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Industrial Automation & Network Hardware
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Hardware Comparison: Kinetix 5500 vs. 5700 Servo Drives

May 06, 2025

The Kinetix 5500 and 5700 series servo drives offer innovative solutions for modern motion control systems. Designed to work with Kinetix VP servo motors, both series offer high integration, compact footprints, and communication over EtherNet/IP, eliminating the need for a dedicated motion network and significantly reducing cabling and complexity.

Common Features

1. Integrated Motion Architecture

  • Seamless integration with Allen-Bradley Logix 5000 controllers

  • Part of Rockwell's Integrated Architecture system

2. Unified Programming and Diagnostics

  • Common user experience across both models

  • Identical status and diagnostics handling

3. EtherNet/IP & Sercos Communication

  • Native support for CIP Motion, CIP Safety, CIP Sync, and more

  • Sercos interface with fiber optics for noise immunity

4. Single Motor Cable Technology

  • Simplifies wiring by combining feedback and power in one cable

  • Enables easier maintenance and reduces cost

5. Integrated Safety

  • EtherNet/IP network safety eliminates hardwiring

  • Reduces safety components and cabling

6. Actuator Compatibility

  • Compatible with MP-Series cylinders, linear stages, and LDAT thrusters

  • 5500 requires Hiperface-to-DSL converter; 5700 uses a feedback connector kit

Key Differences Between Kinetix 5500 and 5700

1. Application Scope

  • Kinetix 5500: Ideal for 1–12 axis applications with lower speed and footprint constraints

  • Kinetix 5700: Designed for high-speed, high-axis count systems (4–12+ axis)

2. Power Capabilities

  • 5500: Supports 0.2–14.6 kW (single- and three-phase)

  • 5700: Supports 1.7–60 kW (and up to 112 kW in new models)

3. Input Voltage

  • 5500: 195–264V AC (1/3 phase), 324–528V AC (3-phase), common bus 276–747V DC

  • 5700: 324–528V AC (3-phase only), common bus 458–747V DC

4. Feedback Support

  • 5500: DSL encoder only, Hiperface via converter kit

  • 5700: DSL, Hiperface, EnDat 2.x, TTL (via multi-feedback port)

5. Cable Length and Bus Grouping

  • 5500: Shorter cable runs

  • 5700: Supports up to 90m cables and 400m per bus sharing group

6. I/O Support

  • 5500: 1 dual-function home/registration input, 1 high-speed registration input

  • 5700: 4 assignable inputs per axis module, 2 inputs per DC bus supply (total of 10 functions)

7. Accessories

  • Both: Capacitor modules, line filters, shared-bus kits, passive shunt resistors

  • 5700 only: Line reactors, DCBUS-10 extension modules

2019 Enhancements to the 5700

1. Large Frame Addition

  • Increased output to 112 kW

  • Adaptive run-time tuning

  • Enhanced safety state for maintenance during production

2. Regenerative Bus Version

  • Captures braking energy and returns it to the grid

  • Real-time monitoring via EtherNet/IP

  • Increases energy efficiency and system optimization

Kinetix Motor Selection

The 5500 and 5700 drives are best utilized with Rockwell’s VP-series motors, offering compatibility with single-cable feedback and a range of applications.

Kinetix VP Motor Types:

  • VPL Low Inertia – High-speed, high-volume production

  • VPF Food Grade – Stainless steel shafts, food-grade coatings, configurable options

  • VPH Hygiene – EHEDG compliant, 3A certified, stainless-steel housing

  • VPS Stainless Steel – NSF/ANSI 169 compliant, 1200 psi washdown ready

  • VPC Continuous Duty – High-speed, high-torque performance, dual cable options

Other Supported Motors:

  • MP Series

  • TLP Multi-Service Motor

  • TL & TLY Compact Motors

  • HPK Asynchronous Motors

 
Conclusion

Whether designing for a compact footprint or a large-scale, multi-axis production line, the Kinetix 5500 and 5700 offer a scalable solution for integrated motion control. The 5500 serves best in small to mid-size applications with moderate power needs, while the 5700 shines in high-speed, high-performance systems that demand flexibility, scalability, and enhanced safety. Together with VP-series motors and EtherNet/IP integration, both deliver industry-leading control, safety, and energy efficiency for advanced automation environments.

For more information or to discuss which industrial control solution best fits your application, contact PLG Automation at sales@plgautomation.com or 800-906-9271.