Press Release

Press Release

CONTROL TECHNIQUES LAUNCHES NEW SERVO FAMILY

Digitax ST dedicated servo range – intelligent, compact, dynamic

A new range of servo-drives, with unprecedented connectivity, feedback options, intelligence and functionality has been launched by Control Techniques targeting the general Machinery Automation market.

The Digitax ST range encompasses four models, each with industry-leading features. Extremely compact in size and having full compatibility with Control Techniques’ comprehensive range of click-in function and communication modules, allowing the drive to be customised easily and without special tools.

Lean manufacturing environments, demand smaller, more flexible machinery, the Digitax ST range has been designed to meet these requirements, offering machine manufacturers and system integrators a compact servo drive with an unmatched range of flexible integration features.

Digitax ST has been designed using a well-proven process that prioritises innovation, reliability and customer involvement.  An example of this can be seen in Digitax ST’s compact, flat-sided construction that allows high packing density for multiple axes, other features such as the onboard motion and automation control and a “Safe Torque Off” input reduce the need for external components, further shrinking the machine size.

The drive is optimised for servo applications requiring high peak torque, exceptional dynamic response, faster installation and start-up as well as ease of integration.  Four product variants make up the range at launch – Base, Indexer, EZ Motion and Plus.


The Digitax ST BASE model is designed to operate with a motion controller (or PLC or PC), connected using either digital communications such as SERCOS and EtherCAT or analogue signals.  The Base unit is quick and simple to configure using the optional keypad, SmartCard or CTSoft, an intuitive drive configuration tool that’s included with every drive.  Typical applications include packaging, pick-and-place or gluing machines as well as material handling, X-Y tables and profiling machines

The Digitax ST INDEXER is designed for simple stand-alone applications using its onboard motion controller offering accurate, high speed point-to-point positioning. The Indexer is particularly easy to set up using Sequential Function Chart (SFC), SFC is a graphical programming language used by PLCs and is one of the five languages defined by IEC 61131-3 standard. 

The SFC programming environment is a part of the drive commissioning software, CTSoft.   The intuitive interface enables users to quickly configure a range of motion commands such as homing and various index moves, considerably saving development and set-up time. 

Option modules allow the drive to be integrated with other automation equipment using fieldbus, Ethernet and expanded I/O.  Typical applications include indexing tables, fast conveyor positioning, cut-to-length lines, punching or dispensing machines and transfer units.

The Digitax ST EZ Motion unit utilises the popular PowerTools Pro PC programming software that guides the user through the drive, I/O and motion configuration for many indexing and synchronised motor applications.  High level software features help reduce development time and motion configurations such as travel limits, queuing and gearing are easily achieved within the PowerTools Pro software using easy to complete forms and drag-and-drop functionality. Users can quickly and easily achieve a precision servo solution for indexing tables, pick-and-place, packaging and high-speed labelling machines, dancer arm loop control and rotary knife control.

Top of the range is the Digitax ST PLUS featuring a full functionality motion controller optimised for high performance machine cells requiring drive-to-drive networking, cam profiling and synchronised motion (including virtual master).  The on-board drive-to-drive networking links multiple axes and enables true distributed control.  Configured using SyPT Pro, the drive’s advanced motion features are configured in a flexible IEC6113-3 style development environment using PLC-open motion function blocks.>>>>>>>

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Digitax ST
Digitax ST Base
Digitax ST EZ Motion
Digitax ST Indexer
Digitax ST Plus
Digitax ST Range
Digitax ST Range
 Digitax ST Diagram