VFD vs Servo Drive: Key Differences
A side-by-side comparison of VFD and servo drive motor type, feedback, dynamic response, overload rating, cost, and applications for industrial engineers.
The Schneider Electric LXM18ESU20M3X is an Easy Lexium 18 servo drive rated for 2 kW continuous power at 220...240 V three-phase supply, delivering 18.5 A continuous output current at 8 kHz switching frequency. It integrates EtherCAT communication, digital I/O, and Safe Torque Off (STO) in a 93 x 208 x 191.8 mm housing weighing 2.89 kg.
The 2 kW / 18.5 A continuous rating is the entry point of the three-phase Easy Lexium 18 drives, stepping up from the single-phase LXM18E frame to a larger 93 x 208 x 191.8 mm housing built for higher continuous current. Line current of 13.2 A at 220...240 V three-phase is lower than the drive's own output current because the three-phase supply distributes the load across three conductors, so upstream protection should be sized from the line-current figure, not the 18.5 A output rating. The 42 A / 3 s peak supports brief overload during acceleration only. It operates across a -5 to 45 degC ambient range and up to 1000 m altitude without derating, and ships in 6-unit packs for panel-build spares planning.
| Range of product | Lexium 18 |
|---|---|
| Device short name | LXM18E |
| Product or component type | Motion servo drive |
| Format of the drive | Compact housing |
| Line current | 13.2 A 132.4 % at 220...240 V, three phase |
| Network number of phases | Three phase |
|---|---|
| [Us] rated supply voltage | 220...240 V (- 15...10 %) for three phase |
| Supply voltage limits | 170…255 V three phase |
| Supply frequency | 50/60 Hz - 5...5 % |
| Network frequency | 47.5...63 Hz |
| Continuous output current | 18.5 A at 8 kHz |
| Output current 3s peak | 42 A |
| Nominal power | 2 kW at 220...240 V 8 kHz |
| Switching frequency | 8 kHz |
| Safety function | STO (safe torque off), integrated |
| Communication interface | EtherCAT, integrated, Digital I/O, integrated |
| Width | 93 mm |
| Height | 208 mm |
| Depth | 191.8 mm |
| Net weight | 2.89 kg |
| EMC filter | Without EMC filter |
|---|---|
| IP degree of protection | IP20 |
| Ambient air temperature for operation | -5…45 °C |
| Operating altitude | 0...1000 m |
| Part number | LXM18ESU20M3X |
|---|---|
| Type designation | LXM18E |
| Brand | Schneider Electric |
| Condition | New, factory sealed |
| Source | Schneider Electric and its authorised distributors |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty |
| Lifecycle status | Active, in production |
| Warranty (in months) | 18 |
|---|
| Unit Type of Package 1 | PCE |
|---|---|
| Number of Units in Package 1 | 1 |
| Package 1 Height | 12 cm |
| Package 1 Width | 24.1 cm |
| Package 1 Length | 26.8 cm |
| Package 1 Weight | 3.2 kg |
| Unit Type of Package 2 | S04 |
| Number of Units in Package 2 | 6 |
| Package 2 Height | 30 cm |
| Package 2 Width | 40 cm |
| Package 2 Length | 60 cm |
| Package 2 Weight | 19.2 kg |
| Shipping weight | 2.89 kg |
| Ships from | Türkiye |
| Dispatch | — |
| Stock | On request |
Source: manufacturer data · Last verified: 30 Oct 2026
No documents are on file for this part yet.
Ask us for the datasheetThe rated current of LXM18E is 18.5 A.
The rated operational voltage of LXM18E is 220–240 V AC.
The rated motor power of LXM18E is 2 kW.
The tariff (HS) code on file for LXM18E is 850440.
LXM18E ships from Türkiye. Shipping calculated at checkout · import duties and taxes paid on arrival.
A side-by-side comparison of VFD and servo drive motor type, feedback, dynamic response, overload rating, cost, and applications for industrial engineers.
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