCAT and other networks. It defines modes such as profile position, velocity and homing, and a standard state machine. Drives supporting it are easier to integrate with compatible controllers.
Is EtherCAT better than CANopen for stepper drives?
EtherCAT offers much higher bandwidth and precise synchronisation, which suits coordinated multi-axis motion. CANopen is simpler, cheaper and adequate for many point-to-point axes. Choose by controller support, number of axes, required cycle time and whether axes must be tightly synchronised.
Further reading: How to select a stepper drive · How to select a motion controller or plc · Servo drives
Other fieldbus stepper drive series
Engineer support
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Tell us how you use the Nanotec C5-E motor controller: the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.
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