Posted on December 4, 2025 Magen Aviation
Lowering energy consumption is a top priority across many industries in order to mitigate operational costs and lower carbon footprints as much as possible. One of the many ways to accomplish this is through the use of variable frequency drives (VFDs) in automation systems, with Control Techniques’ drives being well-suited to support that goal.
Originally founded in 1973, Control Techniques is a global leader in motor control and power conversion technology. More recently, the company was sold to Nidec Corporation and now operates under its motor and drive division, continuing to deliver solutions that are trusted across industries. In this blog, we will examine some of Control Techniques’ VFD products and how they contribute to energy savings, helping you determine if they are the right fit for your automation setup.
While individual VFD models from Control Techniques vary in their capabilities, many share features meant to preserve energy like:
The Unidrive M600 series is a high-performance universal AC drive suitable for both induction and permanent-magnet motors. Built for process optimization, the drive incorporates a PLC so custom control logic can run directly on the drive instead of relying on external controllers. This enables operators to adjust motor behavior to meet the application’s needs, including its energy consumption. Building on this, the M600 also allows convenient parameter backup through SD card or Smartcard compatibility.
Because motor speed is directly proportional to the frequency supplied to it, the M600 supports an output frequency up to 550 Hz, that way it can deliver high-speed performance where required. Additionally, the Unidrive M600 utilizes adjustable switching-frequency control ranging from 2 kHz to 16 kHz, empowering users to refine the inverter’s output waveform for lower noise, reduced harmonic distortion, and improved efficiency in the motors it controls. Furthermore, its energy-saving standby mode sets this VFP up to avoid unnecessary energy use.
The Commander SK series serves as a general-purpose AC drive that spans a wide input voltage range from 120 V up to 690 V. In terms of switching performance, the Commander SK handles frequencies from 3 kHz up to 18 kHz, which helps produce a smoother output waveform and quieter motor operation. It also boasts adjustable acceleration and deceleration ramping to reduce energy losses and spikes when starting, stopping, or running variable torque loads.
With a design that emphasizes simplicity, durability, and fast commissioning, this VFD is practical for operators who require reliable performance with minimal configuration overhead. The drive offers a keypad with access to both basic and advanced parameters, and users can add optional modules like a LogicStick to give the drive PLC-like functionality or a SmartStick for parameter hot-swap. Moreover, communication options are also flexible, with the opportunity to use SM-I/O and communication modules like Ethernet or DeviceNet. Furthermore, the Commander SK is available in nine frame sizes to handle small to large power ratings.
The Unidrive SP series is a high-performance AC and servo-drive platform designed for high-demand industrial systems, being compatible with a wide range of motor types, including panel-mount and free-standing variants.
The free-standing units in particular support different duty classes, which is important to recognize. For instance, the Normal Duty class allows an overload of 110% for up to 165 seconds, while Heavy Duty ratings permit up to 150% overload for 60 seconds. One of the main energy-efficient capabilities of this motor series is its regen operation, which lets bi-directional power flow between the drive and the AC supply so excess energy from braking does not get dumped into a resistor.
Safety is also a central feature of the Unidrive SP series, with its Safe Torque Off (STO) function built in as standard. This ensures the drive can be part of a machine’s safety system to simplify safe-stops without the need for external safety contactors. Meanwhile, on the I/O front, the SP includes three analog inputs, two analog outputs, three digital inputs, three bi-directional digital I/O, and one relay output, making it suitable for a wide variety of control schemes. Similar to the Unidrive M600, it also lets users back up and copy parameter sets or PLC programs between drives through the use of a Smartcard.
As we have covered, Control Techniques creates VFDs that display a compelling combination of high conversion efficiency, intelligent control, and low-power standby capabilities. If environmental impact is part of your energy-reduction plan, these recyclable, energy efficient drives are sure to align with those goals. When it comes time to secure authentic drives and parts that perform well for your operations, always be sure to source them from a dependable partner.
Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, Speedy Hardware Delivery presents a broad inventory of electronic and electromechanical products for your perusal. We carry AC inverter drives, DC drives, motor drive accessories, and countless other parts sourced from reputable entities like Control Techniques and Nidec Corporation, ensuring solutions for diverse operations. We also stand ready to swiftly connect you with the exact parts you need while offering competitive procurement solutions, so be sure to explore our website and get in touch at your convenience.
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