Safety-Certified Servo Drive for High-Performance Motion

Delta has launched the ASDA-A3-EP, a new AC servo drive designed for high-performance motion systems requiring certified functional safety, integrating Safe Torque Off and optional advanced safety functions for machinery compliance.

 

Functional safety and standards compliance

The ASDA-A3-EP is engineered to meet stringent machinery safety requirements and complies with IEC 61508 up to SIL 3 and ISO 13849 up to Performance Level e (PL e). The drive includes built-in Safe Torque Off (STO) as standard, providing a certified means to remove torque-generating energy without cutting main power.

 

An optional safety card extends the safety architecture with thirteen functions, including Safe Stop 1 (SS1), Safe Stop 2 (SS2), and Safe Operating Stop (SOS). These functions support controlled deceleration, monitored standstill, and safe stopping behavior, enabling machine builders to design systems that protect operators while maintaining process control. Reduced reaction times between the motion end effector and human interaction are achieved through the safety functions’ direct integration at the drive level.

 

Design for machine builders and integrators

The ASDA-A3-EP targets machine builders, system integrators, and application providers seeking simplified integration and predictable compliance. Rapid device setup and reduced installation time support faster commissioning, while the modular safety option allows tailoring safety capability to application risk profiles and future machine upgrades.

 

The platform’s specification reflects feedback from high-end machine builders across Europe, North America, and Asia, informing features that address premium machinery requirements without increasing integration complexity.

 

Communication and interoperability

For real-time motion control, the drive features an EtherCAT interface with support for FoE (File over EtherCAT), EoE (Ethernet over EtherCAT), and FSoE (Safety over EtherCAT). EtherCAT enables deterministic, high-speed data exchange, while FSoE adds safety-certified communication with robust error detection and validation.

 

Additional connectivity includes a TCP/IP port and support for IoT nodes, facilitating diagnostics, file transfer, and system integration. The ASDA-A3-EP can also interface with third-party motors when required, expanding application flexibility. Safety activation can be implemented via a simple digital wired signal, supporting straightforward system design.

 

Usability and total cost considerations

Ease of setup and human-machine interaction were key design goals. Advanced connectors and streamlined wiring reduce installation effort and potential downtime. When paired with Delta’s battery-free motor, total cost of ownership can be further reduced by eliminating battery maintenance while maintaining motion performance.

 

These design choices aim to preserve production rates and improve lifecycle efficiency, particularly in applications where frequent changeovers or tight uptime targets are common.

 

Application context

The ASDA-A3-EP addresses motion applications that demand both high dynamic performance and certified safety—such as packaging, robotics, machine tools, and automated assembly. By integrating functional safety, high-speed communication, and flexible motor interoperability into a single drive platform, the solution supports compliant machine design while maintaining performance and scalability for future development.