ELAU C400/A8/1/1/1/10 Pentium M 600 MHz PacDrive Controller

Description

Product Introduction & Engineering Value

If you have ever had a packaging line stop because one legacy motion controller failed—and found that the OEM replacement is no longer practical—the ELAU C400A811110 is the kind of controller worth keeping on the shelf. It remains a practical spare for PacDrive M machines that depend on SERCOS-based multi-axis synchronization.

This controller runs VxWorks and provides IEC 61131-3 logic and motion functionality. Its A8 hardware designation limits the SERCOS ring to eight servo devices, while retaining the C400 platform’s controller, fieldbus, and machine-integration capabilities.

Technical Specifications

• Hardware ID: A8 = C400 controller supporting up to 8 SERCOS participants.
• Processor: Intel Pentium M, 600 MHz.
• RAM: 256 MB.
• Flash memory: 32 MB.
• Real-time OS: VxWorks.
• Programming: IEC 61131-3 PLC and motion-control languages.
• Motion bus: SERCOS interface at 16 Mbaud, ports X14 and X15.
• Machine network: Two PacNet interfaces, X12 and X13.
• Encoder interface: One SinCos or incremental encoder input at X11.
• Fieldbus options: PROFIBUS DP, CAN, CANopen, DeviceNet, or EtherNet/IP.
• Control power: 24 VDC, -15%/+25%; up to 3.0 A without UPS.
• Maximum power consumption: 85 W.

C400/A8/1/1/1/10

C400/A8/1/1/1/10

Field Application & The “Trench” Experience

A maintenance lead on a high-speed horizontal form-fill-seal line called after the original C400 controller began dropping SERCOS devices during warm startup. The line used eight servo axes for film tension, cross-seal, knife, and discharge conveyor synchronization. Rather than re-engineering the machine around a newer platform, the team installed a verified C400/A8 controller, restored the CompactFlash project image, and brought the SERCOS ring back online without changing the drive topology or HMI integration.

Typical niche deployments include:

• Horizontal form-fill-seal film transport and cross-seal synchronization
• Rotary filling and capping machines requiring electronic camming
• Cartoner and case-packer servo coordination across infeed, product transfer, and closing axes

Transparency SOP: QA & Testing

1. Visual inspection: Confirm correct C400/A8 hardware designation, connector condition, CompactFlash slot integrity, and absence of board damage.
2. Power-up verification: Apply the specified 24 VDC control supply and confirm boot behavior and status indicators.
3. Controller validation: Check processor, memory, firmware/project storage, Ethernet, serial, and PacNet interfaces.
4. SERCOS verification: Exercise the SERCOS ports and confirm stable ring communication with compatible PacDrive hardware.
5. Configuration review: Record firmware, hardware revision, and any installed project or CompactFlash configuration before shipment.
6. Packaging controls: Use ESD-safe handling and protective packaging suitable for sensitive controller electronics.

The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide

⚠️ Do not confuse C400 with C400/A8. The A8 suffix is not cosmetic: it identifies the eight-SERCOS-device hardware variant. A standard C400 supports up to 16 SERCOS devices.

⚠️ Preserve the CompactFlash project. The controller uses CompactFlash storage; replacing hardware without a verified project image, firmware version, and machine configuration can turn a simple swap into a full machine recommissioning effort.

PRO TIP: Before removing the old unit, capture the SERCOS topology, PacNet addressing, firmware version, and controller diagnostics. On legacy PacDrive systems, those details are often more valuable than the controller itself.

⚠️ Check the exact suffix. Listings show both C400/A8/1/1/1/00 and C400/A8/1/1/1/10 variants; confirm the trailing hardware/configuration code against the failed unit before ordering.

Dynamic FAQ

Is C400A811110 a servo drive or a controller?
It is a PacDrive C400/A8 motion and logic controller, not a servo amplifier. It coordinates up to eight SERCOS servo devices.

How many servo axes does it support?
The A8 variant supports up to eight SERCOS participants; the non-A8 C400 supports up to 16.

What is the difference between C400/A8/1/1/1/00 and /10?
The final suffix denotes a hardware/configuration variant. Verify the exact suffix on the nameplate or existing controller before substitution.

Can it be programmed with modern Schneider tools?
The PacDrive C400 platform uses IEC 61131-3 programming and is part of the legacy PacDrive M ecosystem; confirm compatibility of your existing programming and diagnostic software with the installed firmware.

Is New Surplus stock genuine ELAU/Schneider hardware?
We supply only authentic ELAU/Schneider PacDrive components, with condition, revision, and test status clearly identified before shipment.

What warranty is included?
A standard replacement warranty applies; the exact term depends on whether the unit is supplied as New Surplus or Refurbished, and is stated on the quotation and packing documentation.