Product Overview

The ABB NXE100-1616S is a high-performance, standalone multi-axis motion controller from ABB’s NextMove e100 series, engineered to deliver precise, synchronized control for demanding industrial automation applications . This intelligent controller serves as the central “brain” for complex motion systems, capable of orchestrating up to 16 axes of coordinated motion, including four integrated stepper motor axes and three on-board servo axes, with additional axes managed via Ethernet POWERLINK . The ABB NXE100-1616S is specifically designed for machinery requiring high-speed, precise motion coordination, such as packaging machines, printing presses, and electronic assembly equipment.

The ABB NXE100-1616S is distinguished by its open-collector (single-ended) stepper outputs, making it ideal for applications interfacing with standard stepper drives . It supports a maximum stepper output frequency of 500 kHz and provides a comprehensive I/O suite, including 20 digital inputs (software-configurable as level or edge-triggered), 12 general-purpose digital outputs, one relay output, two 12-bit differential analog inputs, and four 12-bit single-ended analog outputs . This extensive onboard connectivity reduces the need for additional I/O modules in many applications. Programming is facilitated through the powerful Mint motion control language, a structured form of Basic tailored for motion applications, allowing engineers to quickly develop everything from simple point-to-point moves to complex electronic cam and gearing profiles .

With dual Ethernet ports supporting both TCP/IP and Ethernet POWERLINK, plus an isolated CANopen interface, the ABB NXE100-1616S integrates seamlessly into diverse automation architectures . Its robust, compact design, with an IP20 protection rating, is built for reliable operation in demanding industrial environments. As the functional heart of ABB’s NextMove e100 series, the ABB NXE100-1616S remains a critical solution for OEMs and system integrators seeking high-performance, cost-effective motion control for legacy and new multi-axis machinery.

 

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Product Model	NXE100-1616S
Manufacturer	ABB
Product Type	Standalone Multi-Axis Motion & Logic Controller
Series	NextMove e100
Maximum Control Axes	16 (4 on-board stepper + 3 on-board servo + external via POWERLINK)
On-Board Stepper Outputs	4 axes, Open-Collector (Single-Ended)
Stepper Max Output Frequency	500 kHz
Stepper Output Current	50 mA max sink per output
Digital Inputs	20, Opto-isolated, 24V DC, software configurable (level/edge)
Digital Outputs	12, General Purpose + 1 Relay Output
Analog Inputs	2, 12-bit Differential, ±10V common mode
Analog Outputs	4, 12-bit Single-Ended, ±10V
Encoder Inputs	3, RS422 A/B/Z, 20 MHz max quadrature
Communication – Ethernet	2 ports, 100 Mbit/s, TCP/IP & Ethernet POWERLINK
Communication – Serial	RS232/RS485/422 (non-isolated), up to 115200 baud
Communication – CAN	1 channel, Isolated, CANopen
Communication – USB	USB 1.1 (compatible with 2.0/3.0)
Supply Voltage	24V DC (±20%)
Power Consumption	50W (2A max at 24V)
Operating Temperature	0°C to +45°C
Storage Temperature	-20°C to +85°C
Relative Humidity	80% at 31°C, decreasing to 50% at 45°C
Protection Rating	IP20
Programming Language	Mint (Structured Basic)

 

 

Main Features and Advantages

Superior Motion Control Capabilities: The ABB NXE100-1616S provides comprehensive motion control features including point-to-point positioning, software cams and gearing, complex path control, and spline interpolation . It supports 2D/3D linear and circular interpolation with a typical motion task cycle of ≤ 1 ms, ensuring high-speed precision for demanding applications . The on-board encoder inputs (up to 20 MHz) enable closed-loop servo control, while the four stepper outputs handle open-loop axes, delivering a flexible solution for mixed-axis machinery.

Advanced Multi-Axis Coordination: The ABB NXE100-1616S excels in applications requiring tight synchronization between multiple axes. It offers electronic gearing, electronic camming with online CAM table modification, and virtual master axis functionality, enabling complex coordinated movements such as flying shear, rotary knife, and print registration . This capability makes the ABB NXE100-1616S ideal for high-speed packaging and converting lines where precise phase control is critical.

Comprehensive I/O and Communication Suite: The ABB NXE100-1616S integrates a rich set of I/O and communication options, significantly reducing the need for external modules. It features 20 digital inputs, 12 digital outputs, analog I/O, and encoder inputs, all on-board . For networking, the ABB NXE100-1616S provides dual Ethernet ports (Ethernet POWERLINK and TCP/IP), an isolated CANopen interface, and a versatile serial port, ensuring seamless connectivity with ABB and third-party servos, HMIs, and PLCs .

Robust and Industrial-Grade Design: The ABB NXE100-1616S is built for reliability in harsh factory environments, with an operating temperature range of 0°C to +45°C and a 24V DC supply tolerance of ±20% . Its rugged construction ensures stable performance even in high-vibration, electrically noisy settings, making the ABB NXE100-1616S a dependable choice for OEMs and system integrators.

Powerful and Accessible Programming with Mint: The ABB NXE100-1616S is programmed using the Mint language, a structured Basic specifically designed for motion control . Mint allows rapid development of complex motion sequences and provides powerful commands for cam profiling, gear ratios, and multi-axis coordination, reducing engineering time and enabling faster time-to-market for advanced machinery.