Smart Motion · PROFINET Solutions 

PROFINET Drives. Synchronized Motion Control. 

Certified PROFINET drive solutions with fully integrated PROFIdrive support for scalable, synchronized and data-transparent automation architectures.

Configure Your PROFINET Drive Now Contact Application Engineers
PROFINET BLDC motors with integrated industrial Ethernet communication for automated manufacturing and motion control applications.
10 to
5000 W Scalable power range
PROFINET & PROFIdrive Certified integration
STO Integrated functional safety
Integrated & External PROFINET Solutions 

Standardized communication for connected and synchronized automation 

PROFINET provides a standardized Industrial Ethernet interface for exchanging control, parameter and diagnostic data. Combined with PROFIdrive, it creates a consistent communication model between the controller and the drive, simplifying integration and commissioning.

Dunkermotoren offers PROFINET either fully integrated into compact BG dPro PN motors or through external BGE dPro PN controllers. Both options support scalable architectures ranging from speed-controlled axes to synchronized multi-axis applications.

Core Advantages

Designed for standardized integration, synchronized motion and transparent diagnostics.

Certified PROFINET Integration

Independently certified device behavior supports reliable communication, predictable commissioning and reduced troubleshooting within conformant PROFINET systems.

Fully Integrated PROFIdrive

Standardized control words, setpoints and drive states simplify integration. PROFIdrive application classes 1 and 4 are implemented directly in the drive.

Synchronized Multi-Axis Motion

PROFIdrive application class 4 and PROFINET IRT enable deterministic communication for coordinated servo axes, machine kinematics and synchronized motion.

Compact Drive Architecture

BG dPro PN motors combine motor, encoder, controller, power electronics and communication in one housing, reducing cabinet space, hardware and wiring.

Integrated Drive Diagnostics

Structured status and fault information is available within the automation environment, helping engineers identify communication, supply and drive issues faster.

Ethernet Service Access

Drive Assistant 5 provides Ethernet-based access for parameterization, tuning, diagnostics and oscilloscope functions alongside the PROFINET connection.

Architecture Paths

Choose integrated drive intelligence or a flexible external controller setup 

All-in-One Smart Servo Motors

Motor, encoder, drive electronics and PROFINET interface combined in one compact housing. Ideal for decentralized automation concepts where reduced cabinet space, simplified wiring and direct access to drive data are key design requirements.

  • BG 45 dPro PN: Compact PROFINET servo drive for limited installation space and decentralized motion axes. 
  • BG 66 dPro PN: Versatile mid-range drive for handling, transport and synchronized automation tasks. 
  • BG 75 dPro PN: High power density for dynamic and demanding continuous-duty applications. 
  • BG 95 dPro PN: High-output integrated drive for applications requiring maximum torque and peak power within the BG dPro portfolio. 
“PROFINET

Flexible Split Drive Architecture 

When the motor and electronics should be installed separately, the BGE 5510 or BGE 8060 dPro PN external controller brings PROFINET connectivity to modular drive architectures. This setup supports machines where thermal conditions, vibration, service access or cabinet standards require a separated controller concept.

  • The Controller Link: The external controller provides the same dPro software environment, communication model and diagnostic access while keeping the electronics separate from the motor. 
  • When to choose this path: Use an external controller when electronics should be protected from heat, vibration or restricted installation space, or when a centralized cabinet layout is preferred.
“PROFINET-based motor control system featuring industrial controllers and BLDC motors for real-time communication, machine automation and networked motion control applications.
Decision Guide

How to Choose the Right PROFINET Drive Architecture 

The right EtherNet/IP setup depends on where drive intelligence should be located, how the machine network is structured and which level of diagnostic access is required. Use integrated dPro EI drives for compact decentralized motion control or combine compatible motor setups with the BGE 5510 or BGE 8060 dPro EI when the electronics should remain separated from the motor.

1

Choose integrated dPro PN

If the motor, electronics and PROFINET interface should be combined into one compact smart drive unit.

Cabinet space is limited and decentralized drive intelligence is preferred directly at the axis.
Wiring effort should be reduced by eliminating separate drive electronics and simplifying machine cabling.
Operating data should be accessible for diagnostics, monitoring, parameterization and data-driven maintenance.
2

Choose BGE 5510/8060 dPro PN

If a split architecture is required, where the motor and control electronics are installed separately.

Thermal conditions are demanding and electronics should be kept away from the motor location.
Centralized cabinet architecture is preferred for service access, machine standards or troubleshooting.
Motor installation space is constrained and a shorter motor package is required at the mechanical axis.
3

Check these system requirements

Before selecting the drive family, define the mechanical, electrical and PROFINET communication requirements of the axis.

Power range and voltage level for continuous duty, peak load and dynamic acceleration profiles.
Gearbox, encoder and brake needs based on positioning accuracy, holding requirements and load profile.
Network topology and scanner setup including star, line or ring architecture, IP addressing, EDS integration and update rates. 

Need help validating your PROFINET architecture?

Compare integrated and external PROFINET setups in the product finder or contact our application engineers for a technical recommendation based on topology, drive sizing, safety and network integration.

Open Product Finder Contact Application Engineers
EtherNet/IP Motor Portfolio

Integrated dPro PN drives and external BGE controllers for scalable motion control.

Build your PROFINET architecture around compact smart BLDC motors with integrated drive electronics or use the BGE 5510/8060 dPro PN external controller for split drive systems. Dunkermotoren supports also a modular system for gearboxes, encoders and brakes.

View Integrated dPro Motors View dCore Motors Explore PROFINET Interface

Recommended product families

Start with the motor size that matches your power range, installation space and machine architecture.

BG 45 dPro PN Compact smart servo BG 66 dPro PN Mid-range automation BG 75 dPro PN High power density BG 95 dPro PN Maximum performance BG dCore Series External controller setup
Application Showcase

Built for connected, synchronized and serviceable automation systems

PROFINET industrial Ethernet motor controller driving semiconductor automation equipment with robotic pick-and-place system in a smart factory environment.
Semiconductor & Electronics 

Precise and Transparent Motion Control 

Semiconductor and electronics production requires repeatable movement, controlled acceleration and transparent system diagnostics. PROFINET connects the drives to the same automation architecture as sensors, handling units and process stations. 

Explore Electronics Solutions
PROFINET industrial Ethernet motor controller powering automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) for warehouse and intralogistics automation.
Warehouse Automation & Material Handling

Coordinated Motion for Conveyors, Shuttles and Handling Systems 

Warehouse automation systems combine a large number of transport, lifting, steering and positioning axes. PROFINET provides a common network for the controller, drives and diagnostic devices.

PROFIdrive AC1 supports standard speed-controlled conveyor axes, while AC4 enables synchronized motion for coordinated handling and multi-axis systems. Integrated BG dPro PN motors reduce local installation space and provide direct access to operating data. 

Explore Sorting Systems Explore Shuttle & ASRS Solutions
PROFINET industrial Ethernet motor controller supporting automated packaging and material handling systems in a manufacturing environment.
Packaging & Labeling Machinery

Synchronized Axes and Fast Format Changes 

Packaging machines require repeatable motion, coordinated axes and short changeover times. PROFINET and PROFIdrive enable drives to be integrated consistently into the controller architecture.

Cyclic position and speed data can be used for synchronized motion, while non-cyclic parameter access supports recipe changes, format adjustment and diagnostics. 

Explore Packaging Solutions
The Automation Challenge

What problem does PROFINET solve?

Modern machines require reliable communication between controllers, drives and automation devices. Proprietary interfaces increase engineering effort and make scalable motion architectures more complex.

Without Standardized Communication

Each device may require its own integration logic, data model and commissioning procedure.

  • Proprietary controller function blocks
  • Individual parameter and data mappings
  • Separate diagnostic and service interfaces
  • Higher effort for multi-axis synchronization

With PROFINET and PROFIdrive

A common network and standardized drive profile create a consistent interface between the controller and the axis.

  • Standardized cyclic process communication
  • Defined drive commands and operating states
  • Integrated parameter and diagnostic access
  • Deterministic communication for synchronized motion
The result: Less device-specific engineering, reusable controller software and a consistent architecture from standard speed-controlled axes to synchronized multi-axis systems.
Commissioning Workflow

From device integration to controlled motion.

Dunkermotoren provides the device description, parameter documentation and commissioning guidance required to integrate the PROFINET drive into the automation project.

01

Install the GSDML File

Import the Dunkermotoren device description into the engineering system. The drive is then available in the PROFINET hardware catalog.

02

Add and Name the Drive

Insert the drive into the network configuration, connect it to the controller and assign its PROFINET device name and network settings.

03

Select the Control Profile

Choose PROFIdrive for standardized motion control or Dunkermotoren Quick Start for compact command-based commissioning.

04

Configure Process Data

Define control words, setpoints, actual values and additional cyclic data required by the machine application.

05

Set Initialization Parameters

Configure values such as homing methods, direction of rotation, encoder settings, operating limits and diagnostic behavior.

06

Enable Diagnostics

Make relevant drive faults and operating states available in the diagnostic environment of the PROFINET controller.

07

Test the Axis

Verify communication, acknowledge drive faults and command the first speed or positioning movement from the controller.

08

Tune and Optimize

Analyze actual values, adjust controller parameters and validate the drive behavior under real application conditions.

Drive Assistant 5

Drive Assistant 5 can be used through the Ethernet connection for parameterization, online tuning, diagnostics and oscilloscope functions while the drive remains part of the PROFINET architecture.

Need more details? See the corresponding Let's Connect Quickstart or Let's Connect PROFIdrive guide.

Fast Initial Operation

Dunkermotoren Quick Start

Not every application requires a complete PROFIdrive motion architecture. Quick Start combines common drive functions into a compact command structure for straightforward commissioning and basic motion tasks.

  • Reduced cyclic process-data structure
  • Fast access to speed and positioning functions
  • Suitable for commissioning and simple machine sequences
  • No individual control of numerous internal parameters required
CMD

Quick Start Command

Selects the requested drive function or operating mode.

D0

Data Value 0

Transfers the primary value, such as target speed or position.

D1

Data Value 1

Provides an additional command-specific value when required.

STS

Drive Status

Returns relevant operating, warning and fault information.

Compact commands provide a fast route from network configuration to the first controlled movement.
Flexible Cyclic Data Mapping

Exchange exactly the drive data your application needs.

In addition to standardized PROFIdrive data and Quick Start commands, relevant motor parameters can be added to the cyclic PROFINET process image according to the machine requirements.

Application-Specific Process Data

Select the parameters required by the controller instead of transferring unnecessary information. Input and output data can be structured around the specific function of the axis.

Select the Parameter

Choose the required drive object and data type.

Add It to the Process Image

Assign the value to the corresponding input or output module.

Exchange It Cyclically

Use the value directly within the controller program.

Typical Mapped Parameters

The available parameters depend on the selected device and firmware. Typical values include motion, I/O, condition and diagnostic data.

Actual Position Actual Speed Target Position Motor Current Digital Inputs Digital Outputs Temperature Supply Voltage Operating State Warning Status Error Status Application Data
Standardized where possible, flexible where necessary. Map relevant drive parameters directly into the cyclic process image.
Local Intelligence with MotionCode

Execute application logic directly at the drive.

MotionCode allows application-specific logic to run directly on compatible Dunkermotoren motors and controllers. Local processing complements PROFINET by moving suitable tasks closer to the physical axis.

Local Sequences

Execute repeatable motion and positioning routines inside the drive.

Sensor Reactions

Respond directly to local inputs and application signals.

Data Processing

Aggregate or preprocess motor and condition data locally.

Reduced PLC Load

Keep repetitive axis functions out of the central program.

Central Controller

Coordinates the machine, synchronized motion and higher-level automation processes.

PROFINET

Smart dPro Drive

Executes MotionCode, processes local signals and controls the physical movement of the axis.

Central coordination combined with decentralized drive intelligence.

Complete Drive Solutions

PROFINET connectivity within a complete modular drive system.

Dunkermotoren combines motor, gearbox, encoder, brake, controller and communication interface within one coordinated modular system. This makes it possible to configure the complete drive according to the mechanical, electrical and communication requirements of the application.

BLDC Motor

Scalable power and voltage variants

Gearbox

Torque and speed adaptation

Encoder

Feedback for controlled motion

Brake

Holding and stopping functions

dPro Controller

Integrated or external electronics

PROFINET

Standardized drive communication

Dunkermotoren modular drive system with motors, gearboxes, encoders, brakes and integrated control electronics 

Configure the complete drive solution

Define torque, speed, voltage, gearbox, feedback, brake and communication requirements within the Dunkermotoren Product Finder.

Open Product Finder
PROFINET Terms Explained

Key engineering terms for PROFINET drive systems.

PROFINET drive systems combine standardized Industrial Ethernet communication, PROFIdrive functionality, deterministic motion control and integrated diagnostics. These terms explain how the technologies work together within modern automation architectures.

PN

PROFINET

PROFINET is an open Industrial Ethernet communication system connecting controllers, drives and automation devices. It supports cyclic process data as well as parameter, service and diagnostic communication within one network.

Industrial Ethernet network
P-D

PROFIdrive

PROFIdrive is the standardized application profile for electric drives. It defines how controllers exchange commands, setpoints, actual values, operating states, parameters and diagnostic information with a drive.

Standardized drive profile
IRT

PROFINET RT & IRT

RT supports real-time communication for standard automation processes. IRT provides deterministic, clock-synchronized data exchange for dynamic motion applications requiring coordinated controller and drive cycles.

Deterministic communication
AC

Application Classes 1 & 4

Application class 1 covers standard speed-controlled axes. Application class 4 supports clock-synchronized servo systems with central position control and coordinated movement across multiple axes.

Speed and synchronized motion
GSD

GSDML & Certification

The GSDML file describes the PROFINET device for the engineering system. Independent certification verifies specification-compliant behavior and supports predictable integration, commissioning and operation.

Certified device integration
STO

Safe Torque Off

Safe Torque Off prevents the drive from generating motor torque. Dunkermotoren dPro Industrial Ethernet drives integrate STO at drive level while allowing the control electronics to remain powered.

Integrated functional safety

Need the right PROFINET setup for your machine?

Compare integrated BG dPro PN motors, external BGE dPro PN controllers and PROFIdrive architectures for your application.

Contact Application Engineers
Get Started

Find the right PROFINET drive architecture for your machine.

Self-Service Configuration

Know what you need? Combine your PROFINET motor with matching planetary gearboxes, encoders, and brakes in just a few clicks.

Open Product Configurator

Expert Consultation

Need help choosing between an integrated dPro motor or a modular dCore configuration? Our application team is ready to assist.

Request Technical Consultation

FAQ: PROFINET Motors

  • What is PROFINET?
    PROFINET is an open Industrial Ethernet communication system for connecting controllers, drives, sensors and other automation devices. It supports cyclic process data as well as parameter, diagnostic and service communication within one network. For motion-control applications, PROFINET can provide deterministic and synchronized communication between the controller and multiple drive axes.
  • What problem does PROFINET solve in industrial automation?
    PROFINET replaces separate or proprietary device interfaces with a standardized Ethernet-based communication architecture. Controllers and drives can exchange control data, operating states, parameters and diagnostics through a common network. This reduces device-specific engineering, simplifies commissioning and supports scalable machine architectures ranging from individual speed-controlled axes to synchronized multi-axis systems.
  • What is the difference between PROFINET and PROFIdrive?
    PROFINET defines how industrial automation devices communicate over the network. PROFIdrive defines the standardized application profile used to control and monitor electric drives.

    In simple terms, PROFINET provides the communication network, while PROFIdrive provides the standardized drive language. PROFIdrive specifies control words, status words, setpoints, actual values, parameters and diagnostic functions for communication between the controller and the drive. The profile is standardized in IEC 61800-7.
  • What are PROFIdrive Application Classes 1 and 4?
    PROFIdrive Application Class 1, or AC1, is intended for standard speed-controlled drives. The controller sends a speed setpoint, while the drive closes the speed-control loop locally.

    Application Class 4, or AC4, is designed for clock-synchronized servo applications. The speed-control loop remains in the drive, while the central motion controller coordinates position control and the movement of multiple axes. Dunkermotoren PROFINET drive solutions support PROFIdrive Application Classes 1 and 4.
  • When should PROFIdrive Application Class 1 be used?
    Application Class 1 is suitable for axes that primarily require controlled speed rather than centrally coordinated positioning. Typical examples include conveyors, rollers, pumps, fans, transport axes and other continuous-motion applications.

    The controller transfers commands and a speed setpoint, while the drive independently regulates the motor speed and returns its status and actual speed. This keeps the communication structure compact and reduces the processing required in the central controller.
  • When should PROFIdrive Application Class 4 be used?
    Application Class 4 should be used when several servo axes must follow a coordinated trajectory or operate in a clock-synchronized motion system. Typical applications include robotic kinematics, gantry systems, packaging machinery, electronic gearing and coordinated rotary or linear axes.

    With AC4, the central controller evaluates position feedback and continuously calculates the speed setpoints required to coordinate the axes. This requires deterministic PROFINET IRT communication between the controller and the drives.
  • What is the difference between PROFINET RT and IRT?
    PROFINET RT, or Real Time, prioritizes cyclic automation data and is suitable for standard control and speed-regulation tasks.

    PROFINET IRT, or Isochronous Real Time, provides clock-synchronized and deterministic communication for demanding motion-control applications. It is used when controllers and drives must exchange position and speed data at precisely coordinated intervals. IRT is therefore particularly relevant for synchronized multi-axis systems and PROFIdrive Application Class 4.
  • Do all PROFINET drive applications require IRT?
    No. Standard automation and speed-controlled applications can typically use PROFINET RT. PROFINET IRT is required when the application depends on precisely synchronized communication, particularly for PROFIdrive Application Class 4 and coordinated multi-axis motion.

    The appropriate communication class should be selected according to the required cycle time, number of axes, controller capabilities and motion performance.
  • Which Dunkermotoren motors support PROFINET?
    Dunkermotoren provides PROFINET through integrated BG dPro PN motors and external BGE dPro PN controllers. The integrated motor portfolio includes the BG 45, BG 66, BG 75 and BG 95 dPro PN series.

    These drives combine the brushless DC motor, high-resolution encoder, servo controller, power electronics, PROFINET interface and PROFIdrive functionality in one compact unit. For split architectures, compatible motors can be combined with an external BGE dPro PN controller.
  • What is the difference between an integrated PROFINET motor and an external controller?
    An integrated BG dPro PN motor combines the motor, encoder, power electronics, controller and PROFINET interface in one housing. This decentralized architecture reduces cabinet space, motor and encoder wiring, and the number of separate components.

    An external BGE dPro PN controller keeps the motor and electronics separate. This configuration is useful when the electronics must be installed in a protected location, the available space at the axis is limited, or a centralized cabinet architecture is preferred.
  • Can Drive Assistant 5 be used during PROFINET operation?
    Yes. Compatible dPro PN devices can be accessed through Ethernet using Drive Assistant 5. The software supports parameterization, online tuning, diagnosis, monitoring and oscilloscope functions.

    This service access complements the PROFINET controller connection and helps engineers analyze internal drive behavior during commissioning, optimization and maintenance.
  • Is Safe Torque Off integrated into Dunkermotoren PROFINET drives?
    Safe Torque Off is integrated into compatible Dunkermotoren dPro Industrial Ethernet drives. STO prevents the drive from generating motor torque while the control electronics can remain powered.

    According to the selected product, STO can support safety architectures up to SIL 2 and PL d, Category 3. Availability and safety data must always be verified for the specific drive configuration, and the complete safety function must be evaluated at machine level.
  • Can application logic run directly on the PROFINET drive?
    Compatible Dunkermotoren dPro drives support MotionCode, which allows application logic to run directly on the motor or controller. MotionCode can access motor parameters, inputs, outputs and motion functions.

    Typical applications include local positioning sequences, sensor reactions, data aggregation and application-specific state machines. This can reduce communication load and keep repetitive axis functions out of the central PLC program.