Comparing Bosch Rexroth DKC Drives vs. DKS Drives

Bosch Rexroth, known in earlier years as Indramat, developed both the DKS and DKC series servo drive controllers—two foundational product lines in the realm of digital industrial motion control. Both are integrated drive systems designed to operate brushless AC servo motors, yet they reflect different design eras, philosophies, and capabilities.

This guide explores the similarities and contrasts between these two series, diving deep into their features, configurations, and industrial roles. Indramat USA specializes in DKC and DKS servo drive repairs and replacements. Contact us today via 1-919-443-0207 or [email protected] to get a quote now. (Indramat USA is not an authorized distributor of Bosch Rexroth Indramat parts.)

Indramat DKS Series: Integrated Legacy Motion Control

The Indramat DKS series represents one of the first truly integrated servo drive/controller platforms. Each DKS unit consolidates its control logic and power supply into a single enclosure, removing the need for an external supply module. This design, emerging in the mid-1990s, catered to cost-effective, single-axis control and helped simplify cabinet layouts for OEMs.

With support for 3×230 VAC input and internal DC bus rectification (~300VDC), DKS drives could deliver up to 100 A peak, making them suitable for axes requiring around 8 kW of power. The DKS01.2-W100A-DL05-01-FW, for example, could handle high-current motor operation directly from the mains with minimal wiring complexity.

Key to the DKS’s adaptability were its modular card slots (U1–U5), which allowed for varied control options. Users could outfit the drive with cards for SERCOS communication, analog/digital I/O, or even embed a DLC positioning module for standalone point-to-point motion control. A DKS equipped with such a card could behave like a self-contained indexer, ideal for basic automation sequences triggered via I/O.

Designed primarily for Indramat’s MDD and early MKD motors, the DKS series offered robust torque, velocity, and position control—suitable for precision tasks in packaging lines, machine tools, and automated assembly. The introduction of Version 1.2 brought support for external capacitors, improving energy handling during rapid deceleration—an asset in high-speed indexing scenarios.

The DKS is now a legacy product, but Indramat USA continues to offer full support: from refurbished units to repair services. For manufacturers running equipment powered by DKS controllers, we can replace or repair your drive quickly with no hassle just email [email protected] for a quick quote.

Bosch Rexroth DKC “EcoDrive” Series: The Evolution of Integrated Drive Technology

Replacing the DKS in many applications, the DKC EcoDrive series delivered a leap in modularity and flexibility. While DKS aimed for integration simplicity, the DKC was developed for scalable, adaptable servo control across voltage classes and communication protocols.

The first DKC generation—Type 1 such as the DKC01.1-030-FW - included firmware-integrated units capable of 30 A (230 V systems) and 40 A (400 V-class systems), all based on the same hardware footprint. While this generation was fixed in interface and firmware, it enabled affordable and capable servo control with high reliability.

Type 3 DKC drives, like the DKC02.3-016-7-FW, marked a substantial evolution. These units relocated firmware and parameter storage onto an External Storage Module (ESM), allowing effortless drive swaps—users could simply move the ESM to a replacement unit. This simplified maintenance and minimized downtime in production environments.

Additionally, Type 3 introduced swappable BGR interface cards, enabling users to change fieldbus protocols or control types without replacing the entire drive. This modular approach covered common industrial standards such as SERCOS (DKC02), Profibus (DKC03), CANopen (DKC05), and others, extending the drive’s versatility in automation platforms.

Higher-powered models—capable of 100 A or 200 A output—further positioned the DKC series as a solution for demanding servo axes. All Type 3 drives run on 380–480 VAC (nominal 700VDC bus), a contrast to the DKS’s 230 V limitation.

DKC drives were widely deployed alongside MKD and MHD series motors, creating compact, high-performance drive systems with onboard diagnostics, encoder feedback, and features like software travel limits. Setup and tuning are managed via DriveTop software through the RS-232/RS-485 serial port.

Today, though no longer produced by Bosch Rexroth, the DKC series remains in widespread use. Indramat USA supports these drives with replacement units, repairs, and interface options to meet your needs for legacy drive technology. Call 1-919-443-0207 today to speak with a sales representative and get the help you need for your DKC drive. 

Head-to-Head Comparison: DKC vs DKS

Keeping Legacy Systems Alive with Indramat USA

As both drive series have been long discontinued by Bosch Rexroth, sourcing service and replacements requires turning to specialists. Indramat USA offers extensive support for both DKS and DKC families, including refurbished units, interface cards, replacement parts, and expert repairs.

Whether you're dealing with an aging DKS indexer or a multi-axis DKC Profibus line, Indramat USA helps you avoid costly control system overhauls. Their understanding of firmware compatibility, parameter migration, and common failure points ensures minimal disruption and continued reliability on the factory floor.

Indramat USA maintains a large inventory of refurbished DKC and DKC drives, offers a full 1-year warranty on repairs, and prioritizes expedited shipping to keep your operations moving. Contact Indramat USA at 1-919-443-0207 or request a quote via the form on this page for fast assistance within 15 minutes during business hours.