How to Choose the Right Communication Protocol for Motion Control

When it comes to automation and motion control, communication matters. At DMM Technology Corp., we support a wide range of protocols to match your application needs, from pulse/analog systems to high-speed industrial Ethernet.

Here’s a quick guide to the most common control methods we offer, and when to use each:

Pulse/Analog Control Simple. Reliable. Widely supported.Great for budget-sensitive applications using step/direction or analog voltage control.

Best for: Basic CNCs, hobby projects, retrofits Limitations: Limited Precision, limited noise immunity, low scalability

RS232 / USB Ideal for configuration and diagnostics.These point-to-point serial interfaces are useful for drive setup, firmware flashing, or lab testing (not real-time control).

Best for: Testing machines, Home Automation, Setup+Tuning, Point to Point movements, discrete position, speed or torque commands Limitations: Not suitable for synchronized multi-axis motion, Camming, cyclic position control

Modbus TCP Simple and open Ethernet protocol for automation.Often used in PLC-based systems for status monitoring or parameter control.

Best for: SCADA systems, basic factory automation Limitations: Polling-based communication leads to slower response; not suited for real-time motion control

EtherNet/IP Common in industrial automation, especially with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley systems.Provides object-oriented communication over standard Ethernet.

Best for: General automation with Allen-Bradley PLCs Limitations: Not deterministic; higher latency than EtherCAT

EtherCAT Ultra-fast, deterministic, and ideal for precision applications with multiple axes.

Best for: Robotics, CNC, packaging, synchronized motion Limitations: Requires compatible hardware and more advanced setup knowledge

Need Help Choosing? DMM drives are compatible with all of the above protocols, and our engineering support team is here to help you pick the right setup for your system, whether you're building your first machine or scaling up production.

All the best, The DMM Technology Team