Hardware Comparison: Kinetix 300 vs Kinetix 350

The Kinetix 300 and Kinetix 350 are both parts of Allen Bradley’s Kinetix Motion Control Family. Both components are motion drives, and they’re very similar in functionality, with some significant exceptions.

Both the Kinetix 300 and Kinetix 350 are single axis motion drives. Both drives have been positioned as a low-cost solution for simple motion applications. Both drives accept either 120VAC, 240VAC, or 480VAC input power, and provide between 0.4 and 3.0 KW of output power. Both drives have a 2.0 – 12.0 amp continuous rated output current for all voltage ranges. Control is via Ethernet/IP with supplemental digital inputs. Both drives can run 240 volt motors at full speed using 120VAC input power. Basically, on the power side of the drives these drives are the same. Both drives utilize functional safety techniques, with Safe Torque Off functionality built in giving them a PLd or SIL2 rating.

The differences on the control side for each drive are significant. Both the Kinetix 300 and 350 are single axis drives, but the Kinetix 300 supports only limited control options while the Kinetix 350 supports the full range of Allen Bradley motion control commands. This is significant when designing your motion system, as the Kinetix 350 integrates into a more complex overall motion application more easily. The Kinetix 350 allows for full motion control over Ethernet, while the Kinetix 300 will only support indexing over Ethernet. One benefit the Kinetix 300 holds over the Kinetix 350 is the ability for the Micro830, Micro850, and Micro870 of the Micro800 family and the MicroLogix 1100 and 1400 to control them in simple motion applications. Both drives can control the same motors, but the Kinetix 350 is going to allow for more complex applications with those motors. Another significant difference is the Kinetix 350 uses CIP Safety (networked safety) for it’s Safe Torque Off functionality, while the Kinetix 300 uses hardwire safety. This saves several wires during installation, as the safety signals can be passed over the same communications cable that is used for drive control (a Safety-rated controller is required to use network safety.)

Overall, looking at the two drives you will see there is not much difference between them. They’re basically the same power module with different control modules integrated into them. The Kinetix 300 and 350 both drive a single axis and are aligned for low cost motion applications. The differences between the two are there to give the designer more flexibility when choosing components. If the application doesn’t call for a full motion command set, then the Kinetix 300 drive should work. If the application demands more than just simple indexing, then the Kinetix 350 is a good starting point.

Specifications Comparison, Kinetix 300 vs. Kinetix 350
Specifications	Kinetix 300	Kinetix 350
Main Characteristics	Single Axis for low complexity motion applications Flexible control via PTO, I/O control, or explicit messaging with PLC Ethernet/IP Indexing control with PAC Hardwire Safe Torque Off	Single Axis, Integrated Motion, Low axis cost Supports complete motion command set Memory Module for Automatic Drive Replacement 120VAC model can drive 240VAC motors at full speed Safe Torque Off Control via Ethernet/IP
Axes	Single Axis	Single Axis
Input Voltage	120/240VAC (1phase) 240VAC (3 phase) 480VAC	120/240VAC (1phase) 240VAC (3 phase) 480VAC
Output Power	0.4-3.0 kW	0.4-3.0 kW
Output Current	2.0 – 12.0 Arms	2.0 – 12.0 Arms
Digital Inputs	Enable, home, overtravel, high speed register (1), (8) configurable inputs	Enable, home, overtravel, high speed register (1)
Digital Outputs	Ready, (4) configurable outputs	Motor brake relay out
I/O Control	PTO, I/O, or explicit messaging with PLC. Ethernet/IP indexing with PAC	Ethernet/IP
Feedback	Absolute multi turn or single turn, incremental encoders (see manual)	Absolute multi turn or single turn, incremental encoders
Rotary Motor Compatibility	Kinetix MPL, MPM, MPF, MPS, TLY	Kinetix MPL, MPM, MPF, MPS, TLY
Linear Motor Compatibility	LDC-Series Iron Core LDL-Series Ironless	None
Linear Actuator Compatibility	Kinetix MPAS, MPAI,MPAS, MPMA. LDAT-Sxxxxxx-xBx or xDx	Kinetix MPAR, MPAI, MPAS, MPMA
Controller Compatibility	ControlLogix or GuardLogix 5570, 5580 with 1756-ENxT. CompactLogix 5370,5380 MicroLogix 1100, 1400. Micro830, Micro850, Micro870	ControlLogix or GuardLogix 5570, 5580 through 1756- EN2T, EN2TR, or EN3TR CompactLogix or CompactGuardLogix 5370, 5380
Safety Certification	TUV Rheinland certified PLd, Cat 3, SIL2	TUV Rheinland certified PLd, Cat 3, SIL2