AMK KW-EC1 Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

AMK KW-EC1 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The AMK KW-EC1 is a modular programmable logic controller platform developed by AMK GmbH & Co. KG, a German manufacturer with a long-standing presence in precision drive and control technology. The KW-EC1 series is deployed across high-demand industrial environments including chemical processing plants, petroleum refining facilities, nuclear auxiliary systems, and continuous-process manufacturing lines. Its backplane architecture supports deterministic real-time communication, making it a reference platform for applications where control loop integrity is non-negotiable. Installed base across European and Asian heavy industry remains substantial, and the series continues to be maintained under long-term service contracts at facilities where replacement with newer platforms is not operationally viable.

The Evolution of KW-EC1 Architecture

The KW-EC1 platform was introduced as part of AMK's transition from proprietary fieldbus architectures to open industrial Ethernet standards. Early revisions of the series relied on AMK's internal AMKASYN communication protocol, which provided tight integration with AMK servo drives but limited interoperability with third-party field devices. Subsequent hardware revisions introduced EtherCAT master functionality — reflected in the AE-ETC module designation — enabling the KW-EC1 to serve as a real-time EtherCAT master controller within distributed I/O topologies.

The AE-ETC-1.01 variant specifically implements EtherCAT master stack version 1.01, compatible with CoE (CANopen over EtherCAT) and FoE (File over EtherCAT) protocols. This revision addressed timing synchronization issues present in earlier firmware releases and introduced improved diagnostic registers accessible via the onboard web server interface. Compatibility with AMK's AIPEX Pro engineering software is maintained across all KW-EC1 hardware revisions, though firmware alignment between the CPU module and communication adapters must be verified during any module replacement procedure.

As the KW-EC1 series has entered the mature phase of its product lifecycle, AMK has transitioned primary development resources to the KW-EC2 and AMKASMART iDT5 platforms. The KW-EC1 remains supported under AMK's extended lifecycle program, but new feature development has ceased. Facilities operating KW-EC1 installations should maintain an adequate inventory of critical spare modules, particularly CPU and communication adapter variants, to mitigate lead time risk.

KW-EC1 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified components within the AMK KW-EC1 platform. Modules are classified by functional category.

CPU / Controller Modules

• KW-EC1 AE-ETC-1.01: EtherCAT master CPU module, firmware rev. 1.01, CoE/FoE support
• KW-EC1 AE-ETC-1.00: EtherCAT master CPU module, initial release firmware, legacy installations
• KW-EC1 AE-CPU-01: Base CPU module, AMKASYN protocol, no EtherCAT master function
• KW-EC1 AE-CPU-02: Enhanced CPU module, extended memory, dual-port Ethernet

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• KW-EC1 AE-DI-16: 16-channel 24 VDC digital input, EtherCAT slave interface
• KW-EC1 AE-DI-32: 32-channel 24 VDC digital input, high-density backplane format
• KW-EC1 AE-DI-08-HV: 8-channel 120/240 VAC digital input, isolated, for high-voltage field signals

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• KW-EC1 AE-DO-16: 16-channel 24 VDC digital output, 0.5 A per channel, short-circuit protected
• KW-EC1 AE-DO-32: 32-channel 24 VDC digital output, high-density, transistor sourcing
• KW-EC1 AE-DO-08-RLY: 8-channel relay output module, 250 VAC / 2 A per channel

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• KW-EC1 AE-AI-08: 8-channel analog input, ±10 V / 0–20 mA, 16-bit resolution
• KW-EC1 AE-AI-04-TC: 4-channel thermocouple input, types J/K/T/E/R/S/B, cold junction compensation
• KW-EC1 AE-AI-04-RTD: 4-channel RTD input, Pt100/Pt1000, 3-wire configuration

Communication Adapters

• KW-EC1 AE-PNIO-01: PROFINET IO device adapter, RT and IRT class support
• KW-EC1 AE-PB-01: PROFIBUS DP slave adapter, up to 12 Mbit/s
• KW-EC1 AE-CAN-01: CANopen master/slave adapter, DS301/DS402 profile support

Power Supply Modules

• KW-EC1 AE-PS-24V: 24 VDC backplane power supply, 10 A output, wide-range AC input
• KW-EC1 AE-PS-24V-R: Redundant 24 VDC power supply module, hot-swap capable

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete KW-EC1 Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for AMK KW-EC1 series components, with particular focus on modules that have been discontinued from AMK's standard production schedule. The KW-EC1 AE-ETC-1.01 and its predecessor AE-ETC-1.00 are among the most frequently requested obsolete items, as facilities running legacy EtherCAT topologies cannot substitute these with newer CPU variants without a full engineering re-qualification of the control system.

Quality Control for the KW-EC1 Range

The KW-EC1 backplane uses a proprietary high-speed parallel bus for inter-module communication. Standard bench testing procedures are insufficient to validate bus signal integrity on these modules. DriveKNMS applies a dedicated test protocol for KW-EC1 units that includes the following stages:

• Visual inspection of backplane connector pins and PCB surface for corrosion, mechanical damage, and capacitor condition
• Power-on functional test using a reference KW-EC1 rack with known-good CPU and power supply modules
• EtherCAT master initialization test: the AE-ETC-1.01 is verified to enumerate a reference slave topology and achieve Operational state within specification
• Firmware version verification and comparison against AMK's published compatibility matrix
• Burn-in cycle: 48-hour continuous operation under simulated cyclic load to screen for latent component failures
• Final documentation: test report issued with each unit, including firmware version, test date, and technician ID

Modules that do not pass all stages are quarantined and not offered for sale. Units with repairable faults are routed to component-level repair before re-testing.