Smart Feedback Adapter (SFA)

Kollmorgen provides an optional Smart Feedback Adapter (SFA) to allow feedback devices that normally connect to X23 (FB3) to connect through X1 (FB1), X2 (FB2) and X5 (FB2) instead. For example, on a dual axis drive requiring two resolver feedbacks, X23 could be used for one feedback and an SFA on X2 could be used for the other feedback. See Feedback Connector X41 for details on connecting SFA hardware to AKD2G.

For connections that support SFA (X1, X2 and X5), SFA feedback types can be selected using FB#.SELECT in the same manner as other feedbacks. If they are plug-and-play, FB#.SELECT can be set to -1 to auto-identify them. SFA feedback types appear as options for FB#.SELECT when the corresponding feedback connector supports SFA. For example, FB1.SELECT and FB2.SELECT show the SFA feedback types as options. See FB#.SELECT for a list of supported SFA feedback.

When the feedback is selected (see FB#.SELECT), the SFA is programmed with an FPGA image automatically if needed.

SFA cable flying leads connected to X1 (FB1, EEO3) or X2/X5 (FB2, EEO4):

  • Maximum input frequency for A/B signals: 3 MHz

Updating the SFA

Drive firmware packages include firmware for SFA devices. When a drive gets new firmware the SFA firmware should also be updated and this is automatically detected. When an out-of-synch SFA is detected the Feedback Views display an Update button which opens the SFA Update pop-up. Simply click the button to update the SFA. The pop-up will also appear when you add or connect to a drive in WorkBench and an out-of-synch SFA is detected.

You can prevent this pop-up from showing up when you add or connect to drives. If you need to re-enable it go to the WorkBench Options and look for "SFA Warning".


  • While drive and SFA firmware versions do not need to match we strongly recommend it for proper behavior. We only guarantee our testing (and proper behavior) when the drive and SFA firmware versions match.