Datasheet Content
Altivar Drives & Soft Starters FAQs
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ATV12
What are they?
Altivar machine ATV12 are compact variable speed drives used to control the speed of three -
phase motors. Designed for simple applications like fans, pumps, and conveyors, they improve
energy efficiency and are easy to install and use. Ideal for small machines, they support single-
phase and three-phase power supplies.
What do they do?
Altivar Machine ATV12 regulate the speed and torque of electric motors to match the needs of
the application. By adjusting motor performance, they improve energy efficiency, reduce
mechanical wear, and offer better control for equipment like fans, pumps, and conveyors — all
in a compact, easy-to-use solution.
Why would a customer buy one?
Because energy efficiency, performance, and simplicity matter.
The ATV12 is the ideal solution for customers who want to get more out of their machines
without added complexity. By precisely controlling motor speed, it helps reduce energy
consumption — often by 30% or more — lowering operating costs and supporting sustainability
goals.
It also protects your equipment by minimizing mechanical stress, leading to less maintenance
and longer lifespan. Compact and easy to install, the ATV12 is designed to get machines up and
running quickly, with intuitive settings that save time during setup.
Whether you are upgrading an existing system or building new equipment, the ATV12 offers a
smart, affordable way to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency.
Is there a particular type of customer that would buy these?
Yes — ATV12 drives are perfect for OEMs, panel builders, and system integrators looking for a
compact, cost-effective drive for simple machines. They are ideal for customers in industries like
packaging, HVAC, food & beverage, or small automation, where reliability, energy savings, and
ease of use are key.
General
If you are building or maintaining equipment like fans, pumps, conveyors, or mixers, the ATV12
offers just the right balance of performance and simplicity — at the right price.
What types of machines are compatible with the ATV12?
The ATV12 is designed to control three-phase asynchronous motors up to 4 kW in both
industrial and commercial environments. It is particularly well-suited for simple machines, such
as:
Material handling: conveyors, automatic gates, rotating billboards
Wellness and fitness equipment: treadmills, medical beds, jacuzzis
Food processing: mixers, slicers, planetary mixers
Woodworking and textile machines: saws, lathes, knitting machines
Pumping and ventilation: centrifugal pumps, exhaust fans, boilers
Its wide compatibility is enhanced by built-in features like PID control, underload detection,
and ramp switching, making it suitable for a broad range of applications.
Is the ATV12 compatible with Schneider Electric PLCs and HMIs?
Yes, the ATV12 integrates seamlessly with Schneider Electric systems:
PLCs: such as Twido and M340, via logic inputs or Modbus communication
HMIs: like Magelis, using the built-in RJ45 Modbus port
Accessories: compatible with Schneider tools like the Simple Loader, Multi Loader, and SoMove
software
This ensures smooth integration into compact and efficient automation architectures.
What communication options are available for the ATV12?
The ATV12 offers several communication options:
Modbus RTU over RS485 (built-in RJ45 port)
SoMove software for PC configuration (via serial or Bluetooth connection)
LED remote keypad for local access
Simple Loader / Multi Loader for fast configuration duplication
These tools provide flexible setup and maintenance, whether locally or remotely.
What protections are built into the ATV12 to secure the installation?
The ATV12 includes multiple protection features to ensure safe operation:
Thermal protection for the motor (I²t)
Overload and underload detection
General
Automatic restart after fault clearance
DC injection braking for fast stops
Catch on the fly for smooth restarts after power loss
These features ensure reliable operation even in demanding or unstable environments.
How do I choose the right ATV12 for my application?
To select the correct ATV12 model, consider the following:
Motor power: from 0.18 to 4 kW
Power supply type:
100–120 V single-phase → F1 models
200–240 V single-phase → M2 models
200–240 V three-phase → M3 models
Mounting type:
Heat sink: with integrated cooling
Base plate: for direct mounting or liquid cooling
Environment:
Residential or noise-sensitive → C1 EMC filter included
Industrial → robust design and advanced communication options
ATV320
What are they?
ATV320 (ATV320) drives are robust, versatile variable speed drives designed to control
three-phase motors in demanding industrial environments. Built for performance, they
combine advanced motor control with safety features and flexibility — making them
ideal for complex machines in manufacturing, packaging, material handling, and more.
What do they do?
ATV320 drives control the speed and torque of three-phase motors with precision and
reliability. They adapt motor performance to the application’s real needs — helping
reduce energy use, improve machine performance, and protect mechanical
components. With built-in safety functions and a wide range of communication options,
they are designed to optimize productivity while ensuring operator and equipment
safety.
General
Why would a customer need one?
Because modern machines demand smart, efficient, and reliable motor control.
The ATV320 is designed for customers who need more than just basic speed control — it
delivers advanced performance, built-in safety (SIL3/PLe), and seamless integration into
automation systems. It supports a wide range of motors (asynchronous, synchronous ,
permanent magnet), making it future-ready and flexible.
Whether you are building machines for packaging, material handling, or manufacturing, the
ATV320 helps reduce energy consumption, improve equipment lifespan, and ensure consistent
performance even in harsh industrial environments. Plus, its compact design and multiple
mounting options make it easy to integrate, saving time and space in your panels.
In short: it is a smart investment to increase productivity, reduce downtime, and stay
competitive.
Is there a particular type of customer that would buy these?
Yes. The ATV320 is ideal for machine builders, system integrators, and industrial manufacturers
who need flexible, reliable motor control with advanced safety features. It is perfect for sectors
like packaging, material handling, HVAC, and general automation where precise motor
management and integration into larger control systems are essential.
Customers looking to improve machine performance, reduce energy costs, and ensure operator
safety will find the ATV320 a highly effective solution.
What types of machines are compatible with the ATV320?
The ATV320 is designed for both simple and complex machine applications, offering reliable
control for asynchronous and synchronous motors from 0.18 to 22 kW. It is ideal for:
Material handling: conveyors, hoists, automated storage systems
Packaging and processing: bagging, labeling, food & beverage machinery
Textile and material working: cutting, shaping, spinning
Pumps, fans, and mixers: with energy-efficient motor control algorithms
Its robust design, flexible mounting options, and integrated safety features make it suitable for
harsh industrial environments and smart machine architectures.
Is the ATV320 compatible with Schneider Electric PLCs and HMIs?
Yes. The ATV320 is fully integrated into Schneider Electric’s MachineStruxure™ automation
platform and supports:
Embedded protocols: Modbus RTU and CANopen
Optional communication cards: Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, Powerlink,
Profibus DP, DeviceNet
General
SoMove software: for configuration, diagnostics, and safety setup (via USB, Bluetooth, or
Ethernet)
PLCopen-compliant function blocks: for seamless integration with Schneider PLCs such
as Modicon M221, M241, and M251
This ensures fast commissioning, real-time diagnostics, and easy integration across automation
layers.
What communication options are available for the ATV320?
The ATV320 offers a wide range of connectivity options to fit various automation architectures:
Embedded: Modbus RTU, CANopen
Optional communication cards:
Ethernet-based: Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, Powerlink
Serial-based: Profibus DP, DeviceNet
CANopen daisy chain: for multi-drive topologies
I/O-based control: for standalone or basic applications
Web server: available via optional Ethernet cards, for remote diagnostics and monitoring
This flexibility allows integration into both legacy and modern industrial networks.
What protections are built into the ATV320 to secure the installation?
The ATV320 includes integrated safety functions compliant with the Machinery Directive
2006/42/EC and IEC 61800-5-2 standards:
STO (Safe Torque Off) – SIL3 / PL e (standard on all models)
SS1 (Safe Stop 1), SLS (Safe Limited Speed), SMS (Safe Maximum Speed) – SIL2 / PL d (available
on selected models or via optional safety modules)
GDL (Guard Door Lock) – typically implemented externally, not embedded in the drive
The drive also features a rugged design with 3C3/3S2 conformal coating, allowing operation in
environments up to 60°C without external cooling (with derating if needed).
How do I choose the right ATV320 for my application?
To select the appropriate ATV320 model, consider the following criteria:
Motor type: asynchronous or synchronous
Power rating: from 0.18 to 22 kW
Voltage class:
200–240 V single-phase → M2
200–240 V three-phase → M3
General
380–500 V three-phase → N4
525–600 V three-phase → S6
Form factor:
Book: for side-by-side mounting in narrow enclosures
Compact: for shallow cabinets or direct machine integration
Environmental conditions:
For harsh environments, choose models with 3C3/3S2 coating
For dusty or washdown areas, consider IP65/IP66 versions
Communication needs:
Select models with appropriate embedded protocols or optional fieldbus cards based on your
network architecture
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ATV600
What are they?
Altivar Process ATV600 (ATV600) drives are high-performance variable speed drives designed for
demanding industrial applications. They offer advanced motor control, high power range, and
built-in safety functions, making them ideal for complex machines and processes requiring
precision, efficiency, and reliability.
Why would a customer need one?
Because in energy-intensive and process-critical environments, performance and efficiency
make all the difference.
The ATV600 is designed for customers who need reliable, high-power motor control with
advanced features tailored for process applications — like HVAC systems, water and wastewater
management, or infrastructure projects.
It helps reduce energy costs significantly through intelligent motor control and energy
monitoring. Its built-in application functions, like pump management and flow regulation,
simplify setup and reduce the need for external components. With robust connectivity
(Ethernet, Modbus, BACnet, etc.) and integrated safety features, the ATV600 makes it easy to
integrate into modern automation systems.
For any business looking to boost process efficiency, extend equipment lifespan, and cut
operational costs, the ATV600 is a powerful and future-ready solution.
General
Is there a particular type of customer that would buy these?
Yes. Altivar Process ATV600 drives are designed for professionals managing…
