KUKA PC-based control systems and drive components form the computational and motion execution core of KUKA industrial robot controllers.
This index page provides a system-level reference for understanding how KUKA PC hardware and drive components are structured, classified, and correlated across different controller generations.
Rather than listing individual part numbers or product variants, this page focuses on controller architecture, PC platforms, and drive system categories, offering a neutral reference for orientation and identification within the KUKA controller ecosystem.
Core Reference: PC & Drive System Architecture
KUKA robot controllers are built around industrial PC platforms combined with modular drive systems.
Each controller generation integrates dedicated computing hardware and drive components responsible for motion control, axis power delivery, and real-time system coordination.
| Component Category | Associated Controller Platforms | System Role |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial PC (IPC) Units | KRC2, KRC4 | Central computing and real-time control |
| Motion & Drive Controllers | KRC2, KRC4 | Coordinate axis motion and drive communication |
| Servo Drive Modules | KRC2, KRC4 | Axis power amplification and motion execution |
| Power Supply & DC Bus Modules | All generations | Power distribution for drive systems |
| Drive Communication Interfaces | KRC2, KRC4 | Data exchange between PC and drive hardware |
This abstraction reflects how KUKA separates computing logic and drive execution at a system level.
1. Industrial PC (IPC) Platforms
Industrial PCs serve as the computational core of KUKA robot controllers.
They host the robot control software, system logic, and communication services required for real-time operation.
Key characteristics include:
- Controller-generation-specific PC platforms
- Industrial-grade hardware for continuous operation
- Tight integration with motion and drive subsystems
IPC compatibility is defined by controller platform rather than by standalone PC specifications.
2. Drive Controllers & Motion Coordination Components
Drive controllers manage the coordination between the industrial PC and the servo drive hardware.
Their system role includes:
- Translating motion commands into drive-level instructions
- Managing real-time synchronization across multiple axes
- Handling drive communication protocols
These components are designed specifically for the controller generation and are not universally interchangeable.
3. Servo Drive Modules
Servo drive modules provide power amplification and closed-loop control for robot axes.
At a system level, drive modules are characterized by:
- Axis power capacity and configuration
- Integration with controller-specific drive buses
- Compatibility with the controllers motion architecture
Drive modules are identified primarily by drive family and controller platform, not by physical appearance alone.
Servo Drive Spare Parts by Robot Brand
Different robot manufacturers use dedicated servo drive architectures and compatibility standards.
Select your robot brand below to browse matching servo drive spare parts, improve repair efficiency, and reduce unexpected downtime.
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ABB Servo Drives Explore servo drive units compatible with ABB IRC5 and OmniCore robot controllers.
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FANUC Servo Drives Find original and replacement servo amplifiers for FANUC R-30iA, R-30iB, and related systems.
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KUKA Servo Drives Browse KUKA KPP and KSP drive modules designed for KRC2 and KRC4 controller platforms.
- Yaskawa Servo Drives View Yaskawa servo drive solutions for NX100, DX200, and YRC1000 robot controllers.
4. Power Supply & Drive Power Components
Power supply units and DC bus components support the drive system by delivering regulated power.
Typical functions include:
- Supplying DC bus voltage for servo drives
- Supporting braking and energy management
- Ensuring stable operation under dynamic load conditions
These components are common across multiple configurations but remain platform-dependent.
5. Identification & Classification Scope
When identifying KUKA PC and drive components, the following principles apply:
- Component compatibility is determined by controller platform
- Functional classification precedes individual component identification
- PC hardware and drive hardware must be considered as an integrated system
This index is intended to clarify how KUKA structures PC and drive components, not to determine direct replacement suitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are KUKA PC components interchangeable across different controller generations?
A: No. Industrial PC platforms are closely tied to specific controller generations and system architectures.
Q: Do drive modules with similar ratings serve the same function?
A: Not necessarily. Drive module compatibility depends on controller platform, drive bus, and system integration.
Q: Why are PC and drive components grouped together in this index?
A: Because KUKA controller architecture tightly couples computing platforms with drive systems at a system level.