MC-41101400 ELAU MC-4/11/01/400 Servo Drive Module

Description

Product Model: MC-41101400

• Product Brand: ELAU (now part of Schneider Electric)
• Product Series: MC-4/11/01/400 PACDrive series
• Product Features:
  • 3-phase AC servo drive unit designed for ELAU PACDrive MC-4 series systems.
  • Rated for 380-480 V input, up to ~1.7 A output and up to ~600 Hz output frequency per listing.
  • Discontinued by manufacturer (end of life) — common in surplus/aftermarket.

Applications & Industry Context

In many machine automation settings — such as CNC machining centers, robotic work cells, packaging lines, or multi-axis gantry systems — high-precision servo drives play a central role. The MC-41101400 fits into this context as a drive module that powers one of the axes in a system built around the PACDrive platform (by ELAU). When you have a legacy machine built around the PACDrive MC-4 series, replacing or stocking a drive like MC-41101400 becomes critical for uptime and maintenance.

For example, in a production line where a gantry serves four axes, each axis may have a dedicated servo drive. If one of the drives fails, then the entire system may be shut down until replacement. Because the MC-41101400 is a module in that drive chain, and because many of these units are now discontinued, maintenance departments often stock them as spares. The reality: while many new machines are moving to newer architectures (EtherCAT drives, etc.), many brown-field machines continue to run on PACDrive systems — and the MC-41101400 is very much part of that installed base.

Industry challenges that this drive addresses include: maintaining consistent axis performance, handling high frequency (up to ~600 Hz output as listed), and integrating with the PACDrive MC-4 backplane and controller logic. It also adds value when hidden within a cabinet rack and replacement downtime must be minimized — swapping out a board like MC-41101400 is faster than redesigning the system.

From an automation specialist’s vantage: you may inherit a machine with MC-4/11/01/400 drives, and you need to understand that the model you’re sourcing is MC-41101400 (which UI, listing, or vendor-sheet may also reference). Checking compatibility, firmware version, board revision, and verifying that your spare is correct becomes essential.

Product Role & System Fit

The MC-41101400 (MC-4/11/01/400) is not just a generic drive; it is a dedicated servo drive module designed to be used with the ELAU PACDrive MC-4 system architecture. In system terms, the drive module resides in a rack or cabinet, connected to the servo motor via its output terminals, and receives analog/pulse/feedback signals from the motor and encoder system. The drive is controlled by the PACDrive controller which issues commands (position, velocity, torque) and monitors status and faults.

In a PACDrive architecture you might see a setup like: PACDrive controller → MC-4 system bus/backplane → MC-41101400 servo drive module → servo motor/encoder. The advantage is tight integration, standardized modules, and predictable behavior. When you replace a drive, you don’t need to redesign the control logic; you swap the module, configure address or parameters, and resume.

Because this model is rated for 380-480 V, ~1.7 A output, and supports high frequency output up to ~600 Hz, it’s aimed at high-performance axis drives — not just slow indexing or low-power tasks. Thus you’ll find it in machines where speed and responsiveness count.

Given that the model is discontinued by manufacturer (EOL) — one listing shows “DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER 2019” for MC-4/11/01/400 variant.  For integrators and maintenance teams, that means the spare strategy must include this module or equivalent. Because it is part of a closed architecture, you cannot simply substitute a generic servo drive without verifying backplane compatibility, firmware, and mechanical fit.

Technical Features & Benefits

Let’s dig into what the MC-41101400 brings in terms of features and benefits (based on available public listings). While comprehensive official data may be limited, the vendor-listed attributes give enough for practical evaluation.

• Wide Input Voltage (380-480 V AC) & 3-Phase Output
  The drive supports 3-phase AC input in the 380-480 V range, enabling installation in common industrial systems worldwide (Europe, North America etc.). One listing cites 1.7 A output at ~480 V. Benefit: the drive can serve higher-power axes; you’re not restricted to low-voltage modules.
• High Output Frequency (up to ~600 Hz)
  According to listing, the MC-4/11/01/400 variant is capable of output up to 600 Hz. That means you can use it for applications requiring high axis speed or special servo motors with high frequency demands.  The benefit: flexible axis motion beyond standard 3000 rpm motors or high inertial loads.
• Backplane Integration & PACDrive Compatibility
  Because the drive is part of PACDrive MC-4 architecture, it connects to the system bus/backplane, allowing the controller to monitor drive status, fault codes, and parameter sets. That enables easier integration, diagnostics, and replacement. One listing emphasizes the PACDrive context.  Benefit: less re-engineering, faster swap-out, preserved logic.
• Discontinued Status, Freight Spare Awareness
  The listing “DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER 2019” flags that this drive is no longer in production. This feature is less of a benefit and more of a caveat — you must plan your spare parts accordingly.  The benefit (or rather requirement) is that you acquire spares, test them, and maintain them to avoid unplanned shutdown.
• Specifically Formed for High-Performance Applications
  While exact specs such as specific power ratings, control modes (torque/velocity/position), cooling requirements aren’t fully published in the free listing, the premium nature of the module (high voltage, high frequency) suggests it is built for demanding axes (robot arms, gantries, CNC spindles). Benefit: reliable performance and headroom for axis demands.

From a buying and engineering perspective: make sure your system’s motor, encoder, feedback scheme, and drive mounting/cooling match the MC-41101400’s requirements. Because drive modules like this are less plug-and-play with modern generic drives, mismatches can lead to faults or poor performance.

Technical Specifications Table

Note: Because full public datasheet access is limited, always verify the exact revision of your module (e.g., software version “SW: 00.22.xx” is listed in one listing)  and confirm that it matches your installation.

Installation & Maintenance Insights

Here are field-proven practical tips for installing, commissioning and maintaining the MC-41101400 in an automation system.

• Ensure Proper Mounting & Cooling
  The drive module must be properly mounted in the cabinet, with adequate ventilation and clearance as per PACDrive guidelines. Given the high voltage input and high frequency output, heat dissipation is important. Use the manufacturer’s mounting orientation and cooling (fans, cabinet ventilation) to avoid thermal faults.
• Verify Input Supply & Motor Compatibility
  Check that your supply is indeed 380-480 V AC three-phase, and that the motor, encoder and feedback loop are compatible with the drive’s capabilities (especially if you intend to utilize high frequency output). If you plan to run near 600 Hz, verify that the motor and load can handle that speed/voltage/frequency.
• Backplane & Controller Matching
  Because this drive is part of a PACDrive MC-4 rack architecture, ensure that the backplane slot, bus interface and controller firmware are compatible. Verify that the drive’s slot address, firmware version (e.g., SW: 00.22.xx) and parameter groups are correct. One listing notes this: SW: 00.22.xx.
• Spare Module Strategy
  Given discontinued status, it’s prudent to keep at least one spare MC-41101400 in your stock. When acquiring a spare, test it offline, verify software version, verify module address, and label it clearly with test date and compatibility notes.
• Commissioning Checks & Diagnostics
  After installation, check that the drive is recognized by the controller, that the motor encoder diagnostics are valid, that the drive parameters (acceleration, deceleration, torque limit) are correct, and monitor for abnormal heating or fault codes. Because there’s high frequency capability, watch for noise or vibration if speeds exceed standard ratings.
• Regular Maintenance & Firmware Considerations
  Periodically inspect the module for dust, corrosion, firmware/parameter backups. Given potential age of these modules, check for capacitors or components that may degrade over time, especially if the cabinet is in a harsh environment. If firmware updates exist or are needed, obtain from trusted source.
• Replacement & Downtime Planning
  Since the module is discontinued and may have long lead-times for spares, plan for potential downtime by training staff on swap-out procedures, verifying wiring harnesses, and documenting your motor/drive parameter set. Having a tested spare can reduce downtime significantly.