Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product type | FX Series positioning servo drive |
| Typical part number | 960132-01 |
| Supply voltage | 24 VDC |
| Compatible motors | DX-series brushless servo motors |
| Motor torque range | 8 to 400 lb-in continuous (system-level) |
| Max motor speed | Up to 5,000 RPM (motor-dependent) |
| Feedback | Resolver |
| Communication | Analog reference, discrete I/O; optional network via application modules |
| Environmental rating | IP65 for non-MS DX motors; drive mounting per panel spec |
| Operating temperature | Approx. -25 °C to +60 °C (verify per nameplate) |
| Connections | MS-style connectors or internal terminal blocks |
| Expansion options | IOM-1, PCM modules, memory/application modules |
| Resolver cable limit | 100 ft max without factory approval |
| Typical applications | Indexing, web handling, press feed, ratio control, coordinated motion |
Product Introduction
Most engineers do not hunt for an FX-316 unless they are supporting an older Emerson motion station. This is not a generic PLC I/O card or a process analog output module. It is a standalone positioning servo drive from the Emerson FX Series, intended to drive DX-series brushless servo motors with resolver feedback.
The FX-316 sits between the machine controller and the motor. It accepts analog or discrete commands, runs the commutation and current control, and closes the position/speed loop using resolver feedback. Its practical value is predictable standalone motion control with optional expansion through IOM/PCM modules — ratio control, indexing, pause/resume, and encoder synchronization. Because it is legacy hardware, treat every replacement as a verification job, not a blind swap.
QA/QC Transparency SOP
- Intake & Origin Verification: Record model FX-316, part number 960132-01 if present, serial number, and revision. Reject units with cracked MS connectors, burnt terminals, or missing resolver port caps.
- Live Functional Testing: Mount on a test bench with a compatible DX motor and 24 VDC supply. Command jog moves in position and velocity mode. Verify rotation direction, torque response, and fault reporting.
- Electrical Parameter Tests: Measure 24 VDC supply current at idle and under load. Check resolver circuit continuity, phase-to-phase motor resistance, and insulation to chassis. Confirm no shorted output stages.
- Feedback & Configuration Verification: Confirm resolver feedback is stable and the drive commutates correctly. Check application module fit (IOM/PCM) and verify any stored motion parameters.
- Final QC & Anti-Static Packaging: Label with serial number, tested motor type, and pass/fail status. Pack in anti-static material with connector protection. Do not release without a matched serial-to-report record.
Field Engineer Gotchas
- Wrong product family assumption: “FX-316” appears in surplus listings as an I/O module, gas detector, or servo drive. The Emerson Motion Control FX-316 is a positioning servo drive for DX motors. Solution: confirm 960132-01 and DX motor compatibility before buying.
- Resolver cable length limit: Resolver cables are commonly 15 ft, 25 ft, or 50 ft. Anything beyond 100 ft requires factory approval. Solution: measure actual cable length and check for noise before blaming the drive.
- MS connector mismatch: DX motors may use MS-style connectors or internal terminal blocks. Mixing cable types causes open resolver or phase errors. Solution: match cable type to the motor connector exactly.
- 24 VDC supply sag: A weak 24 VDC supply can cause intermittent faults during acceleration. Solution: measure voltage at the drive terminals under load, not just at the power supply output.
- Application module dependency: Some functions require specific PCM/IOM modules. Removing or swapping them can disable indexing, ratio control, or extended I/O. Solution: photograph module configuration before disassembly.
EMERSON FX-316
Application Scenarios
- Packaging machine indexing: Drives a DX servo motor for label placement or carton indexing where repeatable stop positions matter more than high bandwidth tuning.
- Web handling ratio control: Uses PCM-based ratio control to keep a driven roller synchronized with a master encoder during unwind/rewind operations.
- Press feed synchronization: Coordinates material feed with a press cycle using a master encoder reference and stored motion programs.
- Legacy OEM retrofit: Replaces a failed FX drive in an older Emerson motion station where rewriting the entire machine for a new servo platform is not justified.
FAQ
Is the FX-316 a PLC I/O module?
No. In Emerson Motion Control usage, the FX-316 is a positioning servo drive for DX-series brushless servo motors. Some unrelated listings reuse the “FX-316” label, so always verify the part number.
What part number should I look for?
960132-01 is commonly associated with the FX-316 positioning servo drive. Still confirm against the nameplate and system documentation.
Which motors does it support?
DX-series brushless servo motors matched to the FX amplifier power range. Do not connect arbitrary 24 VDC servo motors without confirming commutation and resolver compatibility.
Can it run without a PLC?
It can execute stored motion programs and respond to discrete/analog commands, depending on configuration and application modules. It is not a full PLC, but it does not always need a PLC for basic indexing.
Does it support Ethernet or fieldbus?
Not as a native feature of the base drive. Network or advanced motion functions typically require PCM/IOM application modules.
Is new stock still available?
Treat availability as surplus unless confirmed by an authorized source. Verify serial number, revision, resolver interface, and application module fit before purchase.
