CANopen technology now is available for brushless dc motors. The communications protocol offering permits connection of up to 127 brushless dc motors with a single, shielded two-wire cable. Data is transmitted at speeds up to 125 kBd at distances over 550 yd. At lower baud rates, the transmission distance can exceed 3 mi. Under the protocol, motors can be controlled separately or together. The motors with CANopen can operate over a wide voltage range, withstanding up to 80-Vdc regenerative energy. The motors use two safety inputs to cut down power in the motor even if the microprocessor has failed.
