ServoStep™ SMC66 Cost-Effective Stepper Motor Controller for Demanding Applications
PRESS release: June 2025
Birkerød, Denmark - JVL A/S, a global leader in integrated servo and stepper motor technology, proudly announces the launch of the SMC66, a compact and cost-effective IP42 stepper motor controller designed for applications with or without encoders.
"With the SMC66, we’re delivering a powerful and flexible motion control solution that meets the needs of modern automation—without compromising on cost or performance,” said Mads Vernon Jørgensen, CEO of JVL. "This controller is built for engineers who demand reliability in extreme conditions, and it reflects our commitment to innovation and customer-centric design.”
The SMC66 is ideal for environments where integrated motors are not feasible due to space constraints, high ambient temperatures, or specialized requirements such as vacuum, explosion-proof, or IP69K-rated conditions. It supports small motors from NEMA 08 to NEMA 34, and is especially suited for:
- Applications with limited motor length where integrated motors cannot be used
- High ambient temperatures exceeding 70°C
- Harsh environmental conditions requiring external motor solutions
- Compact motor requirements in demanding industrial settings
The SMC66 offers a flexible, compact, and robust solution for motion control in demanding environments, delivering performance and reliability JVL is known for—now at a lower cost.
Key Features of the SMC66:
- Compatible with NEMA 08 to NEMA 34 stepper motors (0–6.0A or 0–1.5A RMS)
- Closed-loop control with external SSI encoder support – ensures no step loss
- Energy-efficient operation via automatic current control
- Built-in ePLC™ with 8 configurable I/Os (digital or 12-bit analog input)
- Ultra-high step resolution: up to 409,600 steps/rev
- Speed resolution down to ±0.01 RPM
- Real-time parameter adjustment: change speed, torque, and more "on-the-fly”
- Supports absolute multiturn and incremental encoders
Optional Features:
- IO-Link (2ms cycle time) with AOI and FB for Rockwell and Siemens
- Industrial Ethernet: Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Sercos, EtherCAT, Powerlink, Modbus TCP/UDP
- CANopen with DS301 and DSP401, dual M12 connectors for daisy-chaining
- CAN slave follow mode: Up to 8 motors can run synchronized without external master
- STO (Safe Torque Off), SIL3 certified
- Wireless communication: Profinet, Ethernet/IP, or Modbus TCP
- Galvanically isolated analog output for process industry applications
Multi-axis Support
The SMC66 supports DMX512, CANopen, Modbus-RTU, Ethernet, and wireless Ethernet in multi-axis applications. Dual M12 connectors enable easy BUS-in/BUS-out daisy-chaining. JVL offers stock cables in various lengths for seamless multi-axis integration.
Ethernet Features
Support for all major protocols: Profinet, EtherNet/IP, SERCOS, EtherCAT, Powerlink and ModbusTCP/UDP. Built-in Ethernet switch for easy daisy-chaining. Using the JVL MacTalk® software you can change from one to another protocol as many times as you like.
Encoder Compatibility
The SMC66 supports a wide range of absolute multiturn and incremental encoders. While it can operate without encoders, many customers prefer semi-closed-loop or full closed-loop configurations to prevent stalling or position loss.
It also supports stepper motors with built-in encoders and the PA0260 encoder PCB for closed-loop control.
It also supports stepper motors with built-in encoders and the PA0260 encoder PCB for closed-loop control.
Stepper motors w/built-in encoder and the PA0260 encoder PCB: the SMC66 can run closed loop control with these units.
JVL has a large stock of different stepper motor sizes with or without built-in encoders for day-to-day delivery for all types of applications.
CANopen Key Features
All motor functions are available in CANopen through gateway objects with selectable data rate up to 1 Mbit/s. Monitoring and debugging features with JVL’s MacTalk® software. Easy configuration from PLC through JVL CAN explorer.
Support for DS 301 and DSP 402 with ≤ 2 ms interpolation synchronization, as well as read and write access to all 512 motor registers. Downloadable electronic data sheet, EDS.
SMC66 w/CANopen supports NC axis in TwinCAT – with step-by-step TwinCAT 3 setup guide.
Support for DS 301 and DSP 402 with ≤ 2 ms interpolation synchronization, as well as read and write access to all 512 motor registers. Downloadable electronic data sheet, EDS.
SMC66 w/CANopen supports NC axis in TwinCAT – with step-by-step TwinCAT 3 setup guide.
Read more about the controller here: SMC66-in-housing+ Industrial
Ethernet + ServoStep™
w/CANopen as NC axis in TwinCAT
Read more about JVL´s Stepper Motors with encoder here: Stepper with encoder
Read more about JVL´s Integrated Stepper Motors here: MIS - Integrated Stepper Motor
Read more about JVL´s Integrated Servo Motors here: MAC - Integrated Servo Motor
Read more about JVL´s Integrated Stepper Motors - Linear actuators here: MIL - Integrated Stepper Motor Linear Actuator
For further information, please contact:
JVL A/S, Bregnerødvej 127, 3460 Birkerød, Denmark.
Tel. +45 4582 4440. E-mail: jvl@jvl.dk. Web:
www.jvl.dk
About JVL - JVL is a world leader within the development and production of efficient and compact integrated servo motors and integrated stepper motors. MAC motor® are a series of integrated brushless servo motors (up to 4500 W and 13.5 kW peak) and ServoStep™ are a series of integrated stepper motors (up to 25 Nm). Both motor series include motor, encoder, drive electronics, control electronics with ePLC™ and optional Ethernet integrated into one compact unit. All major industrial Ethernet protocols like Profinet, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, SERCOS, ModbusTCP/UDP and Powerlink are available.
Options include: absolute multiturn encoders, STO (safe torque off, SIL3) and brakes.
JVL has more than 35 years of motion control experience and are well known for their development and production of highly specialized integrated motors with industrial Ethernet and customized improvements. The close co-operation with customers and representatives result in cost-effective and technical optimized solutions for both basic and advanced motion control applications.
JVL's wide selection of quality products for motion control applications include: Integrated brushless servo motors, integrated stepper motors, AC servo motor controllers, motor drivers (DC, AC and steppers), brakes, gearboxes, hollow rotary actuators and HMI touch panels.
Options include: absolute multiturn encoders, STO (safe torque off, SIL3) and brakes.
JVL has more than 35 years of motion control experience and are well known for their development and production of highly specialized integrated motors with industrial Ethernet and customized improvements. The close co-operation with customers and representatives result in cost-effective and technical optimized solutions for both basic and advanced motion control applications.
JVL's wide selection of quality products for motion control applications include: Integrated brushless servo motors, integrated stepper motors, AC servo motor controllers, motor drivers (DC, AC and steppers), brakes, gearboxes, hollow rotary actuators and HMI touch panels.
JVL A/S Bregnerødvej 127 DK-3460 Birkerød Denmark
Tel: +45 4582 4440 Fax: +45 4582 5550 E-mail: jvl@jvl.dk
Tel: +45 4582 4440 Fax: +45 4582 5550 E-mail: jvl@jvl.dk
