The CE.AZ... series drives for the CE.MT... series stepper motors are fully programmable and come with different protocols, thus becoming nodes of a fieldbus. Equipped with both digital and analog inputs and outputs, they allow the connection of sensors and various instruments that can be managed directly by the drive, which can operate either as a simple node or stand-alone as a single PLC. Using the StepControl programming software, the motor can execute profiles, even complex ones, generated by the integrated controller. The drive can operate in two control modes, stepper-mode and servo-mode: • in stepper-mode, the motor is driven in open loop with a stepless vector-type current regulation; • in servo-mode, the electric motor is controlled in closed loop using the encoder integrated in the CE.MT... motors (or through external encoders) to maintain the motor's position and speed by adjusting the driving parameters. The current supply is no longer, as in the previous case, at a constant level but varies according to the required conditions, minimizing thermal dissipation and the system's energy consumption. All proposed drives have internal electronics divided between: the power section, which manages the electric motor, and the control section, which processes data from encoders, analog and digital inputs, and outputs. Two versions are available: • Single-axis version that can manage a maximum of 1 drive; • Multi-axis version that can simultaneously manage up to 3 cylinders (even of different types). They can also be equipped with a certified STO safety system.