Sprint Electric 680 Series
The Sprint Electric 680 Series is a compact range of single-phase DC motor controllers designed for precise speed control of smaller DC motors in industrial and OEM applications. The range combines DIN-rail mounting, adjustable control parameters, and practical signal interfaces in a space-efficient package.
At Industrial Motor Warehouse, the collection includes the Sprint Electric 680, Sprint Electric 680i, and Sprint Electric 680XRi, providing options for standard 1-quadrant control, isolated control, and regenerative 4-quadrant operation. The 680 family is rated at up to 6.8 A and approximately 0.75 kW, making it suitable for applications where a compact Sprint Electric DC drive is required.
Quick Answer: What is the Sprint Electric 680 Series?
The Sprint Electric 680 Series is a family of compact, single-phase DC motor controllers for applications requiring controlled DC motor speed and torque. The standard 680 and 680i provide 1-quadrant operation, while the 680XRi provides isolated 4-quadrant regenerative control. The 680XRi can deliver up to 6.8 A and is suitable for DC motors up to 7.5 kW, depending on supply voltage and application conditions.
Sprint Electric 680 Series At a Glance
| Feature | Sprint Electric 680 Series |
|---|---|
| Drive type | Single-phase DC motor controller |
| Mounting | DIN rail |
| Maximum current | Up to 6.8 A |
| Typical maximum motor power | Up to 0.75 kW |
| Standard control | 1 Quadrant |
| Regenerative option | 4 Quadrant with 680XRi |
Variants 680, 680i, 680XRi
Application: DC motor speed and torque control
The precise operating limits depend on the individual model, supply voltage, motor rating, and feedback configuration. Always check the relevant product documentation before selecting a drive for a specific motor or application.
Sprint Electric 680
The Sprint Electric 680 is the standard non-isolated 1-quadrant version of the range. It provides up to 6.8 A output current and is designed for single-phase DC motor control applications where regenerative operation is not required.
Its compact DIN-rail format makes the 680 a practical option for control panels where available space is limited. Adjustable drive parameters allow the controller to be configured to match the motor and application rather than relying on a fixed operating profile.
Sprint Electric 680i
The Sprint Electric 680i provides the same 6.8 A / 0.75 kW class of control in an isolated configuration. Isolation can be important where the control system needs separation between the drive electronics and external control signals.
The 680i is part of Sprint Electric’s isolated 340i/680i/1220i family. For engineers who are replacing an existing controller or designing a new control panel, the 680i should be selected based on the motor’s armature voltage, current requirements, feedback method, and control-system requirements.
Sprint Electric 680XRi
The Sprint Electric 680XRi is the regenerative version of the 680 platform. Unlike the standard 1Q models, it provides 4-quadrant operation and isolated control electronics.
Sprint Electric specifies the 680XRi for DC motors up to 0.75 kW, with a maximum continuous armature current of 6.8 A. Depending on the AC supply, the maximum armature voltage is 90 V from a 100–130 V supply or 180 V from a 200–264 V supply.
The 680XRi also supports selectable tachometer or armature-voltage feedback, adjustable IR compensation, and a 150% overload capability with stall protection. It uses DIN-rail mounting and has a compact 105 mm × 70 mm × 120 mm form factor.
Why Choose a 4-Quadrant DC Drive
A 4-Quadrant drive can control motor operation in both directions and manage monitoring and regenerative braking conditions. This makes the 680XRi more appropriate than a basic 1Q controller where an application needs controlled reversing and regenerative operation.
Typical applications can include machinery requiring:
- Controlled forward and reverse operation
- Dynamic or regenerative braking
- Bidirectional speed control
- Accurate low-speed operation
- Compact panel-mounted DC motor control
The actual suitability depends on the mechanical load, motor characteristics, braking requirements, and control strategy.
| Model | Configuration | Isolation | Quadrant | Maximum Current | Typical Power Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint Electric 680 | Standard DC controller | Non-isolated | 1Q | 6.8 A | 0.75 kW |
| Sprint Electric 680i | Isolated DC controller | Isolated | 1Q | 6.8 A | 0.75 kW |
| Sprint Electric 680XRi | Regenerative DC controller | Isolated | 4Q | 6.8 A | 0.75 kW |
This comparison provides a starting point, but model selection should be based on complete motor and application specification rather than current rating alone.
Key Features of the 680 Family
Compact DIN-Rail Installation
The 680 range is designed around DIN-rail mounting, allowing the controller to be incorporated into a compact industrial control panel. The 680XRi, for example, has a 105mm high x 70 mm wide x 120 mm deep enclosure.
Adjustable Motor Control
The range provides adjustable parameters for configuring motor behaviour. Depending on the model, these include minimum and maximum speed, acceleration and deceleration ramps, stability, current limit and IR compensation.
Armature Voltage or Tach Feedback
The isolated and regenerative versions provide selectable feedback arrangements. The 680XRi, for example, supports tachometer or armature-voltage feedback, allowing the control method to be matched to the application.
Compact DC Motor Control
With a current rating of 6.8 A, the 680 family fills the gap between lower-current compact controllers and larger DC drive platforms. This makes it useful for smaller DC motors where a full-size industrial drive would be necessary.
Where Can a Sprint Electric DC Drive Be Used?
A Sprint Electric DC drive from the 680 family can be considered for machinery where a small DC motor needs adjustable speed control. Potential applications include:
- Small conveyor systems
- Laboratory and test equipment
- Packaging machinery
- Material-handling equipment
- Small process machines
- OEM machinery
- Automated mechanical systems
- Machine-tool auxiliary drives
- Reversible applications using the 680XRi
The appropriate model depends on whether the system needs 1Q or 4Q operation, isolation, reversing, regenerative braking, and the required motor feedback method.
Selecting the Correct Sprint Electric 680
Before ordering a controller, check the following parameters:
1. Motor armature voltage
Confirm that the drive’s output voltage range is compatible with the DC motor.
2. Motor armature current
The motor’s continuous and peak current requirements should be compared with the drive rating.
3. Required power
Confirm the motor’s rated power and ensure the selected controller is appropriate for the application.
4. Quadrant requirements
A standard 680 or 680i is suitable for 1Q applications, while the 680XRi is intended for 4Q regenerative operation.
5. Feedback method
Determine whether armature-voltage feedback or tachometer feedback is required.
6. Isolated requirements
Where electrical isolation between control signals and the drive power electronics is needed, consider the isolated 680i or 680XRi variants.
7. Mechanical Installation
Check available panel space and confirm the DIN-rail mounting arrangement.
Sprint Electric 680 Series for OEM and Replacement Applications
The compact design of the 680 family makes these controllers suitable for both new equipment and replacement projects. When replacing an older DC controller, however, the physical size of the drive should not be the only consideration.
Engineers should compare the original controller’s armature voltage, continuous current, overload requirements, feedback method, control signals, and braking or reversing requirements against the replacement drive.
For OEM applications, the controller should also be assessed alongside the motor, gearbox, load profile, and overall control architecture.
Why Buy Sprint Electric 680 Drives from Industrial Motor Warehouse?
Industrial Motor Warehouse supplies a broad range of Sprint Electric DC drives and motor-control equipment for industrial applications. The wider Sprint Electric catalogue includes single-phase controllers as well as larger three-phase analogue and digital DC drives.
The Sprint Electric 680 Series provides a compact option where application requirements fall within the 6.8 A / 0.75 kW class. Choosing between the 680, 680i, and 680XRi allows engineers to specify the appropriate combination of quadrant operation, isolation, and feedback functionality.
For a replacement or new installation, review the motor nameplate and existing drive specifications before selecting the controller.

