Month: November 2025

Autophasing

Autophasing is an automatic measurement routine to determine the angular position

of the magnetic flux of a permanent magnet synchronous motor or the magnetic axis

of a synchronous reluctance motor. The motor control requires the absolute position

of the rotor flux to control the motor torque accurately.

Sensors like absolute encoders and resolvers indicate the rotor position at all times

after the offset between the zero angle of rotor and that of the sensor has been

established. On the other hand, a standard pulse encoder determines the rotor

position when it rotates but the initial position is not known. However, a pulse

encoder can be used as an absolute encoder if it is equipped with Hall sensors,

albeit with coarse initial position accuracy. The Hall sensors generate so-called

commutation pulses that change their state six times during one revolution, so it is

only known within which 60° sector of a complete revolution the initial position is.

The drive monitors the motor status continuously, also during flux braking.

Therefore, flux braking can be used both for stopping the motor and for changing the

speed. 

Motor control features

Scalar motor control

It is possible to select scalar control as the motor control method instead of Direct

Torque Control (DTC). In scalar control mode, the drive is controlled with a frequency

reference. However, the performance of DTC is not achieved in scalar control.

It is recommended to activate the scalar motor control mode in the following situations:

• In multimotor drives: 1) if the load is not equally shared between the motors, 2) if

the motors are of different sizes, or 3) if the motors are going to be changed after

motor identification (motor ID run)

• If the nominal current of the motor is less than 1/6 of the nominal output current of the drive

• If the drive is used without a motor connected (for example, for test purposes)

• If the drive runs a medium-voltage motor through a step-up transformer.

Operation modes

The DriveSPC tool offers the following operation modes:

Off-line

When the off-line mode is used without a drive connection, the user can

• open a application program file (if exists).

• modify and save the application program.

• print the program pages.

When the off-line mode is used with a drive(s) connection, the user can

• connect the selected drive to DriveSPC.

• upload an application program from the connected drive (an empty template

which includes only the firmware blocks is available by default.)

• download the configured application program to the drive and start the program

execution. The downloaded program contains the function block program and the

parameter values set in DriveSPC.

• remove the program from the connected drive.

On-line

In the on-line mode, the user can

• modify firmware parameters (changes are stored directly to the drive memory)

• modify application program parameters (ie, parameters created in DriveSPC)

• monitor the actual values of all function blocks in real time.

How to start up the drive

The drive can be operated:

• locally from PC tool or control panel

• externally via I/O connections or fieldbus interface.

The start-up procedure presented uses the DriveStudio PC tool program. Drive

references and signals can be monitored with DriveStudio (Data Logger or Monitor Window).

The start-up procedure includes actions which need to be performed only when the

drive is powered up for the first time (eg, entering the motor data). After the first start

up, the drive can be powered up without using these start-up functions. The start-up

procedure can be repeated later if start-up data needs to be changed.

In addition to the PC tool commissioning and drive power-up, the start-up procedure

includes the following steps:

• entering the motor data and performing the motor identification run

• setting up the encoder/resolver communication

• checking the emergency stop and Safe Torque Off circuits

• setting up the voltage control

• setting the drive limits

• setting up the motor overtemperature protection

• tuning the speed controller

• setting up the fieldbus control.

Cybersecurity disclaimer

This product is designed to be connected to and to communicate information and

data via a network interface. It is Customer’s sole responsibility to provide and

continuously ensure a secure connection between the product and Customer

network or any other network (as the case may be). Customer shall establish and

maintain any appropriate measures (such as but not limited to the installation of

firewalls, application of authentication measures, encryption of data, installation of

anti-virus programs, etc) to protect the product, the network, its system and the

interface against any kind of security breaches, unauthorized access, interference,

intrusion, leakage and/or theft of data or information. ABB and its affiliates are not

liable for damages and/or losses related to such security breaches, any

unauthorized access, interference, intrusion, leakage and/or theft of data or information.

Drive tools

The control panel offers quick access to simple settings and changes.

DriveStudio is an advanced PC tool for more complicated applications.

DriveSPC tool further extends the functionality having a function block

interface with drive firmware functions. The extensive standard function block

library covers most needs for custom modifications. The application control

programs have dedicated function block libraries, such as those for the

CAM profiler. The desired CAM profile is programmed with the DriveCAM tool.

The DriveSize selection tool helps to choose the optimum motor and drive

combination. The ready-made sizing examples, within the tool, cover the most

typical linear and rotary movements. 

Modular and compact design

− Seven compact frame sizes with several with several mounting and cooling options

− Function block programming capability according to IEC61131

− Scalability with internal and external options

− Global compatibility with machinery environment and standards

Modular and compact design

− Seven compact frame sizes with several with several mounting and cooling options

− Function block programming capability according to IEC61131

− Scalability with internal and external options

− Global compatibility with machinery environment and standards

System offering

ABB offers a broad motion control automation system comprising

controllers, drives, motors and accessories that are designed to work

seamlessly together. The services offered to support the integrated system

span the entire value chain, from the moment a customer makes the first

inquiry to disposal and recycling of the various components. All of this is

supported by one of the most extensive global sales and service networks.

Real-time control of multi-axis system with EtherCAT®

EtherCAT® connectivity offers a realtime drive control interface for advanced

multi-axis systems. The drive is an ideal partner to the ABB AC500 PLC product

line, providing an industry standard solution with IEC 61131 programming

and PLCopen motion functions.

ACSM1-04 drives provide speed,torque and position control for

demanding applications. They can control induction, synchronous

and asynchronous servo and high torque motors with various feedback

devices. The compact hardware, different variants and programming

flexibility ensure optimum system solutions.

Highlights

− Wide power range up to 355 kW

− Compact design for single and multidrive systems

− Regenerative supply for applications

with high braking power duty cycles

− Functionality can be easily extended

using a block programming tool

− Functional safety as standard

Applications

− Plastics and rubber

− Material handling

− Woodworking

− Printing

− Food and beverage

− Extruders

− Label printing

− Coaters

− Winders

− Automatic storage

Designed for machine builders The proven motor control platform,

direct torque control (DTC), provides high performance across all applications.

The drives with various mounting options give flexibility for a variety

of cabinet designs. Control and communication options can be added

via three slots. A series of drive tools support commissioning, tuning and

programming.

Machine safety

The drives feature a built-in safe torque off (STO) function as standard which

disables the power semiconductors. As such, the drive cannot power the

motor making it torque-free. More safety functions, such as safe stop 1. safe

brake control, safely limited speed, safe speed monitor and safe direction, can

be implemented with external safety system options.