Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, announces a significant software release for its PSD servo drive family, focused on “Intelligent Drive”. The release delivers new control modes, advanced synchronization functions and performance optimizations designed to improve throughput, accuracy and system efficiency in demanding industrial applications.

The update introduces dedicated Torque Control and Force Control modes tailored for push, press and winding applications. Open-loop Torque Control dynamically switches between current (torque) control and position control based on measured feedback. Force Control uses a sensor input for high‑accuracy closed‑loop force regulation, delivering precise and consistent applied force for sensitive assembly, press-to-fit or forming tasks.

New gearing and synchronization capabilities further extend the PSD drives’ capability for dynamic applications such as “cut-on-fly” and continuous handling. The GearInPos function synchronizes a secondary axis to a primary axis with precise positional alignment to reach a requested speed exactly at the synchronization point, which is ideal for cutting or indexing applications. The new MoveSuperImposed function enables a relative, superimposed movement on an axis already in motion, which is predestined for compensatory or corrective overlays during continuous operation. This allows smoother, more flexible multi‑axis motion strategies and fewer mechanical compromises.

The software release also delivers a package of performance and control improvements, like speed and load-torque observers or integrated notch filtering, that translate directly into application benefits: Enhanced disturbance rejection and more efficient energy use.

On the engineering side, PSD Servo Manager gains productivity features to accelerate multi‑drive commissioning and tuning. The new multi‑axis tool streamlines configuration and coordinated motion setup for systems with several drives, and the integrated signal analyzer enables on‑board frequency response measurements to speed up tuning and validation without additional instruments. Another new feature is the support for Codesys network variables, which enable easy data exchange with other devices in the machine network and support use cases such as condition monitoring.

The PSD series itself combines compact multi‑axis scalability with ease of use. A modular architecture with a central mains module and one‑, two‑ or three‑axis modules sharing a DC bus supports efficient power distribution for multi‑axis systems, while a single‑axis stand‑alone version offers the same functional capabilities for smaller machines. Design features such as fast wiring, a standard one‑cable feedback solution, reduced cabling needs and an integrated SD memory card makes installation, maintenance and device exchange faster and more economical.

“We designed this release to address the requirements of having more functions and features directly in the servo drive and are proud of the result,” said Markus Gugel, Product Manager, Electric Motion and Pneumatic Division. “Customers will see tangible gains in performance, timing and system efficiency without sacrificing ease of use.”

This software release is available now for compatible PSD hardware. Customers and machine builders can contact their Parker representative or local distributor for compatibility guidance and detailed release notes.

Learn more about Parker Servo Drives at: https://www.parker.com/gb/en/divisions/motion-systems-group-europe/resources/parker-servo-drive.html

motion control