Parker SSD Drives
LINKnet System - Peer-to-Peer Network for Drives

For Drive System Networking - Now with EtherNet/IPTM capability

Parker LINKnet is an Ethernet based version of the SSD LINK system that has been successfully used in coordinated drive systems for 25 years. It is a peer-to-peer network designed to integrate AC and DC drives with remote I/O at high speed, with or without a supervisory PLC. The network allows precise and repeatable control for complex machines and process lines. LINKnet nodes communicate using EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP over Ethernet. CAT-6 shielded Ethernet cable is used for all connections. All nodes are wired to a standard Ethernet switch. For PLCs that are not Ethernet capable, a commercially available protocol converter may be installed. Up to 100 nodes may be connected to the network.

LINKnet tech boxes are plug-in modules for all frame sizes of AC690+ and DC590+ (version 5 on), with a stand-alone DIN rail variant for interfacing with other devices. LINKnet tech boxes are connected by commercially available CAT-6 shielded Ethernet cable, and require no external source of power when installed on an AC690+ or DC590+ drive.

 LINKnet components are plugin compatible with many older drives. This means that an existing LINK system using AC690+ and/or DC590+ units can potentially be updated to LINKnet without requiring the replacement of functional drives. The system will connect to any Ethernet enabled PLC and with remote I/O. LINK2 touchscreens can be replaced by the Parker TS8000. 

Parker has qualified third party remote fieldbus I/O modules for use in LINKnet systems. This provides users with an assortment of standard modules to choose from. Digital, analog, and specialty modules may be combined, up to 64 per node, and will be recognized and supported by Parker DSE software.

The LINKnet system runs in Parker's proven DSE software environment. DSE is a Windows based software tool using a drag and drop interface. It enables the user to expertly design systems, using the many pre-engineered macro and function control blocks in LINK’s extensive software library. LINKnet nodes are mapped like any other device, and support for standard remote fieldbus I/O modules is built in. (DSE v3.03 and later)

Parker AC and DC Drive Software   

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  • Modernize your LINK1 and LINK2 lines without replacing VFD's
  • Real time peer-to-peer communications
  • Fast communication speed: 100BASE-TX (100 Mbit/sec)
  • Interfaces with Ethernet capable PLCs
  • High noise immunity
  • No repeaters required
  • Uses commercially available CAT-6 cable


  • Power Supply: Supplied by AC690+ or DC590+ drive. If stand-alone, requires 24VDC at 200mA
  • Compatibility: AC690+, DC590+ series with version 5 firmware and later.
  • Cable required: CAT6 Ethernet cable (not included)
  • Maximum cable length: 100 meters
  • Maximum number of nodes: 255
  • Communication speed: 100 Mbit/sec (100BASE-TX)
  • Software: Parker DSE v3.00 and later