MPL vs VPL Servo Motors

MPL Servo Motors Overview 

MPL servo motors are a family of MP-Series™ low-inertia rotary servo motors, from Rockwell Automation under Allen-Bradley Bulletin MPL. They are compact and highly dynamic brushless servo motors consisting of premium permanent magnets. They feature multi-turn or single-turn high resolution encoders, and they are available with 24 Volts DC brakes.

The MPL units use innovative design characteristics and advanced winding technology to reduce motor size while delivering considerably higher torque. They thus leverage their high torque-to-size ratio to provide high-performance motion systems, which require servo motors with quicker acceleration and excellent torque performance. The MP-Series™ low-inertia servo motors are typically used with PowerFlex drives and Kinetix drives from Allen-Bradley.

MPL Frame Sizes 

The Allen-Bradley® MPL servo motors feature two input voltage classes: 400V-class and 200V-class. They are available in nine (9) frame sizes ranging from smaller frames of 63 mm (millimeters) and 75 mm, to larger frames that measure between 165 mm to 300 mm.

The catalog numbers of MPL servo motors consist of different characters, each of which identifies a specific component for that motor. A typical MPL catalog number (MPL – X XX XX X – X X 7 X A A) is interpreted as follows:

• MP– Series: MP = Rotary servo motor with a premium permanent magnet  
• L– Series Type: L = Low Inertia 
• -X– Voltage class: A = 200V; B = 400V 
• XX– Frame Size: 15 = 63 mm; 2 = 75 mm; 4 = 115 mm;  3 = 100 mm; 5 = 165 mm; 45 = 130 mm; 6 = 215 mm; 9 = 300 mm; 8 = 265mm 
• XX– Magnet Stack Length: 40 = 101.6 mm (4.0 in.); 20 = 50.8 mm (2.0 in.); 10 = 25.4 mm (1.0 in.); 30 = 76.2 mm (3.0 in.); 50 = 127.0 mm (5.0 in.); 80 = 203.2 mm (8.0 in.);  60 = 152.4 mm (6.0 in.); 70 = 177.8 mm (7.0 in.) 
• X– Rated Motor Speed: B = 1000 rpm; D = 2000 rpm; C = 1500 rpm;  F = 3000 rpm; J = 3750 rpm; H = 3500 rpm; K = 4000 rpm; P = 5000 rpm; T = 6000 rpm; U = 7000 rpm; V = 8000 rpm 
• -X– Feedback 
• X– Enclosure or Shaft Seal or Shaft Key: J = Shaft key/Without shaft seal; K = Without shaft key/Without shaft seal 
• 7– Connectors: 7 = Circular (SpeedTEC) right angle DIN connector, 180^° rotatable  
• X– Brake: 2 = No Brake; 4 = 24V DC Brake 
• A– Mounting Flange: A = Type FF IEC metric, free mounting holes 
• A– Factory Options: A = Standard 

Some of the 200V-class MPL servo motors include: 

• MPL-A1510V; MPL-A1530U: 63mm Frame Size 
• MPL-A220T; MPL-A230P: 75 mm Frame Size 
• MPL-A310F; MPL-A320P: 100 mm Frame Size 
• MPL-A420P; MPL-A430H: 115 mm Frame Size  
• MPL-A4530F; MPL-A4540C:130 mm Frame Size 
• MPL-A540K; MPL-A560F: 165 mm Frame Size 

Examples of 400V-class MPL servo motors include: 

• MPL-B1510V; MPL-B1520U: 63mm Frame Size 
• MPL-B210V; MPL-B220T: 75 mm Frame Size 
• MPL-B310P; MPL-B330P: 100 mm Frame Size 
• MPL-B420P; MPL-B430P: 115 mm Frame Size  
• MPL-B4530K; MPL-B4560F:130 mm Frame Size 
• MPL-B680F; MPL-B680H: 215 mm Frame Size 
• MPL-B860D; MPL-B880C: 265 mm Frame Size 
• MPL-B960B; MPL-B980E: 300 mm Frame Size 

VPL Servo Motors Overview 

The Kinetix VP is a low-inertia servo motor designed by Rockwell Automation, under Allen-Bradley Bulletin VPL. These compact, brushless servo motors are based on the proven MP-Series™ technology to meet the demanding requirements for increased reliability, dynamic performance, and high-volume production.

Bulletin VPL servo motors feature digital feedback devices including multi-turn or single-turn high-resolution absolute encoders, which provide real-time information on motor performance to the controllers. They are characterized by single-cable connectivity between the drive and the servo motor. This simplifies the installation of such motion systems. Also, VPL servo motors can include 24V DC brakes or have no brakes.

In addition, Bulletin VPL servo motors are available with winding options that are optimized to match the power ratings of Kinetix®5700 dual-axis inverters and Kinetix® 5500 drives, for extended functionality. They are designed in conjunction with the aforementioned Kinetix® drives, to optimize machine operations through single-cable technology. This optimizes the system sizing resulting in improved energy efficiency, which significantly lowers the system costs.

Moreover, the DSL feedback ports in Kinetix®5700 servo drives provide support for Kinetix® VPL servo motors with single-cable technology. Thus, panel builders and system engineers can use a single power cable for motor connection, feedback, and brakes, which helps in reducing the overall wiring required for the motion control system. Furthermore, the Kinetix® 5700 drive series extends the capabilities of Integrated Motion control over EtherNet/IP, thereby enhancing machine builder applications for VPL servo motors.

Kinetix VPL Frame Sizes 

Like MPL servo motors, Kinetix® VPL servo motors also feature two input voltage classes: 400V-class and 200V-class. However, they’re available in six (6) frame sizes with smaller frames of 63 mm (millimeters) and 75 mm, and larger frames measuring 100 mm, 115 mm, 130 mm, and 165 mm.

Similarly, the catalog numbers of Kinetix® VPL servo motors consist of different characters, with each character identifying a specific component for that motor. A typical catalog number of an Allen-Bradley Kinetix® VPL servo motor is written as VP L – X XXX X X – X X 1 X A X, and is interpreted as follows:

• VP– Series: VP= Rotary servo motor with a premium permanent magnet. The VP motors are optimized to match the power ratings of Kinetix 5700 and Kinetix 5500 drives 
• L– Series Type: L = Low Inertia 
• -X– Voltage class: A = 200V; B = 400V 
• XXX- Frame Size which is the Bolt Circle Diameter (BCD): 075 = 75 mm; 063 = 63 mm; 100 = 100 mm; 130 = 130 mm; 115 = 115 mm; 165 = 165 mm 
• X– Magnet Stack Length: Including 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 stacks 
• X– Rated Motor Speed: A = 1500 rpm; B = 2000 rpm; C = 2500 rpm; D = 3000 rpm; E = 3500 rpm; F = 4500 rpm; T = 6750 rpm; M= 6000 rpm; U = 8000 rpm 
• -X– Feedback 
• X– Shaft Key: J = Shaft key; K = Smooth shaft 
• 1– Connector: 1 = Single (SpeedTEC) right angle DIN connector, 325^° rotatable  
• X– Brake: 2 = No Brake; 4 = 24V DC Brake 
• A– Mounting Flange: A = Free mounting holes of type FF and IEC metric  
• X– Factory Options: A = Standard; S = Shaft seal 

Some of the 200V-class Kinetix VPL servo motors include: 

• VPL-A0631E; VPL-A0632F; VPL-A0633C:  63mm Frame Size 
• VPL-A0751E; VPL-A0752C; VPL-A0753E: 75 mm Frame Size 
• VPL-A1003C; VPL-A1002F; VPL-A1001M: 100 mm Frame Size 
• VPL-A1152B; VPL-A1152E; VPL-A1153C: 115 mm Frame Size  
• VPL-A1303F; VPL-A1304A; VPL-A1304D:130 mm Frame Size 

Examples of 400V-class Kinetix VPL servo motors include:

• VPL-B0631U; VPL-B0632T; VPL-B0633M: 63mm Frame Size 
• VPL-B0751M; VPL-B0752E; VPL-B0753F: 75 mm Frame Size 
• VPL-B1002E; VPL-B1001M; VPL-B1003C: 100 mm Frame Size 
• VPL-B1153E; VPL-B1152T; VPL-B1153F: 115 mm Frame Size  
• VPL-B1303C; VPL-B1304E; VPL-B1306F:130 mm Frame Size 
• VPL-B1651C; VPL-B1654B; VPL-B1653D; VPL-B1652F: 165 mm Frame Size 

What Differentiates MPL Servo Motors From VPL Servo Motors? 

Kinetix VPL servo motors and the MP-Series™ low-inertia servo motors are mechanically compatible, as they have almost identical shaft and mounting dimensions. In fact, they both use the standard IEC 72-1 mounting dimension. However, there are several performance variations between the two. For example, a VPL servo motor in combination with the Kinetix® 5500 drive, will offer similar torque performance but at much slower speeds than an MPL servo drive. Let’s compare the attributes and performance capabilities of the Allen-Bradley MPL and VPL servo motor series.

A) Motor Type

The MPL and VPL series are both brushless AC synchronous low-inertia servo motors. These motors consist of high-energy rare-earth magnets, for faster acceleration.

B) Motor Ratings

The power, torque, and speed ratings of the Kinetix® VPL and MPL-Series™ are as outlined below:

Attribute	Kinetix® VPL	MPL-Series™
Rated Power Output	0.25…9.60 Hp (0.19…7.16 kW)	0.21…24.94 Hp (0.16…18.6 kW)
Rated Speed	Up to 8000 rpm(Revolutions per minute)	Up to 8000 rpm
Continuous Stall Torque	0.46…33 N.m(Newton-meter)	0.26…163 N.m
Peak Stall Torque	1.33…79 N.m	0.74…278 N.m

C) Enhancing Technologies

The MPL-Series™ is characterized by Smart Motor Technology. This technology entails an embedded memory that retains information on motor identity. It also avails a communication link that automatically reports the motor identity to the control system, upon start-up. This reduces commissioning time. In addition, an operator can make intelligent and informed decisions using the information obtained from smart motor control devices. This enables safe operations and increased productivity across the MPL servo motor system.

On the other hand, Kinetix® VPL servo motors are characterized by Single Cable Technology, in which motor connectivity is reduced to the use of a single cable and one connector. This technology eliminates multiple hardware and wire terminations. Also, entirely digital communication using two-wire connectivity is integrated into the motor’s power cable.

As previously stated, the single cable technology enables Kinetix® VPL servo motors to be used in conjunction with Kinetix® 5500 and Kinetix® 5700 servo drives. Bulletin 2090 cables with catalog number 2090-CSxM1Dx, are available in 1.0 m(meters) increments of up to 50 m for use with Kinetix® 5500 drives, and up to 90 m for use with Kinetix® 5700 drives.

Note: Due to the unique characteristics of the single cable technology, only cables designed and tested for use with Kinetix® 5700 and Kinetix® 5500 drives can be used with Kinetix® VPL motors. Thus, using third-party cables or your own customized cables is never an option with single-cable technology.

D) Compatible Drives

Kinetix® VPL servo motors are typically used with the Allen-Bradley Kinetix® 5700 and Kinetix® 5500 servo drives. On the contrary, MPL servo motors are compatible with the Allen-Bradley Kinetix® 6000, Kinetix 6200/6500, Kinetix 6000, Kinetix 7000, Kinetix 2000, Kinetix 300/350, and Ultra3000 servo drive families.

Note: To use MPL servo motors with Kinetix® 5500 servo drives, the 2198-H2DCK (series B or later) converter kit with Hiperface-to-DSL feedback protocol is required. Also, MPL servo motors can be used with Kinetix® 5700 drives, though they require the 2198-K57CK-D15M universal feedback converter kit.

E) Motor Connectors/Cable Compatibility

Both Kinetix VPL and MPL servo motors are equipped with SpeedTEC DIN connectors. These connectors allow use of a single cable family within the MPL-Series™. They also allow for flexible orientation of the motor connections in both VPL and MPL series. The SpeedTEC DIN connectors used with Kinetix VPL motors can rotate 325°, while those available with MPL series can only rotate 180°. Both MPL and VPL servo motors consist of a threaded hole at the shaft-end.

For the VPL series, VPL-A/B063xxx…VPL-B165xxx servo motors have single SpeedTEC connector. They only receive single-motor cable plugs, and each cable plug is attached with one-quarter turn. Kinetix® 5700 connect to VPL servo motors via 2090-CSxM1DE cables, while Kinetix® 5500 use 2090-CSxM1DF cables. 2090-CSxM1DG cables apply to either Kinetix® 5700 or Kinetix® 5500 servo drives.

For the MPL series, MPL-A/B15xxx…MPL-B9xxx servo motors include circular SpeedTEC DIN Connectors. They receive M7 and M4 cable plugs, and an O-ring is required for the M4 plugs. The M7 cable plug is attached with one-quarter turn.

F) Low-Inertia Motor Options

The MP-Series™ low-inertia servo motors are available with the following options: 

• 24 Volts DC brake 
• Optional keyless shaft. Only a limited number of MPL frame sizes are available with this feature- those with extended lead times, including MPL-A/B3xx, MPL-A/B5xx, MPL-A/B4xx, and MPL-A/B45xx servo motors. 
• Shaft seal kits and Replacement kits for field installation. Nitrile is used to make these MPL shaft seals, while the kits include a lubricant that reduces wear. 

Conversely, Kinetix^® VP low-inertia rotary servo motors are available with various configurable options including:

• Multi-turn or Single-turn encoder 
• With or without 24V DC brake. 
• Choice of Keyless or Keyed shaft. 
• Shaft seal kits and Replacement kits for field installation. VPL shaft seals are also made of Nitrile, while the kits include lubricants to reduce wear. 

G) High Resolution Encoders

MP-Series low-inertia motors are available with high-resolution encoders for precise control and smooth motor performance. You can choose either single-turn (-E, and -S) or multi-turn (-V, and -M) high resolution feedback. These high-resolution encoders provide:  

• 1024 sin/cos cycles per revolution for up to 2,097,152 counts per revolution (21-bit resolution) with –M and –S encoders. The MPL motors with such encoders include MPL-A/B3xx, MPL-A/B4xx, MPL-A/B5xx, MPL-A/B45xx, MPL-B8xx, MPL-B6xx, and MPL-B9xx servo motors. 
• 128 sin/cos cycles per revolution for up to 262,144 counts per revolution (18-bit resolution) with –E and –V encoders. The MPL motors with these encoders include MPL-A/B2xx and MPL-A/B15xx servo motors. 
• A single-turn high-resolution encoder that provides absolute position feedback within just one turn. 
• A multi-turn high-resolution encoder that provides absolute position feedback in 4096 turns. Its electromechanical design is capable of functioning reliably even without a battery. 

Similarly, Kinetix® VPL servo motors are available with high-resolution encoders, for precise control and high motor performance. You can choose either single-turn (–C), multi-turn (–P), or SIL 2 safety rated (–Q and –W) multi-turn high-resolution feedback. The three high-resolution encoder options provide:

• Choice between either multi-turn or single-turn 18-bit resolution encoders, which provide up to 262,144 counts per revolution.  
  • The single-turn encoder (-C) option in this category provides absolute position feedback within just one turn.  
  • While the multi-turn encoder (-P) gives absolute position feedback in just 4096 turns. The electromechanical design of the two encoder types does not need a battery. 

• SIL 2 safety rated absolute multi-turn digital encoder with Hiperface DSL protocol. This encoder provides two position feedback options:  
  • Up to 8,388,608 counts per revolution for 23-bit resolution, multi-turn absolute position feedback in 4096 turns. The (-Q) encoder option consists of a 12-bit secondary safety channel.  
  • Up to 262,144 counts per revolution for 23-bit resolution, multi-turn absolute position feedback in 4096 turns. The (-W) encoder option consists of a 9-bit secondary safety channel. 

H) Certifications and Environmental Ratings

Kinetix^® VPL and the MP-Series™ servo motors are both UL recognized rotary motors, which comply with CSA and UL standards. Also, they are both CE marked for all directives that apply.  

On environmental ratings, both MPL and VPL servo motors are IP50 rated as the minimum standard compliance when no shaft seals are used. When the optional shaft seals are included, the VPL and MPL motors are IP66 rated, and they should be used with environmentally sealed cable connectors.