PRO · MAX
PRO and MAX — EtherCAT master motion platform
An EtherCAT master with 32 axes, local pulse outputs and, on MAX, G-code and NURBS interpolation for contouring machines.
The PRO series is an open motion-control platform combining pulse output, high-speed inputs and an EtherCAT master: 32 built-in I/O with local 8-axis pulse output and 16 high-speed counting channels, an EtherCAT master stack with a 500 µs minimum system cycle, ladder-based IEC 61131-3 motion-control MC instructions, and electronic gear, multi-axis interpolation and electronic cam.
MAX covers the full PRO set and adds a Motion layer: open registers, the compiled PLC or G-code for secondary development, line, arc, helix, spline and NURBS interpolation with G64 continuous small-line-segment interpolation, pitch error, backlash and tool-radius compensation, Z-pulse homing, and CAD, text or image import to generate G-code.
Both share a 1 GHz CPU with large-scale FPGA logic, Linux multitasking and full-register power-fail retention, with a 32-axis EtherCAT master, two Ethernet channels with Modbus TCP and two RS485 channels at 1200–115200 bps. Power is 10 W from DC 24 V ±15 %, and the housing measures 92.5 × 105 × 98 mm.
Expansion runs over a network slice: digital PRO-E-16X16T, PRO-E-16X, PRO-E-16T and PRO-E-8X8T, the last with a 13–30 V DC "1" level range and 200 kHz; analogue PRO-E-4AI, PRO-E-4AO and PRO-E-4PT for P-type or K-type thermocouple or PT100 input. PRO-E-START heads a chain of five modules and PRO-E-END terminates it.
32 axes on one bus
EtherCAT master with a 500 µs minimum cycle and full-register power-fail retention.
G-code and NURBS (MAX)
Line, arc, helix, spline and NURBS interpolation with G64 continuous small-line-segment mode.
Slices, not a backplane
PRO-E digital and analogue slices chain from a START head and terminate at an END module.
Two Ethernet, two RS485
Modbus TCP on both network ports and Modbus RTU on both serial ports, with USB for programming.
- CPU
- 1 GHz + FPGA logic
- Built-in I/O
- 32 points
- Local pulse
- 8 axes
- EtherCAT
- 32 axes, 500 µs cycle
- Counting
- 16 high-speed channels
- Network
- 2× Ethernet, 2× RS485
- Supply
- DC 24 V ±15 %, 10 W
- Dimensions
- 92.5 × 105 × 98 mm
Model range
PRO and MAX controllers
Both models share the hardware platform; the Motion layer is what differs.
| Model | Motion layer | EtherCAT axes | Built-in I/O | Local pulse | Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRO-C | Electronic gear · interpolation · cam | 32 | 32 | 8 axes | PRO-E slices |
| MAX-C | PRO set + G-code · NURBS · compensation | 32 | 32 | 8 axes | PRO-E slices |
Expansion slices are DC 24 V ±15 % at 105 × 98 × 29 mm, 0.6 A per channel and 500 V isolation.
Selection notes
How to choose within the range
- Choose PRO for coordinated multi-axis machines that need electronic cam and interpolation but generate their own geometry.
- Choose MAX when the machine cuts a path defined by a drawing — engraving, cutting, dispensing, polishing — and G-code is the natural input.
- Plan the slice chain: five modules per chain, START at the head and END at the tail.
Next step
Tell us what the machine has to do.
Send the axis count, the I/O list or a photo of the existing panel. You get a model recommendation, a wiring note and a quote — usually within one business day.