How to Change the Fanuc Alpha Drive

The Fanuc alpha drive is a printed circuit board found inside Fanuc AC servomotors. The Fanuc drive powers the servomotors. Fanuc is a manufacturing company that specializes in making servomotors used in robotics and robotics applications that help to generate motion. One component that sometimes goes bad inside AC servomotors is the alpha drive. If the Fanuc AC servomotor stops working, replace it with a new one. Replacing the alpha drive takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

1. Disconnect power cables from the back of the AC servomotor.

2. Remove the servomotor case screws with the Phillips screwdriver and lift the case off the front of the unit.

3. Grasp the top and bottom hooks holding the alpha drive in place, pull them apart and pull the circuit board outward.

4. Pull the upper and lower hooks apart and slide the new alpha drive into place. Let the plastic retaining hooks snap back into place.

5. Replace the front of the AC servomotor and replace the retaining screws. Replace the power cord and any cables connected to the servomotor ports.

References

• Fanuc AC Servo Maintenance Manual
• Fanuc Automation B Series Servomotor Maintenance Manual

Resources

• Fanuc: Fanuc alpha drive board