Industrial automation · Panasonic
Panasonic AC motors in India: MINAS A6 and A5 families
Panasonic AC motors in India are mostly bought as AC servo motors from the MINAS range, which spans roughly 50 W to 15 kW. Industrisol supplies MINAS A6 and A5 motors with matching drivers to machine builders and maintenance teams in Mumbai and across India.
- MINAS A6: compact, 23-bit encoder, IP65/IP67 options
- MINAS A5: proven platform for spares and retrofits
- Pulse, RTEX and EtherCAT driver types
- Quotations by exact model code
Panasonic AC motor range at a glance
In industrial automation, "AC motor" covers two quite different machines. A standard induction motor runs close to a fixed speed and is controlled by a contactor or a VFD. An AC servo motor is a permanent-magnet motor with a built-in encoder that, together with its driver, positions a load precisely. Panasonic is best known in factory automation for the second type, sold under the MINAS name.
The MINAS line covers outputs from around 50 W to 15 kW, so the same family can drive a small 1- or 2-axis indexing table or many synchronised axes on a larger machine. For small fixed-speed induction and geared motors, see Panasonic gear motors; for motor-plus-driver selection on individual axes, see Panasonic servo motors.
Panasonic AC motor families we supply
Panasonic MINAS A6 family
The MINAS A6 is Panasonic’s current-generation servo system. The motors use an interior permanent magnet (IPM) design for higher torque and speed than the earlier surface-magnet types, and Panasonic states they are about 30% smaller and 20% lighter than equivalent previous models. A 23-bit encoder gives about 8.3 million pulses per revolution with 2.5 Mbps communication.
The A6 drivers add adaptive load control, friction torque compensation, damping and notch filters, 3-step gain switching, dynamic braking, inrush current prevention and block operation of up to 255 stored motion profiles. Setup is done with the free PANATERM software.
| Encoder | 23-bit (8,388,608 pulses/rev) |
|---|---|
| Encoder communication | 2.5 Mbps |
| Frequency response | 3.2 kHz |
| Protection | IP65 lead-wire or IP67 connector type |
| Driver types | Pulse, RTEX, EtherCAT |
| Block operation | Up to 255 stored motion profiles |
Panasonic MINAS A5 family
The MINAS A5 is a high-performance, multi-function and compact AC servo platform that is still installed on a large number of machines. It offers real-time auto-gain tuning, manual and automatic notch filters and damping filters, and low cogging torque for smooth running at low speed. We supply A5 motors and drivers as spares or for retrofits.
| Encoder | 20-bit incremental or 17-bit absolute |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 2 kHz |
| Tuning | Real-time auto-gain tuning |
| Vibration control | Manual and auto notch and damping filters |
| Running | Low cogging torque |
MINAS A6 vs A5: which Panasonic AC motor suits you
| Point | MINAS A6 | MINAS A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder resolution | 23-bit | 20-bit incremental / 17-bit absolute |
| Frequency response | 3.2 kHz | 2 kHz |
| Motor magnet design | IPM, smaller and lighter | Earlier generation |
| Best for | New machines, higher dynamics | Spares and like-for-like retrofits |
| Interchangeable with the other? | Needs matching A6 driver and cables | Needs matching A5 driver and cables |
Typical applications
Packaging and labelling
Flow-wrap jaws, film feed, label placement and registration axes.
Machine tools and CNC auxiliaries
Tool changers, feed axes, indexing tables and bar feeders.
Electronics and semiconductor
Pick-and-place heads and precise X-Y positioning.
Printing and converting
Web tension, cut-to-register and rotary knives.
Robots and handling
Gantries, transfer units and palletising axes.
Textile machinery
Winding, traverse and synchronised take-up axes.
Details to include in your AC motor enquiry
Not sure about some details? Send what you have — we will ask the right follow-up questions.
- Motor and driver model codes (nameplate photos help)
- Family: MINAS A6, A5 or other
- Output, speed and supply voltage
- Driver interface needed: Pulse, RTEX or EtherCAT
- Brake, shaft and connector type
- Quantity and delivery city
Are Panasonic MINAS motors induction motors or servo motors?
MINAS motors are AC servo motors: permanent-magnet synchronous motors with an integrated encoder, designed to run only with a MINAS servo driver. They are not direct-on-line induction motors and cannot be connected straight to the mains. For fixed-speed induction or geared motors, look at the Panasonic gear motor range instead.
What does the 23-bit encoder on the MINAS A6 mean in practice?
A 23-bit encoder divides one revolution into 8,388,608 steps, which is roughly 0.00004 degrees per step. In practice it gives smoother low-speed motion, better speed stability and finer positioning, especially on direct-drive or low-ratio mechanisms. The actual machine accuracy still depends on the mechanics, couplings and tuning.
Can I replace an A5 motor with an A6 motor?
Not on its own. The A6 motor uses a different encoder and needs an A6 driver, and connectors may differ. Upgrading normally means replacing motor, driver and cables together and re-tuning the axis. If the A5 part is still obtainable, a like-for-like spare is quicker. We can quote both routes so you can decide.
Which driver interface should I choose: Pulse, RTEX or EtherCAT?
Pulse (step/direction) drivers suit simple PLC-based positioning with a few axes. RTEX is Panasonic’s own real-time network for multi-axis systems. EtherCAT is an open fieldbus supported by many motion controllers, including the Panasonic GM1. Match the interface to your controller; we can advise if you share the controller model.
What IP rating do MINAS A6 motors have?
Panasonic lists the A6 motors with two connection styles: an IP65 lead-wire type and an IP67 connector type. IP67 is the better choice where washdown, coolant mist or dust is present. Remember that the overall protection also depends on correct cable glands and connector sealing at installation.
Get a quotation for Panasonic AC motors
Tell us the MINAS family, rating and driver interface, or send a nameplate photo.