M1 Inverters

Introduction

Omron Industrial Automation’s M1 Inverters are compact variable-speed AC motor drives for scalable industrial motor control. The family supports several motor technologies and offers a broad set of industrial communication options, including Ethernet-based networks and RS-485. Its combination of network connectivity, Sysmac integration, and integrated safety functionality makes the M1 range relevant to connected machine-control architectures.

What it does

M1 Inverters regulate the speed of compatible AC motors across a power-supply option range from 0.1 kW to 22 kW at 200 V three-phase. They support induction motors, permanent-magnet motors, direct-drive PM motors, and drum motors, allowing a common inverter family to address different motor arrangements.

The drives specify 200% starting torque at 0.5 Hz, an important characteristic where controlled low-speed starting torque is required. Communication options include EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, RS-485, PROFINET IO, and Modbus-TCP. Supported network operation spans 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps in duplex mode, while EtherCAT configurations can use ring topologies.

For system integration, the family supports Sysmac integration and ABZ phase integration. A 24 VDC external backup option is also specified. Safety features include Ple/SIL3 functionality and safe torque off (STO).

Applications

Potential applications that follow directly from the supported motor types, power range, and communication interfaces include:

• Variable-speed control of three-phase induction motors in industrial equipment.
• Permanent-magnet and direct-drive PM motor systems requiring inverter-based speed control.
• Drum-motor conveyor and material-handling installations.
• EtherCAT-based automation systems, including ring-network architectures.
• Machines connected through EtherNet/IP, PROFINET IO, Modbus-TCP, or RS-485 networks.
• Sysmac-integrated motion and machine-control systems requiring safe torque off functionality.

Design considerations

The selected M1 model should match the installation’s 200 V three-phase supply and required motor power, within the stated 0.1 kW to 22 kW range. Motor selection also matters: the family supports induction, permanent-magnet, direct-drive PM, and drum motors, but the intended motor type should be considered alongside the chosen control and network configuration.

Communication should be chosen to suit the control architecture, whether EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET IO, Modbus-TCP, or RS-485. Systems using EtherCAT may also account for the stated ring-topology capability. Where safety design requires it, the Ple/SIL3 and STO functionality should be incorporated into the overall machine safety approach. The specified 24 VDC external backup capability may also affect control-power planning.

Availability and further information

The Mouser Electronics source link on this page provides further information on the Omron M1 Inverter family. Refer to the source and any datasheet links provided on the page for model-specific electrical, communication, safety, and integration details.