Cycle Times The SERCOS interface cycle time is specified in a flexible format of 62.5 microseconds, 125, 250, 500, and then multiples of 1 millisecond. (SERCOS-III cycle times begin at 31.25 microseconds.) The amount and type of data contained in a cycle is also variable. This flexibility permits a designer to vary cycle time, content and number of drives to achieve a particular project's requirements. More data can be sent faster to a smaller number of drives. Slowing the rate down permits a higher density of drives per ring. For SERCOS I and II, 4 to 8 axes are common on a ring in machine tool applications where intense communication is required to control a high-speed tool path. Up to 40 axes may be controlled on a ring in packaging applications, and up to 100 axes may be found in web-fed printing applications, where electronic line shafting is utilized to synchronize a number of print cylinders and auxiliary axes. When necessary, multiple rings can be employed in an application.