ELAU PacDrive firmware serves as the embedded software enabling the motors, motor drives and controllers to operate efficiently and securely. Consisting of fixed software routines saved on a storage device, it is responsible for synchronising the software and hardware. With PacDrive systems being widely used in industrial automation, ensuring the compatibility of firmware in all equipment is essential. However, when parts fail and need replacing, sourcing these quickly is vital for minimising downtime.
What to consider when buying replacement PacDrive parts
We’re all used to buying off the web these days and what we order generally fits or works perfectly. However, if you’re buying PacDrive parts, such as an MC-4 motor controller, it might not be as simple. Whilst the part itself might be fully functional, if the firmware isn’t up to date there is a risk it won’t be compatible with existing equipment.
Firmware compatibility
To ensure compatibility, the firmware of the new MC-4 controller must be equal to or lower than the version currently being run. The details can generally be found on the small silver label where there is one, prefixed either FW or SW. This is still no guarantee it is the firmware loaded and therefore should be checked before connecting to existing equipment.
General firmware compatibility rules
For correct operation of the software routines based on the hardware, it is necessary that:
- the EPAS-4 version is equal or higher than the firmware version of the controller.
- the firmware version of the controller is equal to or higher than the firmware version of the motor controllers.
DMC spare parts
When you purchase or loan parts from ourselves, we will only send parts which are compatible with your existing ELAU PacDrive firmware. And if you have any doubts which firmware version you are running, we can conduct a site survey to check.