MLX100 and MLX200 Servo Amplifier NOTE EtherCAT Module Firmware Compatibility

If a brand-new servo pack is purchased from Yaskawa (Drives and Motion) for replacement on a functioning MLX100 or MLX200 servo panel, we expect a compatibility problem.

Problem:

The issue occurs in that the EtherCAT module provided now has a firmware at version 7 or above that is incompatible with the MLX100 or MLX200 EtherCAT master.

 

When starting up with an invalid firmware an alarm will be displayed on the MLX HMI.  But the cause and resolution and not clear.  It says something like "Initialization Failure", but without any finite details.

Investigation:

Confirm what version the firmware is. 

1. Install the latest version of SigmaWin7 software, or better.
2. Connect to the drive
3. Read the Product Information:
   
4. The Option Module “SW Ver” is the category of concern:
   
   • In this situation the firmware is version 3 and is OK for use.  This module would be a good one to use or try as a swap

Solution:

Use an EtherCAT module with version 6 firmware or less.

Option #1 - The easiest solution is to remove the EtherCAT unit from the side of the failed servopack and attach it to a newly purchased unit.

Option #2 – Update the firmware on the module.  This process and firmware is maintained by another division of Yaskawa.  The landing page for this procedure is here:

• https://www.yaskawa.com/web/guest/products/motion/sigma-5-servo-products/servopacks/sgdv-ethercat/-/content/_007377e1-1442-453d-a254-2d5ff6f6faf9_Firmware

It won’t be easy and it will take considerable time and patience.  Option #1 should be the first attempt!